Double bridles may turn out to be optionally available at worldwide CDI3* competitions in an “essential step in gathering knowledge and evaluating alternative”.
The suggestion has been included within the FEI’s first draft of proposed rule modifications for 2026, revealed on 8 July. The double bridle debate has continued in recent times, as some name for it to be made optionally available in any respect ranges – and others argue that it exams rider talent on the prime stage.
At present double bridles are optionally available as much as CDI2*. On the FEI Sports activities Discussion board the dressage strategic motion planning working group mentioned holding a trial of giving riders a alternative on double bridles as much as and together with CDI3* grand prix (information, 10 April). The FEI has taken this a step additional by submitting the rule change; if accepted, a snaffle could be permitted as much as and together with three-star competitions.
“The dressage technical committee (DTC) and the working group have thought-about the extent of experience required to make use of the double bridle and conclude that the selection of utilizing both a snaffle or double bridle at grand prix stage must be permitted as much as and together with CDI3* and CDIO3* occasions,” stated an FEI spokesperson.
“Whereas the DTC stays of the opinion that utilizing the double bridle at prime stage shouldn’t be a welfare situation, we additionally consider that this proposed rule change could be an essential step in gathering additional knowledge and evaluating the selection of bridles from an athlete and officers’ perspective.”
The FEI spokesperson added that as a part of the total dressage guidelines revision scheduled for 2026, an merchandise “into account” is to now not allow double bridles for juniors at junior occasions and championships. Had been this to be introduced ahead and accepted by the overall meeting, it will apply from 1 January 2027.
One other proposal consists of the introduction of “paperless judging”, put ahead by the Worldwide Dressage Officers Membership (IDOC), wherein the digital judges’ sheets could be made out there after the competitors – except a rider asks for them to be stored non-public.
The FEI stated the DTC is “in precept, supportive of this proposal as an initiative that will improve transparency and understanding of the game” – however it has been deferred to the total guidelines revision in 2026.
“The DTC means that there ought to first be session with the Worldwide Dressage Riders Membership and Worldwide Dressage Trainers Membership, and following this session, the proposal might be trialled on a pilot foundation at chosen occasions,” stated the FEI spokesperson, including that the DTC agrees riders ought to have the choice to decide on whether or not their take a look at feedback are made public.
The IDOC has additionally submitted that actions particularly to evaluate suppleness and self-carriage must be added to large tour exams and this is able to “put extra emphasis on the right coaching, in keeping with the scales of coaching, contributing to the welfare of the horse”. The DTC stated it was in “full settlement” with this.
“The DTC believes that, for this goal, a gaggle of specialists must be assembled, with a view to obtain the very best resolution,” stated the FEI spokesperson, including that there could be no change within the guidelines wording, however exams could be up to date.
Nationwide federations have till 26 August to offer suggestions on the proposals. A remaining draft might be revealed in October, and this might be put to the vote on the FEI Basic Meeting on 7 November.
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2CRRY26 Balve, Germany. twentieth Sep, 2020. The dressage rider Ann-Kathrin Lindner on Sunfire rides the lap of honour on the presentation ceremony for the U25 dressage competitors. The German Dressage Championships will happen from September 18th to twentieth, 2020. Credit score: Friso Gentsch/dpa/Alamy Dwell Information
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H&H senior information author
Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has coated a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and street security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed prime riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call just some. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Citadel Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to dwelling. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting crew for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
