Calls to allow equine ear plugs in freestyles, as double bridles are back on the agenda
The first draft of proposed FEI dressage rule changes have been published.
Making double bridles optional at the top level remains a talking point in dressage – as equine ear plugs could be allowed in freestyles.
Following years of discussions, on 1 January 2026 a new rule came into force allowing snaffles or double bridles up to CDI3* level. Now, the Swedish federation – backed by British Equestrian (BEF) – is calling for this to be expanded for all grand prix competitions.
A Swedish federation spokesperson said it is “up to the rider to decide” the best option to support the horse’s comfort and overall welfare. A BEF spokesperson agreed and said the organisation “sees no reason why” the rule applies up to CDI3* only.
“We would welcome standardisation across all competitions at the earliest opportunity to ensure that we have a consistent approach regardless of the level of competition,” said the BEF spokesperson.
The FEI dressage technical committee (DTC) responded by saying that allowing doubles up to CDI3* means riders have the choice in up to 90% of FEI dressage competitions each year.
“The DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top sport level is not a welfare issue, we also believe that we need to gather further data when evaluating the choice of bridles from an athlete and official’s perspective before making further amendments to the rule,” said a DTC spokesperson.
The DTC came out in favour of double bridles remaining for junior competitions. A discussion around prohibiting them was raised last year but deferred to this year’s full rules revision. The German federation and European Equestrian Federation (EEF) stated that they “strongly opposed” removing doubles for CDIJ competitions.
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“The DTC agrees with the feedback from many national federations and continues to permit the choice of using either a snaffle or double bridle at CDIJ, CDIOJ and junior championships,” said a DTC spokesperson.
Four organisations, including the EEF and US equestrian federation, have called for equine ear plugs to be permitted during competition. They are currently only allowed at trot-ups and prize-givings. The DTC agreed, but said this should be limited to freestyles.
A BEF spokesperson said research has shown that ear plugs “may heighten other senses, making horses more reactive” – and instead suggested a rule to “reduce potential stress” to the horse from excessive music in freestyles.
“It is proposed that a maximum decibel level should be established for freestyle competition, alongside consideration of sound system quality and audio dynamics at the venue, to ensure that there is a consistent sound level for all music played throughout the competition,” said the spokesperson.
Reducing horse stress is also a focus point for prize-givings; the International Dressage Riders Club and German federation proposed that riders should be allowed to attend ceremonies unmounted or on another horse. The organisations said this would “align prize-givings with the welfare code and prevent unnecessary strain, especially for sensitive and young horses”.
The DTC and dressage strategic action planning working group are reviewing prize-giving protocols.
“Where mounted prize-giving is required, we agree that athletes should be permitted to use an alternative horse,” said the FEI spokesperson.
Following previous discussions around making judges’ test comments public, BEF has raised a concern that these could be misinterpreted or judges “may soften” comments.
“As a potential compromise, we would propose that the summary comments at the end of the test rather than per movement could be published, so that the score can be put into the context of how they viewed the overall performance,” said a BEF spokesperson, adding this should apply to all tests, with no opt-out.
The DTC responded it was in favour of initiatives that “may enhance transparency” – but broadly agreed that judges may “become less specific in their comments, which would be a negative for the development of the sport”.
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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.