Proposed Rule Changes at 2024 FEI General Assembly Reveal Snaffle Debate, Favourable Draw, And WCF Judges Panel Reduced to Five

Dressage

FEI

At the 2024 FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi on 10 to 13 November 2024 the largest gathering of heads of National Equestrian Federations from around the world.

"We find ourselves at a pivotal moment for equestrian sport and the General Assembly is a great opportunity to evaluate where we stand globally as an organisation, while allowing us to look ahead and create our roadmap for the future together," said FEI president Ingmar de Vos.

At the FEI General Assembly rule changes and propositions for change in the sport will be voted upon.

Dressage Technical Committee

Maribel Alonso, chair of the FEI Dressage Technical Committee (DTC), will present her annual report at the FEI General Assembly.

In the online copy she wrote that, "the DTC (Dressage Technical Committee) conducted remote monthly meetings throughout 2024 along with an in-person meeting held in Lausanne. These meetings have been essential for monitoring progress and ensuring continuity in our activities and initiatives, as part of the corporate memory."

This year "remote stakeholder meetings" were held with members of the DTC, the Dressage Director, as well as with Athletes, Trainers and Officials at several events throughout the year.

"The feedback from these meetings was very positive and we look forward to continuing this approach as we collectively forge the future strategy for the sport," said Maribel Alonso, chair of the FEI Dressage Committee

Alonso wrote that "there has been significant media criticism of the sport, especially in relation to high profile cases involving failings of equine welfare in the sport. A key outcome from the meeting on the 01 October was the collective acknowledgement that there is a loss of public trust in the sport and this situation must be addressed by all stakeholders immediately."

The proposed rule changes related to dressage are (selection made by Eurodressage):

Snaffle Optional Up to Grand Prix?

Given the current circumstances regarding the scrutiny and questioning of the Dressage Sport. We ask the FEI to re-evaluate it’s decision that it´s mandatory from level CDI 3* and CDIO3* and higher to ride with a double bridle. We think it is in the best interest for the Dressage sport to make it optional and allow riders to use a snaffle if they deem this in their best interest as a combination. Proposed wording: A snaffle bridle or double bridle is allowed in all categories except for CDIP and CDICh Events where snaffle bridle is compulsory.

The DTC responded with: "No change. As it was communicated last year, the FEI DTC has the unanimous understanding that the use of snaffle or double bridle is a technical (sport) matter and not a matter of wellbeing/welfare. We understand the concerns regarding the social (media) perception, but on this topic, it is our understanding that the perception and reality are not aligned. Despite the amount of relevant work carried out until now, conclusive and/or unquestionable evidence has not been brought to the DTC that allow us to reach to a different conclusion. However, it should be noted that from a technical perspective the DTC is willing and available to be part of a round table, that includes a multidisciplinary team of experts from all stakeholders, to discuss the correct fitting and possible modernising of the double bridle. As stated, based on many years of experience, the data currently at hand, and the results achieved, the DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top sport level is not a welfare issue."

Interestingly the German NF, the IDTC and the IDRC confirmed that "we do not share the opinion that using a double bridle is a matter of Horse Welfare. (...) We do support the step to have a round table discussion. However, a prerequisite for coming to a reasonable conclusion is to have results of significantly more meaningful scientific studies on the subject, for example on what a bit does in a horse's mouth."

The Swedish NF stated, "obviously, it is practically impossible for Athletes and Officials to notice if a horse's tongue turns blue during the competition, which makes it a challenge to do something about it in the moment. Therefor we must avoid such situations as much as we can. Considering this, we are once again asking the FEI to allow Athletes to ride on snaffle bridle, as we strongly believe it is in the best interest for the dressage sport. We also believe that making the double bridle optional and instead make it possible to adapt the equipment to each horse’s psychological and physical needs, is crucial to secure the public’s acceptance of the sport. The outside world's reactions to what happened during the Olympics were very bad for the sport of dressage and we must do what we can to deserve and get their trust."

FEI Feedback: "No Change"

As it was communicated last year, the FEI DTC has the unanimous understanding that the use of snaffle or double bridle is a technical (sport) matter and not a matter of wellbeing/welfare.

We understand the concerns regarding the social (media) perception, but on this topic, it is our understanding that the perception and reality are not aligned. Despite the amount of relevant work carried out until now, conclusive and/or unquestionable evidence has not been brought to the DTC that allow us to reach to a different conclusion.

However, it should be noted that from a technical perspective the DTC is willing and available to be part of a round table, that includes a multidisciplinary team of experts from all stakeholders, to discuss the correct fitting and possible modernising of the double bridle. As stated, based on many years of experience, the data currently at hand, and the results achieved, the DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top sport level is not a welfare issue.

The DTC suggests that this topic could be further evaluated during the 2025 Season by encouraging Organisers to include a special restricted class for Athletes who wish to use the Snaffle bridle in Grand Prix up to CDI 3* Level. Data from these studies would assist in the future assessment of the topic.

