Double bridles may grow to be non-obligatory at worldwide CDI3* competitions in an “vital step in gathering information and evaluating alternative”.
The suggestion has been included within the FEI’s first draft of proposed rule adjustments for 2026, revealed on 8 July. The double bridle debate has continued in recent times, as some name for it to be made non-obligatory in any respect ranges – and others argue that it assessments rider ability on the prime degree.
Presently double bridles are non-obligatory 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 authorised, a snaffle can 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 degree ought to be permitted as much as and together with CDI3* and CDIO3* occasions,” mentioned an FEI spokesperson.
“Whereas the DTC stays of the opinion that utilizing the double bridle at prime degree isn’t a welfare challenge, we additionally imagine that this proposed rule change can be an vital step in gathering additional information and evaluating the selection of bridles from an athlete and officers’ perspective.”
The FEI spokesperson added that as a part of the complete dressage guidelines revision scheduled for 2026, an merchandise “into consideration” is to not allow double bridles for juniors at junior occasions and championships. Have been this to be introduced ahead and authorised by the overall meeting, it might 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 can be made obtainable after the competitors – until a rider asks for them to be stored non-public.
The FEI mentioned the DTC is “in precept, supportive of this proposal as an initiative which will improve transparency and understanding of the game” – but it surely has been deferred to the complete 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,” mentioned 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 ought to be added to huge tour assessments and this could “put extra emphasis on the right coaching, in accordance with the scales of coaching, contributing to the welfare of the horse”. The DTC mentioned it was in “full settlement” with this.
“The DTC believes that, for this objective, a gaggle of specialists ought to be assembled, so as to obtain the very best answer,” mentioned the FEI spokesperson, including that there can be no change within the guidelines wording, however assessments can be up to date.
Nationwide federations have till 26 August to offer suggestions on the proposals. A remaining draft will likely be revealed in October, and this will likely be put to the vote on the FEI Common Meeting on 7 November.
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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 highway security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed prime riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call only a few. 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 residence. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting staff for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
