Taking place on 7 November, the FEI General Assembly 2025 approved the proposed modifications to the FEI Dressage Rules – one of which will allow competitors the option of using a snaffle bridle up to CDI3*/CDIO3* Big Tour level.
The FEI report released following the General Assembly states: “The General Assembly approved the proposed modifications to the FEI Dressage Rules.”
The rule modification pertaining to the snaffle bridle approved at the General Assembly reads as follows:
2.2. A snaffle bridle or double bridle is allowed in CDI1* and CDI2*, CDIO1*, CDIO2*, CDIJ*, CDIOJ*, CDIY, CDIOY, CDIU25, and CDIYH for seven (7) year old Horses, Junior* and Young Rider Championships. A snaffle bridle or double bridle is also allowed in CDI3* and CDIO3*.
Note*: As part of the Full Rule Revision for Dressage in 2026, an item under consideration is to no longer permit the use of the double bridle in CDIJ, CDIOJ and Junior Championships. If such a proposal were to be brought forward and ultimately approved by the FEI General Assembly in 2026, it would take effect as of 1 January 2027.
The updated rules effective 1 January 2026 will be published here in due course.
‘This has been a long time coming…’
In the November issue of Equestrian Life, Dr Kerry Mack takes a closer look at the rule change and gives her thoughts on why it’s important that riders are given the choice.
