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.

“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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Judges’ positions and scoring, the definition of harmony and compulsory video monitoring of warm-ups are under discussion in dressage.

The first draft of the 2027 FEI rule change proposals have been published, as dressage undergoes its first full revision since 2022. National federations, the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC), the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and the FEI have submitted suggestions covering a broad range of topics.

The IDOC and EEF proposed that at championships, of the seven judges, four are placed on the long side, at V, P R and S – instead of the current two. The organisations said this would give judges “a much clearer picture” of particular movements, and an EEF spokesperson added that this is important owing to “the recent focus on harmony”.

“Most importantly, judges would have a much clearer indication of any contact issues, which are now very much under public focus and discussion,” said the EEF and IDOC.

“This would show that dressage is prepared to take a positive action in seriously addressing this issue. It would be a positive move for the sport.”

The FEI dressage technical committee (DTC) “agreed in principle” and said a test event will take place this year. The committee highlighted that having four judges on the long side would "significantly impact” spectators’ view, but could “assist spectators to better understand the sport as the four judges will have a similar viewpoint”.

British Equestrian (BEF) called for “a clear definition of harmony” to show how this applies to the general impression mark.

“We need to be able to articulate exactly what judges are looking for, in order to encourage riders to ride accordingly,” said a BEF spokesperson. “We should also be considering how to embed harmony within the score for each individual movement, rather than relying on a single collective mark.”

There could be a shake-up around collective marks; seven organisations put forward submissions – most favouring the introduction of a second mark.

The IDRC and German federation suggested having one collective mark to evaluate the horse’s “quality and demonstration of the level of training”, including rhythm, relaxation, mouth activity and head-neck position. The other would evaluate the rider’s performance, including seat and influence, aids and accuracy.

The EEF and Swiss federation suggested having one collective mark for scale of training and another for harmony of horse and rider.

But the DTC has proposed to remove collective marks entirely. A committee spokesperson said adding a second mark was considered in 2018, but research from Nottingham Trent University provided evidence that this was not favourable.

“The DTC is particularly sensitive to the issue of evaluating harmony and the scale of training as the core objectives,” said a DTC spokesperson.

“It is therefore recommended to remove all collective marks and instead focus on evaluating harmony and the demonstration of the training scale when evaluating each technical movement in the test, thus aligning with the object of dressage and further reducing subjectivity.”

The spokesperson added that the dressage judging guidelines and handbook are being reviewed and a definition of harmony and how this applies to scoring will be considered as part of this.

The EEF suggested the appointment of “welfare supervisors” at championships and major events to supervise the warm-up, including monitoring excessive work, the riders' hands, and use of spurs and whips.

The DTC rejected this, stating that stewards and veterinary delegates work together to oversee horse welfare and wellbeing in warm-ups. The spokesperson said a new “observation protocol” is being developed to assist officials on warm-up procedures.

“The possibility of introducing compulsory video monitoring/recording of the warm-up is also being explored,” he said.

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A reduction in eventing flag penalties and double bridles’ being optional at CDI3* could be introduced from 1 January.

The final draft of the rules that will go to the vote at the FEI General Assembly (4-7 November) has been published following feedback from national federations and stakeholders.

Federations will vote on a new rule that will bring abuse protocols in line across the board. The FEI proposed that by 1 January 2027 national federations must have incorporated abuse of horse provisions – and rules against harassment and abuse – that are “generally consistent” with FEI provisions.

“These provisions will help prevent cruelty, promote responsible horsemanship and uphold the integrity of the sport,” said an FEI spokesperson, adding that the FEI has published a safeguarding template policy to facilitate their implementation and will publish horse abuse templates.

“By setting clear standards and consequences for abusive behaviour, national federations will protect both the horses and the reputation of equestrians, striving to align with the FEI rules as much as possible.”

In eventing, which is undergoing a full rules revision, during the first draft of changes the FEI eventing committee rejected a proposal from the Brazilian federation to bring blood rules in harmony across the disciplines.

The FEI eventing committee said it was “agreed that each discipline is different in terms of how blood might be caused” – but in further feedback dated 10 October, the committee said it was told of a proposed change to the showjumping blood rules (news, 23 October) and “although the wording and resulting sanctions differed slightly from those in eventing, the general principle remained the same”.

