By KIMBERLY LOUSHIN
As part of the Federation Equestre Internationale’s General Assembly, which took place Nov. 4-7, in Hong Kong, the FEI approved a rule change that will giving competitors the option of using a snaffle or bridle up to the CDI3*/CDIO3* Grand Prix level. This rule change will go into effect, Jan. 1, 2026.
Previously, a snaffle bridle was not permitted in any CDI Grand Prix competitions, however riders could choose between a snaffle or a double for CDI1*/CDIO1* and CDI2*/CDIO2* as well as Juniors, Young Riders, U25 (in the Intermediaire II test), and Young Horse tests for 7-year-old horses.
“The Dressage Technical Committee and the Dressage Strategic Action Planning Working Group have considered the level of expertise required to use the double bridle and conclude that the choice of using either a snaffle or double bridle at Grand Prix level should be permitted up to and including CDI3* and CDIO3* events,” read the explanation for the proposed change. “While the Dressage Technical Committee remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top sport level is not a welfare issue, we also believe that this proposed Rule change would be an important step in gathering further data and evaluating the choice of bridles from an Athlete and Officials perspective.”
While national federations and shareholders supported making the double bridle optional for three-star competitions, several suggested a two-year trial period after which data on the frequency of snaffle bridle use and judging.
Next year, dressage is scheduled to undergo a full rule revision, at which point the FEI and its stakeholders will consider whether to prohibit the use of double bridles in CDIJ, CDIOJ and Junior championships. While that rule has not formally been submitted yet, several national federations have commented on the intent, with mixed opinions. While Denmark and Sweden were in favor of no longer allowing the double for Junior tests, Great Britain, Germany, the European Equestrian Federation and the International Dressage Riders Club voiced dissent.
