Final push to keep dressage top hats thrown out by FEI

The medical committee and board refused a proposal to overturn the rule that made protective helmets mandatory

- LUCY ELDER

A PUSH to drop the ban on top hats in international dressage has been quashed by the FEI’s medical committee.

The ban, which came into force on 1 January, divided opinions. A 150-strong petition asking the FEI for riders (over-25s) to have the option of wearing top hats in international competition was dismissed in November 2020.

The topic has arisen again, with national federations and others calling for riders to have the choice of top hat or helmet.

“The traditional dress code with an elegant hat is a world-renowned recognition feature of dressage,” said a joint statement from the German and Austrian federations, the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and Association of International Dressage Event Organisers.

It added that they “do not want to give the impression” that dressage has become dangerous.

“We acknowledge the aspect of safety, however we are not aware of any head injuries that have ever occurred to top athletes during a high-level dressage competition.

“Therefore, athletes of the age category U25 and older should have the freedom to decide whether they want to wear a top hat or a helmet in the competition.