CHANGES are afoot and there are amends to FEI rules being proposed. Those being considered that directly affect dressage include spurs being an optional rather than a compulsory aid, and bringing in a standardised way of checking the tightness of nosebands.
A taper tool is already used in some countries at national level, and set at 1.5cm, which is enough room for the noseband to serve its purpose while preventing over-tightening.
Double bridles could become optional at three-star internationals. Again, this sounds sensible; if the horse prefers a snaffle, why not?
I don’t think spurs, double bridles or nosebands are “wrong”, but recognising that each horse is an individual makes perfect sense to me.
There is some opposition to increased choice that threatens the current status quo. Perhaps it’s because those succeeding under current rules have a vested interest in maintaining the current system.
It’s important that all voices, including those of the emerging nations and younger competitors, are heard as well as the leading names, so that the aims for welfare, transparency and inclusivity are protected going forward.
Denne historien er fra July 20, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra July 20, 2023-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
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
