A PUSH to drop the ban on top hats in international dressage has been quashed by the FEI’s medical committee.
The ban, which came into force on 1 January, divided opinions. A 150-strong petition asking the FEI for riders (over-25s) to have the option of wearing top hats in international competition was dismissed in November 2020.
The topic has arisen again, with national federations and others calling for riders to have the choice of top hat or helmet.
“The traditional dress code with an elegant hat is a world-renowned recognition feature of dressage,” said a joint statement from the German and Austrian federations, the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and Association of International Dressage Event Organisers.
It added that they “do not want to give the impression” that dressage has become dangerous.
“We acknowledge the aspect of safety, however we are not aware of any head injuries that have ever occurred to top athletes during a high-level dressage competition.
“Therefore, athletes of the age category U25 and older should have the freedom to decide whether they want to wear a top hat or a helmet in the competition.
Denne historien er fra August 05, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 05, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