It was “therefore agreed” that the eventing rules for the jumping phase would be amended based on the showjumping proposal; blood caused by tack or equipment or induced by a rider will result in a recorded warning. In cases of blood deemed as a result of a horse biting its tongue or lip, in consultation with the veterinary delegate, the combination may continue if the horse is considered fit to compete and no warning will be given.

Under the current rule, horses with blood on the flanks and/or bleeding in the mouth are eliminated – and “minor cases” such as when a horse has bitten its tongue, this may be wiped and the combination can continue, unless bleeding continues.

The proposal for penalties for a missed flag to be reduced from 15 to nine will go to the vote. British Equestrian (BEF) is in favour, but said it would like to see research on “the implications of the change of penalties”.

“If the number of penalties is reduced from 15 to nine, could an unintended consequence be that horses are penalised more frequently for missing a flag as a less severe penalty could make the judging more aggressive?” said a BEF spokesperson.

In dressage, the FEI proposal to allow snaffles at CDI3* level – backed by the technical committee and strategic action planning group (news, 17 July) – has been broadly welcomed. Double bridles are allowed up to CDI2* currently.

But calls have been made for this to be a trial; the European Equestrian Federation, German federation and International Dressage Riders Club proposed two years – and BEF favoured a trial, “to inform future decision-making as a prelude to expanding this further to all FEI competition”.

“Given that no qualifying score is required to compete at CDI3* level, the level of rider expertise can vary, including the use of the double bridle. We would therefore recommend that a formal process is established to collect and evaluate data on bridle choice, incorporating feedback from athlete and official perspectives,” said a BEF spokesperson.

“This information can then be reviewed and considered as part of the full dressage rules revision process in 2026, with a clearly defined timeline for implementation. This will be important, as national federations will need to ensure that combinations are assessed for selection under the same conditions that will be in effect at the championships, and allow sufficient time to align their preparations accordingly.”

No further amendments have been made to include a trial, but the dressage rules are to undergo a full revision next year.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

New rule for tack- or rider-induced blood proposed in showjumping

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Double bridles could become optional at international CDI3* competitions in an “important step in gathering data and evaluating choice”.

The suggestion has been included in the FEI’s first draft of proposed rule changes for 2026, published on 8 July. The double bridle debate has continued in recent years, as some call for it to be made optional at all levels – and others argue that it tests rider skill at the top level.

Currently double bridles are optional up to CDI2*. At the FEI Sports Forum the dressage strategic action planning working group discussed holding a trial of giving riders a choice on double bridles up to and including CDI3* grand prix (news, 10 April). The FEI has taken this a step further by submitting the rule change; if approved, a snaffle would be permitted up to and including three-star competitions.

“The dressage technical committee (DTC) and the working group have considered the level of expertise required to use the double bridle and conclude that the choice of using either a snaffle or double bridle at grand prix level should be permitted up to and including CDI3* and CDIO3* events,” said an FEI spokesperson.

“While the DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top level is not a welfare issue, we also believe that this proposed rule change would be an important step in gathering further data and evaluating the choice of bridles from an athlete and officials’ perspective.”

The FEI spokesperson added that as part of the full dressage rules revision scheduled for 2026, an item “under consideration” is to no longer permit double bridles for juniors at junior events and championships. Were this to be brought forward and approved by the general assembly, it would apply from 1 January 2027.

Another proposal includes the introduction of “paperless judging”, put forward by the International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC), in which the electronic judges’ sheets would be made available after the competition – unless a rider asks for them to be kept private.

The FEI said the DTC is “in principle, supportive of this proposal as an initiative that may enhance transparency and understanding of the sport” – but it has been deferred to the full rules revision in 2026.

“The DTC suggests that there should first be consultation with the International Dressage Riders Club and International Dressage Trainers Club, and following this consultation, the proposal could be trialled on a pilot basis at selected events,” said the FEI spokesperson, adding that the DTC agrees riders should have the option to choose whether their test comments are made public.

The IDOC has also submitted that movements specifically to assess suppleness and self-carriage should be added to big tour tests and this would “put more emphasis on the correct training, according to the scales of training, contributing to the welfare of the horse”. The DTC said it was in “full agreement” with this.

“The DTC believes that, for this purpose, a group of specialists should be assembled, in order to achieve the best possible solution,” said the FEI spokesperson, adding that there would be no change in the rules wording, but tests would be updated.

