For the Love of Showing Horses and Ponies
On 1st May 2025 the FEI bought in new regulations with regards to nosebands. If you’re competing in any FEI events these rules now apply. However, it’s good welfare practice for these rules to be followed in all horse riding.
New Measuring Tool: There’s now an official FEI tool that stewards will use to check how tight your noseband is. It gets slipped under the noseband over the horse’s nose. If it slides through easily, you're good. If not, it’s too tight.
Before You Compete: If your noseband is too tight before the competition, you’ll need to loosen it before you're allowed to compete.
During the Competition: If they catch you with a noseband that’s too tight during your ride, you’ll be eliminated and get a yellow warning card.
Applies to Everyone: These rules apply to all types of nosebands, across all FEI disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, and Endurance.
Clear Guidelines Per Discipline: The FEI will provide specific instructions for each sport so everyone’s on the same page.
