US rule-makers reviewing proposals to allow bitless dressage
A proposal to allow bitless bridles in dressage competitions in the US is being discussed by rule-makers.
The proposal was put forward on sporting fairness and welfare grounds by several riders whose horses can no longer be bitted owing to dental reasons. The call has been supported in writing by the World Bitless Association (WBA).
A WBA spokesman told H&H that it commissioned a survey in 2020, seeking feedback from equestrians with regards to rules allowing modern bitless bridles in competition, plus some welfare issues.
“The results were extremely encouraging,” said the spokesman. “Over 1,500 participants from around the world want to see significant rule changes or enforcement of the existing rules.
“In short nine out of 10 equestrians [who took part in the survey] want to see bitless [permitted] in all horse sport.”
A US Equestrian (USEF) spokesman told H&H the proposal is “moving through the review process”.
A decision is expected by the end of June, at the latest.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Article continues below…
You might also be interested in:
“Each year USEF receives numerous proposals for rule changes submitted by members, USEF senior staff, federation committees and councils, affiliates, and the federation’s officers,” said the spokesman.
“The proposals are reviewed by members, committees, councils, and affiliates before being presented to the USEF board of directors for consideration.
“If approved by the board, the changes are incorporated into the USEF rulebook in accordance with their effective date, and the updated version of the rulebook is posted on the USEF website.
“Specifically, sport-related rule change proposals and/or revisions are submitted for board discussion and approval by the international disciplines and the national breeds and disciplines councils.
“This specific proposal is currently moving through the review process, which begins at the sport committee level.
“As the national discipline affiliate, the United States Dressage Federation is given the opportunity to provide additional feedback on the proposal.
“From the committee level, the proposal will then move to the international disciplines council for further discussion before ultimately being decided upon by the USEF board of directors in June 2021.”
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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens 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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.