Dressage under pressure: FEI considers reforms amid welfare concerns

Dressage took centre stage on the first day of the 2025 FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, with the discipline’s current challenges addressed head-on by the newly formed Dressage Strategic Action Plan working group.

Against a backdrop of mounting public scrutiny and welfare debates, the group presented its work for the first time and discussed potential directions for reform—though no formal recommendations have been made. The main issues are summarized here:

Public trust in dressage at risk

FEI Dressage Director Ronan Murphy acknowledged the sport is facing a crisis of confidence, with key criticisms centred on training methods, judging practices, and several high-profile incidents. In the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee received multiple anti-equestrian petitions, some gathering tens of thousands of signatures.

Rule changes under consideration

The working group is reviewing several possible rule changes, including standardizing nosebands for double and snaffle bridles at Grand Prix level, revisiting the minimum age for horses competing in the Grand Prix, and allowing snaffle bridles up to and including CDI3*. However, members emphasized the importance of basing changes on sound knowledge and evidence, rather than reaction to public pressure.

Balancing science and horsemanship

Veterinarian Dr. Lise Berg noted that while scientific studies on horse welfare may be limited or varied in quality, a wealth of practical knowledge can still inform good decisions. The FEI’s recent steps to standardize noseband tightness across disciplines, using an approved measuring tool, were cited as an example of action informed by both research and expert consultation.

Technology supports doping detection

In a parallel session on equine welfare, FEI Veterinary Director Dr. Göran Åkerström underscored the importance of continued research and innovation. One promising study involves the use of sniffer dogs to detect prohibited substances at extremely low concentrations, which could aid in catching microdosing in endurance and other disciplines.

Rethinking equipment use in training and competition

The group also reflected on the role of equipment in training and competition. George Williams, Chair of the Dressage Strategic Action Plan group, questioned the blanket use of double bridles, especially for juniors and young horses. The group agreed more dialogue is needed around whether such equipment is always appropriate.

Scoring and fairness in focus

Other concerns included the potential misuse of snaffle bridles in judging, and the risk that “ethical” equipment choices might be rewarded in scoring without addressing the underlying training approach. FEI Dressage Committee Deputy Chair Monica Theodorescu cautioned against unintended consequences of such shifts.

Discussion on the true purpose of dressage

Philosophical questions about the nature of dressage were also raised, including whether the sport primarily tests the rider, the training, or the horse itself. George Williams suggested it should be a balanced combination of all three.

Classical training revisited

As part of a broader welfare discussion, Australian trainer and researcher Andrew McLean advocated for greater emphasis on self-carriage. He proposed implementing the classical concept of rein release (überstreichen) as a test of balance and freedom in all gaits—a sign of harmony between horse and rider.

Calls for open dialogue with welfare campaigners

Effective communication with the public and critics also emerged as a central theme. While the group acknowledged the need for constructive discussion, panel member Kyra Kyrklund shared her experience of trying to engage respectfully online, often facing hostility or being blocked from welfare-focused forums.

FEI defends the sport while acknowledging need for action

Despite the controversies, both Murphy and Kyrklund stated their belief that the recent high-profile cases do not reflect systemic abuse within the sport. They called for ongoing accountability but rejected the idea that these issues define dressage as a whole.

The work of the Dressage Strategic Action Plan group is ongoing, with further consultation expected before any formal changes are proposed. More information and session materials are available on the FEI Sports Forum website.