News that British Dressage (BD) is to allow dark breeches in competition from next year – as well as jackets in any single colour – has split opinion. Many are welcoming the move, which chief executive Jason Brautigam told H&H was “to make BD as accessible as possible”, while others say they will be sticking with their traditional white breeches and dark jackets. “Dressage is a colourful sport, where we have all types of horses and ponies competing, so we want to allow riders to wear the breeches and jackets of their choice too,” added Mr Brautigam. As the rule change, which was predicted by H&H columnist Anna Ross a year ago, allows riders the choice to do either, hopefully all parties will be happy.
Helgstrand Dressage will record all training at its Danish bases on camera, in “continued efforts to ensure the highest level of welfare” – in the “wake of recordings of poor riding”. The news follows the public backlash to the broadcast of TV2’s documentary Operation X: The Secrets of the Horse Billionaire, filmed undercover at the stud in January. In a statement released on 1 December, a Helgstrand Dressage spokesman said that from today (5 December) professional camera equipment will be installed in all riding halls at the the stud’s three locations in Denmark, “to reassure both the federation and the authorities that riding and training is done properly.”
3. An event rider lining up for London’s puissance
Olympic eventer Gemma Stevens will be among the riders taking part in the puissance – and the six bar – at the London International Horse Show. Gemma will be riding her Hickstead Derby ride, Envoy Merelsnest Z, who is known at home as Dime Bar. The horse has jumped one puissance, with Phillip Miller at Horse of the Year Show this year, but it will be a first attempt at the class for Gemma, who told H&H: “I’m much less worried about the six-bar; if we have a bit of luck, I think he could do well in that as he can jump a really big vertical – but the puissance scares the crap out of me!”
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.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
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
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