National federations have until 26 August to give feedback on the proposals. A final draft will be published in October, and this will be put to the vote at the FEI General Assembly on 7 November.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

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The FEI dressage committee is “in favour” of keeping the double bridle compulsory at the top levels of international grand prix – as the debate continues.

The FEI independent ethics and wellbeing commission’s recommendation to make double bridles optional in grand prix dressage – and spurs optional in any FEI discipline – came to light when the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC) published a letter strongly opposing the proposal (news, 6 Oct).

The letter, which has since been removed from the groups’ websites, raised points including their opinion that opposition to the double bridle stems from a “lack of understanding“ of how and why it is used, that double bridles and spurs used properly allow riders to give defined aids, and that making them optional would have “no positive impact on horse welfare”. In response, the FEI said the proposal was part of an ongoing consultation process – and an interim report will be presented at next month’s general assembly.

The matter has continued to be a talking point and in an update on 14 October, the FEI gave H&H further information on how the recommendation arose. The FEI spokesman said the ethics and wellbeing commission met in August and agreed to submit six recommendations on “technical/sport aspects, and research and education” to the FEI. The technical/sport recommendations were shared with the technical committees, and on 20 September the dressage committee discussed the proposals, during which it was highlighted that under the current rules, double bridles are optional up to CDI2* level – but mandatory at CDI3* and upwards.

“This change, introduced in 2019, reflects a progression in the level of skills of the athlete and training of the horse from low and medium level to the highest level of performance,” said the spokesman.

“The dressage committee is in favour of maintaining the double bridle compulsory at grand prix level.”

The spokesman added that a final report was presented to the FEI board, and on 14 October the recommendations were submitted to the national federations and stakeholders, ahead of discussion at the general assembly.

As the debate continues, H&H sought opinions on the proposal from stakeholders.

Last week IDTC president David Hunt wrote to H&H (letters, 13 October) after the organisation “heard some of the reaction” to the IDRC and IDTC letter. He said the organisations’ opposition to the proposal was based on the “optional” aspect, and said it was put forward as “advancing horse welfare” – but if something is deemed harmful he believes it should be banned. He added that “welfare and sport issues must not be confused”.

He then told H&H making the double bridle optional is a “slippery slope”.

“Riding in a double bridle and spurs is traditional, but it is also a very skilful thing. What concerns me is if they try to dumb everything down; you allow more people perhaps to compete, but you’re dumbing down the the level of competition,” he said.

“‘Welfare’ is being used as an escape because it catches people’s attention. If [the ethics and wellbeing commission] think a double bridle is a welfare issue, then we shouldn’t be using it.”

Mr Hunt, who said he was not aware the letter had been taken down, added that the sport is “rigorous in its protection of horses”.

“We have stewards in place and we are very restrictive in the bits we are allowed to use, unlike other sports where they have a massive variety. Our horses are looked after to such a high degree, and I struggle to find why they keep picking on dressage,” he said.

“If we start allowing things to creep in then we’re dulling the whole brilliance of the sport. That’s what makes it so beautiful, because horses are in self-carriage and they’re not supporting and leaning on the bit, which they can do in a snaffle.

“We are constantly making sure that we have welfare as our main objective. We are open to and seek people’s opinions – but I don’t want our sport dragged down by a small majority of people who think that the horse should only be out in the field grazing.”

Irish dressage rider Dane Rawlins, who is on the IDTC board, agreed with Mr Hunt that it is a “sport issue, not a welfare issue”.

“The epitome of riding international grand prix is to produce a horse to the highest standards with the classical tack. My grand prix horse goes better in a snaffle than a double, it’s harder to ride in a double sometimes, but it’s not a welfare issue,” he said.

“Part of the achievement of international dressage is to do things correctly and well with your horse. The perception that putting a double bridle on is some barbaric way of overcontrolling a horse is misguided.”

The Dutch national federation is in agreement with making double bridles optional – and put this suggestion to the FEI during the periodic rules revision this year. At the time the FEI dressage committee responded that double bridles should remain at CDI3* and above, “as this is the highest levels of competition”.

“The welfare of the horse is our number one priority. Therefore we put forward several proposals in this year’s rules revision that underline this,” Irish Boelhouwer, the federation’s high performance manager told H&H.

