The double bridle debate – the facts, the opinions... and the politics

In this exclusive article for H&H subscribers, equestrian journalist Pippa Cuckson digs into some of the key points up for debate surrounding the use of double bridles in grand prix dressage and touches on the politics surrounding those discussions

In 45 years as an equestrian journalist, I can recall nothing so polarising as the current debate surrounding the use of double bridles. A bitting combination that was for so many centuries considered refined and aspirational is now at the heart of a public relations crisis with welfare concerns taking centre stage.

The topic is so politically sensitive that the FEI is reluctant to elaborate on its continuing obligatory use of double bridles in international grand prix dressage competition, despite the deteriorating “optics” from the public viewpoint.

Instead it keeps its head down when a senior figure goes “off message”. During the Paris Olympics FEI head vet Goran Akerstrom briefed Reuters that several riders had been warned for alleged “blue tongue” where their use of double bridles had contributed to restricted oxygen supply of their horses’ tongues. This has never been clarified, confirmed or denied by FEI HQ.

However, H&H did not anticipate that the FEI would fail to directly answer any double bridle-related questions at all, when we aimed for more insight into the current situation.

● What are your thoughts on use of double bridles in grand prix dressage? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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