Favourable Draws for Higher Ranked Athletes

The use of random draw for the starting order is further deconstructed by a proposed rule to put the highest scoring and FEI highest ranked riders consistently in the most beneficial starting place in follow-up tests. Random draws have statistically been proven to be the most fair for athletes to create a level field of play for their assessment by the judges, whose points automatically go up towards the end of the test. Science is again disregarded.

Proposed wording: "The starting order for all Competitions for which Athletes have had to qualify by competing in an earlier Competition, shall be determined by way of a draw in groups of five (5) in reverse order of the results of the earlier Competition. The highest ranked Athlete/Horse combinations will start last. In case of ties within one (1) starting group, the combinations that are tied shall be drawn in the same group and numbers adjusted accordingly."

Noseband Measuring Device

The DTC confirms that the protocol will be published before the rule comes into force. Initially testing will be introduced at higher level events initially in order to accustom everyone to the testing and also allow time to train the Officials.

Elimination due to Lameness

Proposed change: "In a case of marked lameness, the Judge at C informs the Athlete that they are eliminated. There is no appeal against this decision. In competitions that are not qualifying for a next test, the Horse needs to pass a re-inspection by the FEI Veterinarian to be able to start the next test (i.e. normally the test that takes place the day after).

Judging Panel at World Cup Finals Reduced to Five Judges

It is proposed that the Ground Jury members for the FEI World CupTM Dressage Final would be reduced from seven (7) to five (5) members in an effort to reduce organising costs.

FEI Feedback: With the FEI World Cup Dressage Final having only 18 combinations participating and a full JSP panel present, this is an issue of cost. There is no sponsor for the FEI Dressage World CupTM currently; furthermore, the Ground Jury consists of mostly of Level 4 Judges apart from one very experienced Level 3 Judge

(Eurodressage suggestion: keep seven judges for fairer judging and less individual influence and don't invite the JSP to reduce costs)

Ponies Allowed in Children Classes Outside Western Europe

Proposed change: Ponies are allowed in CDI-CHs taking place outside Western Europe (does not apply to FEI Dressage Continental Championships for Children).
Chapter IV Article 429.6.4: The FEI Children Championship is open to Horses which have not competed in a Grand Prix for Seniors during the current year. Ponies are not allowed in FEI Children Championships in Western Europe

We propose that language be added to Article 429.6.4 permitting Ponies to compete in FEI Children Championships in North America. Allowing an FEI North American Children Championship to be open to horses & ponies would make the rule more consistent with Article 429.6.3 and Article 433.4 which allow for CDI Children events to be open to ponies outside of Western Europe.

The USA NF would like to add an FEI Dressage Continental Championship for Children to the North American Championships for Juniors, Young Riders and U25 riders. It is felt that the 2024 championship may not have needed to be cancelled had ponies been permitted at the Championship. Many North American athletes would be interested in the Continental Championship but would be ineligible under the current rules since most of those athletes ride ponies. Further, North America does not host an FEI Dressage Continental Championship for the Ponies so there is not another opportunity for those athletes riding ponies to participate in an FEI Dressage Continental Championship. Adding exceptions to both Article 429.6.4 and Article 433.4 would allow the North American Championships to include these riders.

The Dressage Committee supports this suggestion and writes: "Ponies are allowed in CDI-CHs taking place outside Western Europe (does not apply to FEI Dressage Continental Championships for Children in Western Europe.

Spur Measurement

The DTC has re-discussed this topic following the feedback received, and agrees that the measurement of spurs should be from the boot (i.e. from the inside of the spur where it touches the boot) to the tip of the shank

Proposed wording: In Children and Pony Competitions, spurs are optional, but if used, only blunt metal spurs are allowed. The shank may not be longer than three point five centimetres (3,5 cm) measured from the boot to the tip. Spurs with rowels are not allowed.

Going Off Course

Proposed wording: For Young Horses tests, Children, Pony and Junior tests, the deduction for the first error is zero point five percentage points (0.5%) from the total score, second error: one percentage point (1%) and for the third error, Elimination.

Increased Entry Fee

Because of the officials per diem renumeration increase, the costs for event organisers are getting too high. The Dressage Organisers ask to accept higher entry fee for a CDI4*, an increase from CHF 525 to CHF 540, and for a CDI5* an increase from CHF 600 to CHF 625.

FEI feedback: No Change. The proposed increase in the Entry Fees is supported by the Dressage Technical Committee and the IDRC (International Dressage Riders Club). The FEI Board is also supportive of this proposal; however, this proposal does not meet the criteria for a Rule change in 2025 and will be considered at the next full Revision of the Dressage Rules.