“There is no valid reason to keep the double bridle mandatory. If a rider thinks his or her horse would perform better in a snaffle, why not let them? Everybody can keep riding with the double bridle if they think it works best. The jury still looks at all the same markers regardless of their bridle. We’ve given the riders in the Netherlands this option in the last 15 years and there has been absolutely no problems, the same goes for use of spurs. It’s disappointing that these suggestions are dismissed without any substantial arguments”.

Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson told H&H she felt it is not a “black and white” issue.

“You can respond on so many levels; there’s the welfare side, the sport side, and the traditional side,” she said. “There are horses who are more comfortable in a snaffle bridle, not because of what the rider is doing, but because of the way their mouths are shaped. I definitely have horses who I prefer to ride in a snaffle.

“I don’t know whether I think it should or shouldn’t be optional, but I think there should be a healthy debate and we should come up with the reasons for and against.”

World and European medallist Michael Eilberg told H&H the argument comes down to horse and rider preference.

“People who have horses that are happy in a double will be happy to keep the rule, and people who have horses they wish they could ride in a snaffle would like the rule to change,” he said.

“I’ve had it myself where a horse doesn’t like the double and doesn’t give such an easy ride, and the riding might not be as good, so the options do lend themselves I think possibly to better riding if the double was optional – but I agree with David Hunt that this is a sport issue, not a welfare issue.”

British team dressage rider Richard Davison told H&H it is a “shame” that the work of the ethics and wellbeing commission had this “unfortunate start”.

“This clearly shows that the FEI needs to take its stakeholders with them on any policy move, and we need to collaborate. For me, the issue has been a lack of collaboration and communication with stakeholders before the recommendations were presented to the FEI,” he said.

“We need to work together with the commission because the point of the commission is not only to decide on issues of wellbeing, but is to protect the use of horses in sport – which are very commendable aims.”

Mr Davison added that the double bridle being optional at grand prix level is “nothing new” – it is optional at national level in a number of countries including the UK.

“We all know some horses will find one bit in their mouth more comfortable than two – that’s why you’ll see many top riders training up-and-coming horses in snaffles or doubles and they interchange them, so I don’t really feel it’s necessary to start going down rabbit holes of what doubles and snaffles do and don’t do,” he said.

“The principle of the double bridle being optional is already embedded in FEI rules, all that they’re talking about is extending that to CDI3* and upwards.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A proposal to make double bridles and spurs optional at grand prix level in international dressage has sparked debate.

Last month, the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC) published a joint letter to the FEI and the FEI’s independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission opposing the proposal – stating “neither the double bridle nor spurs represent a welfare risk to horses” and there are already “sufficient controls” to ensure against misuse.

The discussion arose after the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission – established in June – held a consultation and submitted a number of recommendations to the FEI in August for “internal discussion”, including the possibility of making double bridles optional in grand prix dressage – and spurs optional in all FEI disciplines.

The IDRC and IDTC said opposition to the double bridle comes from a “lack of understanding” regarding how and why it is used.

“Yes, the misuse of the double can lead to force and injury, this is true with the snaffle or any other bit, or even a hackamore. For this reason there are restrictions on exactly which bits can be used, for example length of shank or size of port,” the letter states, adding that proper use of a double bridle demonstrates “the ultimate in expertise”.

“There is close scrutiny of the horse at the end of any test. Any indication of injury results in elimination. This is a powerful incentive to ensure riders are judicious in their use of the reins.”

The letter adds that proper use of double bridles – and spurs – allow riders to give refined aids, and making these optional would have “no positive impact on horse welfare”.

“While it might be tempting to make these items optional as a ‘peace offering’ to critics in the hope that they will be satisfied, that approach is incorrect and naive. But more importantly, giving in to unwarranted or ignorant criticism is practically and ethically wrong,” it read.

• Read the IDRC and IDRT letter in full

In response to the letter, the FEI told H&H it is “firmly committed” to horse welfare and ensuring good governance standards, and it was the FEI’s duty to “keep an open mind” and seek meaningful solutions to recurring problems through dialogue and consultation.

The FEI spokesman said the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s recommendations have been shared with the technical committees for their feedback and an interim report will be presented at the General Assembly next month.

