Response to comments on: Noseband type and tightness level affect pressure on the horse's face at trot

The use of nosebands remains a contentious issue within the equestrian and scientific community. An evidence-based approach is needed to inform policy and decision-making.1 Doherty et al.2 have raised several questions regarding our recent study,3 which was the first to take a biomechanical approach at quantifying dorsal nasal and ventral mandibular pressures associated with noseband tightness in horses at trot.3 We welcome critical discussion and aim to address the points raised regarding study design, data interpretation, and the application of our findings. While some of the questions posed are reasonable, Doherty et al.2 assert that our study compromises equine welfare, a statement that we refute. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) did not fund either MacKechnie-Guire et al.3 or Clayton et al.'s4 work; however, as an indication of the FEI's approach to using evidence-based decision-making, both studies have informed the development and introduction of the noseband measuring tool, which was implemented (1 May 2025) at all international competitions and equestrian sports that are governed by the FEI to prevent horses being competed in tight nosebands.