Has anyone ever used Flair strips on their dressage horses? While competing or training ? Is there a rule that says we can’t use them in the ring?
USEF RULE No kinesiotape or self-adhesive patches may be used on any horse while mounted at any time during
competition. Kinesiotape and self-adhesive patches are permitted exclusively while the horse is unmounted in
the stabling area. Nasal strips are permitted unless prohibited by specific division rules.
Dressage Division (p 33 in their division rules)
14. Nasal strips, bit guards, and tongue ties are, under penalty of elimination, prohibited during exercise or in
competition.
SO For dressage, Its a definite no.
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I wonder why they would be banned for dressage?
Why would they be needed for dressage?
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Improve performance, allowing more air into the lungs thus helping muscle recovery and cardio.
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I’m not sure how much these “improve performance” in dressage, or if any studies have been done. I’m not doubting, I simply just don’t know. How much more air do they allow into the lungs and how much of an advantage does this give? Or is it one of those things you stick on because it doesn’t harm, and may or may not help?
I can’t think of a time when I’ve thought to put one on any of my dressage horses, or that it would produce some sort of benefit. The best thing is keeping them fit and well cared for. That’ll also help muscle recovery and cardio 
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I did explore it when I had a horse that was a headshaker, before nosenets were legal. But it turned out not to be helpful for my horse anyway.
They really help my one event horse who doesn’t do well in the heat, with recovery after XC. Recovery time cut in half, at least.
Not everyone buys into them, but anecdotally I have seen improvement. A lot of horses with breathing issues do well with them too.
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Cool. Thanks for the link, Jealoushe.
I’ve seen them on many eventers and can understand their usage there. It’s interesting if they cut recovery time in half from XC!
If I had a horse with breathing issues, it’s one of those things that would be simple enough to try, so I can see their appeal for that. Especially if they end up helping.
Dressage is strenuous, but not in the same way as XC, IMO. But for a horse with breathing issues, that’s different. As you go up the levels the tests get more intense (and some feel quite long!), but generally a healthy horse copes fine.
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They prevent the nasal passages from collapsing when the horse takes a breath, especially when the are breathing hard during strenuous movements or work. They also immensely helpful horses with breathing issues, like allergies, or roarers. By preventing the nasal passages from collapsing, this allows the horse to fully utilize every breath that is taken, so essentially taking each breath is deeper than a horse that doesn’t have one.
I don’t understand why it would be prohibited as anyone can use one, and it’s not medicated or drug related.
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