“These proposals are part of an ongoing consultation process. We take note of the concerns expressed by the IDRC and IDTC, which will be brought to the attention of the board and the equine ethics and wellbeing commission.”

World and European medallist Gareth Hughes told H&H he understands both arguments and said he trains all his horses in snaffles and doubles.

“Nice riding is nice riding whether you do it in a snaffle or a double,” he said. “That’s what we should be more fixed on; riding that produces horses nicely, and how the sport moves forward in terms of what the judges are looking for in the arena that stops other sorts of riding coming into the sport – and promotes that harmonious side to it. When you ride like that, it really doesn’t matter if you have a snaffle or a double on.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H that it was “curious” why the proposal should be controversial.

“Surely it is how the horse performs that is of most relevance, rather than the bitting or other accessories used? Double bridles can be a useful tool, but they are also a powerful tool, and it seems right to give riders the choice,” he said.

“A constant mantra for the sport must be around challenging the status quo, including questioning our practices. Some might ask, why make this change? We’d ask, why wouldn’t you?”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Carl Hester argues in favour of introducing a weighted voting system for decision making in international horse sport

A RECENT headline in a German publication read that the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) is going into the future at a strong gallop. This is not surprising as Isabell Werth, known for her bold extensions in the arena, is leading as president of the IDRC.

All of us on the committee have international championships under our belts, except for Klaus Roeser, who still brings years of experience in the horseworld – not least as chef d’equipe for the German dressage team – to his position of secretary general. Klaus plays a vital role much like Eleonora Ottaviani at the International Jumping Riders Club.

The riders clubs are in for the long haul to increase the voice of riders in the governance of the FEI. How can it be democratic for national federations with no history of participation in international horse sport, nor any indication that they might participate in the future, to be in a position to decide rules for international competitions?

To put it in perspective, Isabell, who was at the FEI General Assembly along with Klaus, gives the example of the Ivory Coast equestrian federation, who voted for three riders on Olympic teams as it would be cheaper to support than four. In fact, it is thought that less than 10% of the 70 countries that voted for the three-rider format had ever had riders compete in the Olympics, Nations Cups or five-star shows.

It should come as no surprise then that one of the main aims of the IDRC is to keep up the pressure for reform to a weighted voting system, which would give more dominant nations more say in decisions affecting top sport. The only stakeholders not consulted about the decision on three-person teams were the riders.

The IDRC is working closely with the International Jumping Riders Club, historically the more vociferous and organised of the riders clubs. The IDRC has no current contact with a similar eventing organisation. Could this change, Eventing Riders Association?

As Isabell highlights, especially at a time when social media is so influential, why risk a rerun of the disturbing images seen in the Tokyo jumping?

“The Olympics should be about excellence and quality rather than flags and quantity,” she said.

That is not to say that developing nations aren’t welcome, more that their focus should be on developing, gaining experience, and getting better. It’s complicated and political, but we must try.

Meanwhile, if you’ve ridden at a CDI or CPEDI, please join us as a full voting member. There are also non-voting categories for young riders, owners, national riders, and supporters, so get involved by visiting idrc.me/join-the-idrc

A key industry role

WHILE I think countries that are more active in the sport should have a more strongly weighted vote when it comes to significant decisions, it is important also to find ways to encourage diversity and participation.

I was intrigued by British Equestrian’s job advert for a strategic lead/relationship manager. This led to an interesting discussion with head of participation Mandana Mehranpour, who joined British Equestrian last spring from a similar role at the Lawn Tennis Association.

It is part of an ambitious long-term strategy to diversify equestrian sport – not just riders but officials, volunteers, coaches, everyone. But the process is no quick fix.

Strategy will be based on investigation, analysis, and insight. The relationship manager’s job will be to bring together the member bodies to create a shared vision for developing equestrian sport.

British Equestrian is aligned to Sport England’s vision to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity, and we all know how much horses can bring to people’s lives.

• Is a weighted voting system needed? Share your views at hhletters@futurenet.com

• This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 3 February

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The FEI has responded to suggestions that dressage needs a judging overhaul by saying it is frustrated the system being promoted by the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) has not yet been fully submitted.

The FEI reacted to the article in H&H, reporting that pressure on the body to re-evaluate the judging system is mounting.

Judging is a topic that has been a focus of riders’ minds of late — at Rotterdam, Spencer Wilton received scores varying from 65% to 73% for his grand prix aboard Numberto.

