Description
The effects of noseband type and tightness on facial pressure are poorly described. This study quantifies pressure simultaneously over the nasal bones (nasal) and the mandibular rami (mandibular) for four noseband types fitted at five tightness levels. Four advanced dressage horses, evaluated subjectively to be free from lameness, were ridden by three advanced riders. Two small pressure mats (Pliance, 160×80 mm) were positioned between the noseband and the nasal bones and between the noseband and the mandibular rami. With all bridle features remaining the same, a cavesson/crank/flash/drop noseband was fitted in a random order to each horse by a qualified bridle fitter. Noseband tightness was adjusted using an ISES taper gauge increasing tightness by 0.5 finger increments (2/1.5/1/0.5/0 fingers). Nasal and mandibular mean noseband pressures were recorded for 10 strides as horse/rider trotted in a straight line. Data were analysed using two-way and one-way Anova with Bonferroni post hoc tests (P<0.05). Mean nasal pressures (kPa) influenced by noseband tightness (P=0.0004) were 2, 1.5, 1 vs 0 fingers and 2 vs 0.5 fingers (all P<0.01). With the noseband adjusted to 0 finger tightness, mean nasal pressures were 6.7 kPa drop, 10.8 kPa cavesson, 14.4 kPa flash and 14.4 kPa crank. Mean mandibular pressures influenced by noseband tightness (P=0.0004) were 2, 1.5, 1 vs 0 fingers and 2 vs 0.5 fingers (all P<0.004). With the noseband adjusted to 0 finger tightness, mean mandibular pressures were 14.5 kPa cavesson, 13.5 kPa flash, 19.9 kPa crank.| Period | 2023 |
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| Event title | 9th International Conference on Canine and Equine Locomotion |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Utrecht, NetherlandsShow on map |