Dutch Equestrian Federation Changes Double Bridle Rule for Z1-Level

Dressage

The Netherlands

The Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) will be changing its tack rules as of April 2024, no longer allowing the double bridle at Z1-level.

"The most important reason for this change to our dressage tack guide is that riders at Z1-level have to show collected paces for the first time and we want to stimulate the learning of correct collection in a snaffle," the KNHS communicated. "Once they master this, then as of Z2-level, a double bridle can be used for the fine-tuning of the asked movements at that level."

The KNHS furthers details that, "this remains optional because at Z2 level or higher, one can continue to ride in a snaffle.'

The federation also explained that, "we often notice now that the double bridle is chose at the expense of learning to properly collect the horse. At Z1 we see combinations ride the simple change by not correctly collecting the horse, but making an abrupt transition to walk."

The KNHS concluded, "in the correct training of a horse it is important that enough attention is given to properly learning to collect while maintaining harmony. By only allowing to ride in the snaffle up to Z1-level, we want to stimulate riders to first pay attention to the part of the collection in the scale of training and to improve one's own riding skills."