“We know that today’s judging system has potential for improvement, and we are open to evaluating all proposals. There is no doubt that we all want a system that is easy to understand and which prevents big differences. These make people sceptical about our sport,” said Trond Asmyr, FEI dressage and para- equestrian dressage director.

“We know that judges are doing their best to give the correct marks. The reason why we have judges sitting around the arena is that the execution of the movements looks different from different angles,” added Mr Asmyr.

“Because of this, the ‘correct’ solution is not to have exactly the same marks from all the judges, but the average of marks should give a correct total result.”

As well as education — for which future “e-learning solutions” are in the pipeline to help the training of judges — the FEI says it has introduced a number of elements to “avoid big differences”.

Mr Asmyr added: “The judges’ supervisory panel [JSP] is there as a safety net to correct marks if a judge has not seen technical mistakes or counting errors. As of this year, the responsibility of the JSP has been widened, so that if one judge’s results are markedly different from the rest of the ground jury, the results of this judge may be changed. This is especially important in cases such as at the 2013 European Championships [where one judge scored Michael Eilberg and Half Moon Delphi 6% lower than the others in the grand prix].”

The IDRC believes the solution is an evaluation matrix based on a code of points, similar to that used in other artistic sports such as gymnastics and figure skating. This solution has been supported by Spencer Wilton who said it would “bring more structure to the marking” in his recent H&H comment.

However, the FEI said it is frustrated the document has not yet been submitted.

“The FEI has repeatedly asked for a description of the system, so that we can start evaluating it. We have been told that it is not sufficiently developed yet,” added Mr Asmyr.

“Therefore the FEI finds it difficult to understand how the IDRC can have such a clear conviction that this is the mantra for the future. The overall idea is interesting, but how will it work in practice? It is easy to talk positively about a system if you don’t need to evaluate it from all sides. It is frustrating that the IDRC has so far not provided the FEI with the system, especially when the club is promoting it so heavily externally.”

Wayne Channon, secretary general of the IDRC, told H&H he had submitted an outline overview to the FEI a couple of months ago.

“We were hoping that the FEI would develop it from our draft,” he added. “We need to work on the software. It won’t happen overnight, but we aim to have the full proposal to the FEI by the end of the year.”

The FEI has said it is looking for a “detailed explanation of the system” from the IDRC, not a fully working model.

Ref: H&H 16 July, 2015

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A new equestrian ethics committee could be in the pipeline after suggestions from dressage riders.

The International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) has written to the FEI proposing that the committee be set up to take a proactive approach in dealing with the “inevitable welfare issues that continue to arise in equestrian sport”.

IDRC secretary general and rider Wayne Channon told H&H that he believes there is a “great need” for a collective, authoritative voice when it comes to thoroughly investigating and responding to welfare allegations.

“Dressage is the platform as it is at the sharp end of ethics, but ultimately we want the committee to cover all equestrian disciplines,” he said.

“The animal welfare groups are constantly scrutinising what we do and we want to be able to take a proactive — rather than a reactive — approach to dealing with situations. We have to be able to react to negative images, posts and videos with as much expertise and sound knowledge in our armoury as possible.”

The IDRC proposes that the committee be made up not only of experts from each of the main disciplines — dressage, eventing and showjumping — but also of scientists who are specialists in the field of equine performance.

“Like the other sports committees, the ethics committee should meet on a regular basis to discuss and deal with issues as they arise,” continued Wayne, who also believes the group will yield wider benefits.

“We can use the opportunity as a platform to enhance our knowledge and investigate more thoroughly the most important veterinary and welfare issues,” he said.

“For example, when [former FEI president] Princess Haya defended the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] in competition [in 2009], a huge amount of research went into finding out the exact effect that administering varying quantities had on horses’ musculo-skeletal systems.

“As a result we learnt a great deal about how NSAIDs work that we didn’t know before. This sort of research would probably never have been carried out without the mooted rule change as a catalyst.”

The IDRC Board is in the process of finalising a proposal to submit to the FEI.

Frank Kemperman of the FEI dressage committee said at the FEI sport forum (27-28 April) that he would welcome any proposals

“The FEI equestrian community integrity unit (ECIU) has been a permanent fixture since 2010 and protects the FEI’s integrity principles across the board, including across all of our disciplines,” added Sabrina Zeender, FEI secretary general.

