# Stress Responses in Dressage Horses: Insights from FEI Noseband Measurements Across National Competition Levels

## TL;DR

This study found that dressage horses show more stress behaviors as competition levels increase, with higher-level horses displaying fewer but more frequent stress indicators.

## Contribution

The study reveals a shift in stress behavior patterns across competition levels and a disconnect between stress indicators and judging scores at higher levels.

## Key findings

- Horses in higher-level competitions showed fewer types of stress behaviors but exhibited them more frequently.
- Mouth opening became the predominant stress indicator in advanced competitions.
- Judging scores at higher levels did not reflect the amount of stress behavior displayed by horses.

## Abstract

This study examined visible signs of stress in dressage horses competing at national levels. Using the FEI Noseband Measuring Device, more than 200 horse–rider pairs were evaluated for noseband tightness, type of bridle, and easily observable behaviors such as mouth opening, tail swishing, or changes in head–neck position. Although almost all horses had correctly fitted nosebands, the frequency and type of stress-related behaviors differed across competition levels. Horses in lower-level tests showed a wide range of behaviors, while horses in higher-level classes displayed fewer types of behaviors but showed them more often. As the difficulty of the tests increased, stress indicators also increased. Importantly, at the higher levels, the judges’ scores no longer reflected how much stress behavior the horses showed during their performance.

This pilot study investigated stress-related behaviors in 238 dressage horse–rider combinations competing at national levels from Elementary (A) to Grand Prix (GP). Noseband tightness was assessed on-site using the FEI noseband measuring device (FNMD), and all but two horses complied with FEI regulations. Video-based analysis quantified conflict behaviors including mouth opening, tail swishing, and changes in head–neck position. Because noseband tightness showed minimal variation, no meaningful association with behavioral expression could be determined. In contrast, competition level had a clear influence on both the frequency and type of stress-related behaviors. Horses in lower-level classes displayed a wide range of behaviors at relatively low frequency, while horses in higher-level tests showed fewer behavior types but exhibited them more often, with mouth opening becoming the predominant indicator. Horses ridden in a double bridle generally demonstrated higher proportions of conflict behavior than those ridden in a snaffle. A strong negative correlation between conflict behavior and performance scores was observed only at the lowest levels (A, L). From Medium level upward, judging scores no longer reflected the amount of stress behavior displayed. Overall, the findings indicate that increasing test difficulty is associated with a rise in stress-related behaviors and a narrowing of behavioral expression. These results highlight the importance of considering equipment choice and competition demands when evaluating stress in dressage horses.