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Excellent Rule Change - Double Bridle NOT Mandatory in 2019 at 4/5/6 star CDI's

Finally, the folks that control the rules of dressage as a sport are acknowledging that we need to allow the use of a snaffle bridle at higher levels of competition. The official 2019 FEI rule change:

  • 2.2. For CDI 3 * / 4 * / 5 * / U25 and Championships / Games (except Ponies and Children), a double bridle with cavesson noseband is mandatory ie bridle and curb with curb chain . A combined noseband may be used without the lower "flash" The curb chain can be made of metal, leather or a combination. Lip strap and rubber, leather or sheepskin cover for curb chain are optional. Neither a cavesson noseband nor a curb chain may ever be so tightly fixed so as to harm the Horse.
  • 2.2.1.: A snaffle bridle or double bridle is allowed in CDI1 * and 2 *, CDIJ and CDIY.
  • 2.2.2.: For CDIP / Ch, Ponies and Children Championships, and marked on test sheets, a snaffle bridle is used.
A noseband is still mandatory when a horse/pony is ridden in a snaffle:

  • 2.2.3.:  A plain snaffle bridle is required to be used with a regular cavesson noseband, a dropped noseband, a flash noseband, a crossed noseband, a combined noseband or a Micklem or similar design of bridle.

 What does this mean to you? Well it won't count for CDI 3/4/5 * events or the WEG or Worlds but it will be super for small tour classes at the lower star levels.

As classicists hubbie Paul and myself work our horses regularly at the GP level in snaffle bridles, both inside and outside the ring.

Our classical and very held dear belief is that a horse should be so trained to the aids (especially the seat), so willing in its nature with a keen understanding of its rider's requests that it can execute all the movements of haute ecole without the rider requiring the use of a curb bit, a whip or a pair of spurs. 

That it not to say that a double bridle is not a very important piece of tack in the training of a horse, it has its important place. But the ability to show at FEI competition without four reins will greatly level the playing field for many, and will hopefully lead to improved education and reward of the rider's ability to correctly use their seat. Here's hoping!

Enjoy these photos of hubbie Paul, riding just some of the horses we have trained from start to finish.

A little passage and piaffe in the field, sans spurs,whip or double bridle. 


Lateral work should be trained correctly in the snaffle, before trying the moves in a double.

The horse's muscles tell the story of training ~ and are a real mirror of the competence of the trainer.




 

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