Rules surrounding vocal aids and nosebands remain the same in FEI competitions, despite British Riding Clubs (BRC) making changes in the interests of equine welfare and horse and rider safety.
Last month BRC implemented rule changes to allow the use of rider voice and bridles without nosebands in its dressage competitions, but the FEI has confirmed it has not received any requests from national federations or other stakeholders to consider such a rule change in its international events.
“According to Article 424.5.5 of the FEI Dressage Rules, the use of any audio or voice support during a dressage test is strictly prohibited,” an FEI spokesperson told Your Horse.
“According to Article 434.2 of the FEI Dressage Rules, the use of a bridle with noseband is mandatory. As dressage is a subjectively judged sport, the standardisation of equipment ensures fairness and consistency.”
However, they noted that the FEI General Assembly 2025 (4-7 November) approved a rule change to separate the Tack and Equipment section from the disciplines’ rules.
“The intention is to include all specifications in a dedicated document, allowing greater flexibility for the review and modification of permitted tack and equipment outside the annual FEI Rule Revision process,” they said.
“The full FEI Rule Revision process for dressage will take place next year. As part of this process, national federations and other stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to submit proposals for amendments to the FEI Dressage Rules, including the Tack and Equipment provisions.”
Your Horse has approached British Dressage for a comment.
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