Current Compulsory Use of Double Bridle, Spurs at Top Dressage Under Spotlight at FEI Meeting, Dressage Committee Willing to Change, Rider, Trainer Clubs Not

Compulsory use of double bridle and spurs at the highest levels of international dressage will be under the spotlight at next month’s FEI–International Equestrian Federation–annual meeting that will consider a report by an independent commission recommending the devices should be optional.

The FEI’s Dressage Committee says it “would be ready to consider making the use of spurs optional.” But the international dressage riders and trainers clubs strongly opposed change, saying in a joint letter: “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.”

Coincidentally, the European Equestrian Federation on Monday issued a statement from its president, Theo Ploegmakers, noting a research paper by the World Horse Welfare and the University of Nottingham in England with the warning: “Times have changed. Where sports federations used to arrange their policy, and therefore their rules, entirely indoors, that is no longer possible. There is a need for transparency and awareness of the wider society that we know as ‘Social Licence’.” Among other issues, it said, the equestrian community is “confronted with philosophical questions such as whether we have a right to ride horses and whether the horse wants to participate in our sport, or if it is forced to do so.”

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Article written by: KENNETH J. BRADDICK