New rules for testing noseband tightness go into effect May 1 for Fédération Equestre Internationale competitions, and the FEI is now selling online the testing device it will use to determine acceptable fit.

The new noseband rule, which applies to all FEI disciplines, requires that nosebands—including both straps in figure-8, flash, crescent and other two-strap varieties—are adjusted with sufficient laxity that the wedge-shaped measuring device can pass between the horse’s nasal bone and the noseband. The device is 3 centimeters (approximately 1.18 inches) wide and 1.7 centimeters (approximately 0.7 inches) tall at its high point.

Under the new rules, nosebands can be checked before or after a rider’s test or round. If checked before and determined to be too tight, the noseband may be adjusted without penalty before competing. However, if a rider either refuses to adjust the tack before competing, or the noseband is found to be too tight at a post-competition tack check, the horse-and-rider combination will be eliminated from the competition and the rider issued a yellow card warning. 

“No exceptions are allowed, and the FEI officials do not have any discretionary power to amend or deviate from the applicable consequences,” the rule states, regarding consequences of failing a post-competition check.

The noseband measuring tool was developed as part of the FEI’s Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, meant to address previous non-standardized testing and problems with too-tight nosebands that have caused concern among spectators and horsepeople alike.

“I think we all agree that it’s one of the most challenging and publicized horse welfare challenges that we had,” FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch said during a November 2024 session of the FEI General Assembly. “Up until now, the noseband tightness varied across FEI disciplines significantly.”

The noseband measuring tool costs $21.50 plus approximately $10 shipping to the United States and can be ordered here.