Welfare, judging and test design drive debate at the sports forum.
The ongoing full revision of the FEI Dressage Rules was at the centre of discussion during the final session of the opening day of the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, where Dressage Director Ronan Murphy and members of the discipline’s Technical Committee and Strategic Action Planning Working Group presented the progress made so far and opened the floor to stakeholder feedback.
The revision builds on 30 initial recommendations, with 12 requiring rule changes. Several measures have already come into force through the 2025 partial revision, including the option to ride in a snaffle bridle up to and including three-star Grand Prix level. The current consultation phase will lead to a first draft of the revised rules in July, ahead of further stakeholder review.
Framed by the FEI’s definition of dressage as the harmonious development of the horse in a positive mental and physical state, the discussion repeatedly returned to how that principle is reflected both in what is asked of the horse in the arena and in how performances are assessed.
A key point of focus was the ongoing review of dressage tests, which have remained unchanged at the top level since 2015. Trial work has included the introduction of stretching exercises on a long rein in the latter part of the test, allowing horses to move out of collection before returning to the final movements. The intention is to make elements such as suppleness, relaxation and self-carriage more visible.
Raphael Saleh described the objective as highlighting “a clear change of frame… maintaining suppleness, elasticity and cadence,” while Monica Theodorescu pointed to the practical implications for training: “If this movement is in the test, then it will be practised… and that is for the well-being of the horses.” The proposal was broadly welcomed, although it also prompted discussion about how such movements would be assessed and communicated, particularly in relation to public perception.
That question of interpretation surfaced again in an exchange from the floor concerning horses working behind the vertical during stretching. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, Saleh emphasised that evaluation must consider the overall picture rather than a single visual element, distinguishing between correct stretching and a loss of contact. Theodorescu added that the movement underlines the need for continued education, noting that even apparently simple exercises remain complex in their execution and assessment.
Judging and transparency formed another central strand of the session. Proposals under consideration include the publication of judges’ comments, mandatory remarks for lower marks and wider access to judging guidelines. The FEI’s Judge Monitoring Programme, which analyses scoring data to identify trends and inconsistencies, was presented as a key tool in this area.
The importance of judging as a driver of training was clearly articulated in the discussion. One delegate noted that “riders will only train their horses to achieve the scores awarded by the judges,” underlining the link between evaluation criteria and the direction of the sport.
Technology was discussed in this context, particularly the potential role of artificial intelligence. While there was interest in using AI to support the assessment of technical elements such as accuracy, speakers were unanimous that it should not replace judges. As George Williams observed, the discipline must remain open to technological development, but its application must be carefully considered. Saleh described it as a possible “safety net,” particularly for measurable aspects of performance.
The question of tack and equipment, and specifically the role of the double bridle, also generated interest. Following the recent rule change allowing a snaffle bridle up to three-star Grand Prix level, early data shows that approximately 10 per cent of riders have opted for the snaffle in those classes. Murphy stressed that it is still too early to draw firm conclusions, noting that more data is needed before considering any extension of the rule to higher levels. Proposals to make the double bridle optional at four- and five-star level have been submitted, but remain at an exploratory stage.
Related discussion touched on the use of the double bridle in junior classes, where its role is also under review. The broader question raised was not only one of equipment choice, but of how that choice interacts with training standards and judging expectations.
Among the more debated topics was the proposal to raise the minimum age for horses competing at CDI2* level and above from eight to nine years. While some stakeholders support the change, the data presented suggests limited participation of eight-year-olds at Grand Prix level and no clear difference in longevity compared to older horses. Murphy cautioned against introducing changes without a clear evidence base, stating that “we have to be very careful not to fix something for the sake of fixing it.”
The session also saw a number of practical and forward-looking suggestions from the floor. One proposal called for the development of a video-based judging reference, illustrating what different marks should represent in practice. The idea was positively received, with acknowledgement that such tools could enhance both education and consistency, although they would require regular updating as standards evolve.
Another question that drew attention concerned the use of earplugs in dressage, which are currently not permitted despite being allowed in other disciplines. Panel members indicated that this is under active discussion, with some support for allowing their use, particularly in freestyle tests, as a potential welfare measure.
Broader structural proposals include making the draw for Grand Prix competitions compulsory, clarifying the definition of the area surrounding the arena under judges’ jurisdiction, and reviewing the FEI’s role in appointing officials. The introduction of a transparency register for conflicts of interest is also under consideration, reflecting a wider emphasis on openness and accountability.
Throughout the session, the importance of communication and education was repeatedly highlighted. The planned update of the Dressage Handbook and judging guidelines aims to provide clearer reference points for all stakeholders, while initiatives such as rider briefings at events are intended to strengthen dialogue between judges, riders and trainers.
Summing up, the panel emphasised that the objective of the revision is not to introduce change for its own sake, but to ensure that the rules support both the welfare of the horse and the continued development of the sport. As Diana Al Shaer noted, the focus remains on achieving “quality decisions,” grounded in data, experience and collaboration across the dressage community.
With consultation ongoing and further drafts to follow, the discussion in Lausanne highlighted both the complexity of the revision process and the breadth of issues under consideration as the discipline looks towards its next phase of development.
Relevant links to official documents and pages:
Summary from FEI
Presentation Dressage Rules
Panellists biographies
Youtube video Session 2 Olympic and Session 3 Dressage Rules, second half is the section for dressage rules