To Make the Athletes’ Electronic Judges' Sheets Public

Point 4 defines that access to the Athletes’ electronic judges’ sheets is strictly personal. Recent events (e.g. FEI Dressage World Cup Amsterdam) lead to disastrous allegation of welfare of the Horses not being of the highest importance to Athletes and Judges which makes an urgent repair under criteria 1 necessary. If the remarks of judges would have been published, this situation would not have come up. IDOC deem it important for the transparency of the sport, the understanding of the public and our social license to publish these remarks as soon as competitions are finished.

The DTC responded: The DTC is in principle, supportive of this proposal as an initiative which may increase transparency and understanding of the sport, however, we believe that to make this possible, this requires a clear and unequivocal agreement from all stakeholders. The DTC suggests that there should first be consultation with the Athletes (IDRC) and Trainers (IDTC) and following that consultation process, the proposal could be trialled on a pilot basis at selected events. It is also the view of the DTC that any future Rule change would only be introduced at senior level for CDI3* and above. No change to the existing Rule until further consideration following the consultation and trial process as set out above. The IDRC and the IDTC have welcomed the proposal for further consultation prior to a final Rule change being proposed.

The British NF commented, "The privacy and confidentiality of individual score sheets have always been maintained at all levels and there is a danger that comments could be taken out of context. We would therefore support the FEI in rejecting this."

The German NF and IDRC believe, "we are not in favour of publishing the judges’ comments. Publication would only lead to the comments becoming more and more general and less meaningful.

IDOC: The IDOC Executive Board discussed the matter and re-evaluated its position. The Board understands it should not be open to the public for the moment. It is a rider's right to have it private. IDOC, therefore, asks for the removal of the proposal. IDOC is open to discuss the matter with other stakeholders. I

IDTC: We are not in favour of publishing the judges’ comments. This could encourage unhelpful controversy and may lead to less meaningful remarks.

Collective Marks Increased to Two

Once again it is being proposed to increase the collective marks from one to two marks. The collectives used to be four marks and were reduced to one after it was statistically proven that these were (ab)used to pull a score up or down in the end, in particular with famous riders. Harmony, lightness, straightness, suppleness, seat and aids, etc. are being judged movement per movement and there is no need for another four marks at the bottom of a test.

Over the years some federation have continued to try to increase the collectives again, particularly German. Now they are trying this under the "animal welfare banner" (EEF, IDRC, German NF,

The proposal is GENERAL IMPRESSION in accordance with horse welfare will be introduced:
1. Scale of training Rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection
2. Harmony of rider and horse Position, effectiveness and sensitivity of rider’s aids
Both with a coefficient 2
Firewalls for both marks have to be developed

It is interesting to see the argumentation the conjointed German NF/IDRC give for this: "With their evaluation, the Judge also gives the Athlete and the Trainer recommendations for the further education and training. It is not enough to only judge the technical execution of the test. It is often said that the Judge should also recognise and judge all the principles of Dressage riding, but the reality is often somewhat different. If there are two separate collective marks, one for the rider and one for the horse or its training status, the Judge is reminded to evaluate the principles of Dressage riding at the end of each test. Adding the collective mark for the horse is an important step to ensure that the basic criteria, our principles of riding, remain paramount in judging the performance of a rider/horse combination. By the final, explicit assessment of the training status of Athlete and Horse, an important contribution is made to the Welfare of the Horse'

The DTC blocks this attempt and states, "No change to the number of collective marks. This topic was addressed in 2018 by the Dressage Judging Working Group (Task Force) supported by the Nottingham Trend University, and it was concluded that collective marks exacerbate the cumulative impact on cognitive load. The test ends with the final halt and salute and all aspects are being judged continuously as the test takes place. The DTC proposes a further consultation with all stakeholder groups to review the phrasing of the General Impression mark. This Rule Change proposal does not meet the criteria for ‘urgent repair for welfare of the horse’ and should be instead considered as part of the next full rule revision process."

The DTC further adds: "The DTC remains with its position from 26 June, while stressing that the Judges need to consider these factors in each movement mark, rather than having to try to recall the whole test afterwards in order to award this additional mark. This will be further discussed at the next Level 4 Dressage Judges’ meeting."

Increased Per Diem for Officials

After the suggestion of the FEI, IDOC met with DO in 2023 and both stakeholders agreed on 160 EUR per day for officials (judges, stewards alike).

This amount is net after relevant taxes being borne by the OC), the per diem is due for all officiating days (including rest days between Competitions) plus one. At the discretion of the Official, the per diem for this additional day may be forfeited if the Official can conveniently travel on the officiating days.

This will not happen in 2025 though.

The DTC writes, "The proposed increase in the Officials Per Diem is supported by the Dressage Technical Committee. The FEI Board is also supportive of this proposal, however, this proposal does not meet the criteria for a Rule change in 2025 and will be considered at the next full Revision of the Dressage Rules."

Read the official rule proposal change document here.