New dressage rule banning sure headpieces described as ‘baffling’

Headpieces that don’t have steady padding throughout the ballot will not be allowed in some US dressage competitions, in a choice described as “baffling” by one producer.

Below the US Equestrian’s (USEF) rule change that got here into pressure on 1 September, the crownpiece (headpiece) could also be padded and should have elastic inserts, however “should be easy and steady throughout the ballot, and rectangular or in the identical form because the crownpiece”. Padding should not prolong 1.5cm past the size of the crownpiece.

The rule applies to USEF and US Dressage Federation-licensed dressage competitions. A USEF spokesperson stated athletes competing in CDIs can be required to comply with FEI guidelines for permitted saddlery/tools. And an FEI spokesperson confirmed to H&H that there are “no specs within the FEI laws relating to the form and dimension of the padding of the crownpiece”.

A USEF spokesperson instructed H&H that the dressage committee put ahead the rule and members had been in a position to touch upon this in spring earlier than it was accredited. The rule was proposed by USEF’s guidelines working group in “reference to research being performed across the utility of stress of the crownpieces to the ballot”.

“The contact space of the crownpiece is necessary for dissipating the pressure utilized to the horse’s head by the burden of the bridle, particularly when utilizing a double bridle, which is significantly heavier than a snaffle bridle,” stated Hilary Clayton, USEF committee member and vet at Michigan State College.

Ms Clayton is a biomechanics knowledgeable and has printed seven books and greater than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts in equine analysis.

“Ideally, the headpiece ought to distribute the pressure evenly over a big space. That is achieved by having a large headpiece lined by a steady layer of padding. If the headpiece itself or the padding beneath it are incomplete, ballot stress will increase.”

The USEF spokesperson confirmed to H&H that the rule is at present solely in dressage – and doesn’t apply to the dressage part in eventing. However she added that this doesn’t imply “it will possibly’t change sooner or later or that different disciplines received’t comply with go well with with the same rule”.

A WOW Saddles spokesperson stated the corporate “can’t perceive the ruling” and described it as “baffling”. WOW has redesigned a USEF-compliant interchangeable headpiece in response.

“As designers of tack, and horse homeowners and riders, now we have by no means seen a horse go badly in a headpiece that relieves the mane and nuchal ligament. Their concern is that the sides of the pads trigger stress factors. Nonetheless, the mane sticks up from the pure curvature of the ballot and this in flip makes all headpieces, that don’t have the reduction, apply extra stress on the mane or bridle groove,” he stated.

“Numerous bridles are actually made with nuchal reduction; this isn’t trend, it’s as a result of by way of anecdotal and scientific proof now we have learnt that horses want the stress to not be on the assist construction of the backbone.”

The PS of Sweden Nirak bridle headpiece will not be permitted beneath the brand new rule, and PS of Sweden chief assortment officer Jenny Eliasson instructed H&H that “our dedication to horse welfare comes first in each design resolution”.

“With the current replace to the USEF guidelines in dressage, we instantly moved to make sure our bridles stay each compliant and true to our rules of consolation and assist,” she stated.

“In response to the brand new laws, we’re introducing a brand new headpiece that meets the necessities whereas retaining our excessive customary of anatomical consolation. That is already in manufacturing and might be launched within the coming months.

“It is going to be obtainable with the Nirak bridle and as a separate merchandise, permitting riders to replace their present bridles simply.

“We stay devoted to supporting each horses and riders with modern, welfare-focused options that align with the most recent requirements.”

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H&H senior information author

Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has lined a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and highway security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed high riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call just some. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Fort Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to residence. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting staff for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.