“We work very closely with the International Dressage Riders Club and, as with all the organisations with which we have an MOU, we are always happy to look at any proposals the IDRC puts forward.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 28 May 2015

World horse sport’s governing body the FEI says it has resolved its differences with the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), averting a hearing before the FEI bureau.

The row started when the FEI rejected the IDRC’s nominee for the FEI dressage committee, Wayne Channon.

When two other riders joined the contest, the IDRC excluded them from membership. The FEI duly threatened to suspend the IDRC.

But on 4 June, FEI’s Ingmar de Vos said the matter had been resolved in an “amicable way”.

Kyra Kyrklund will be the athletes’ representative to the FEI dressage committee until a full time appointment is made.

“We are delighted we have reached agreement so that athletes’ voices can be heard before the Olympics,” said Kyra.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (14 June 2012)

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As the world’s equestrian nations gather in Rio de Janeiro for the 2011 FEI General Assembly, dressage figures are still smarting from a perceived slight by the international body for horsesport.

Delegates at Rio are due to vote as to whom should join the FEI Dressage Committee following the resignation of athlete representative Margit Otto-Crepin of France.

The International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) had thought felt the seat should automatically go to another member of their group and that the FEI would accept their nominee, Wayne Channon, uncontested.

But Luis Lucio of Spain and Maria Ines Garcia Cuellar of Columbia joined the contest after being nominated by their national federations.

Neither was a member of the IDRC at the time of nomination, but joined soon after.

The IDRC’s next action was to exclude them from membership of the group.

But following a meeting of its tribunal the FEI parried by announcing that the place on the committee is not exclusively for an IDRC member.

So where does this leave the issue?

Right back where they started, says FEI General Counsel, Lisa Lazarus.

“The dismissal of the IDRC appeal means that the status quo is maintained with regard to the process for appointing the athlete representative on the Dressage Committee,” she said.

“The three proposed candidates will be presented to the Bureau with their candidacy files, along with the nominations committee’s recommendation, for a decision on who should be appointed.

“The Bureau will make its appointment on 11 November at the FEI Bureau meeting in Rio. The Bureau is not bound by the nomination committee’s recommendation.”

• H&H will be reporting from the FEI General Assembly. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and the H&H website for all the news.

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Finnish dressage rider Kyra Kyrklund has been elected as the new president of the International Dressage Riders Club.

The six-time Olympian was voted in on 18 August by IDRC members and follows in the footsteps of Margit Otto-Crepin, who was president for 12 years.

British-based Kyra will have a four-year term before the next election.

The IDRC represents the interests of dressage riders around the world — particularly those who compete in FEI competitions.

“I was vice president before [since April] and have also been on the board for a while, so will not be implementing any huge differences,” Kyra told H&H.

“Wayne Channon remains the secretary general so we will continue to work together and co-operate with the FEI dressage committee.”

‘It’s going to be quite a lot of work but someone has to do it, and this time it is me. It’s time I pulled my carriage and I’m looking forward to it.

“I hope to work closely with national federations, trainers and competition organisers as well the new board members [who will be voted in after the FEI General Assembly in Taipai in November]. It’s an exciting time.”

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The International Dressage Riders Club has refused to accept the resignation of international rider Isabell Werth.

Top German dressage rider Isabell, who won double gold at the 2008 Olympics, was suspended from competition last month by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) after a banned drug was found in her horse Whisper.

Whisper tested positive for the sedative fluphenazine at CDI Wiesbaden on 30 May.

On 1 July, Isabell emailed the board of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) informing them of her intention to stand down from the board and also to resign as a member.

But IDRC president Margit Otto-Crepin has refused to accept the resignation.

In a letter, she wrote: “While we understand and appreciate your concern that the IDRC will be negatively affected by the fact that you are subject to an ongoing investigation by the FEI for use of a banned substance, we wish to advise you that we cannot accept your resignation.

“You have always been a dedicated, committed and professional member of our organisation and we would like to continue our mutually beneficial association with you.”

Ms Otto-Crepin added that the International Dressage Riders Club has “complete faith” that Isabell Werth will be vindicated and cleared of any intentional wrongdoing.

“We wish to offer you our wholehearted support,” she said.

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