The end could be nigh for compulsory spurs at FEI

A proposal for dressage riders to be allowed to compete without spurs has FEI backing in the 2024 rule revisions

- LUCY ELDER

DRESSAGE riders who want to go spurless in international competition will not have to wear “dummy spurs” from next year, if a proposed rule change is given the nod.

Spurs, or dummy spurs – which give the look of wearing a spur but have no shank – are already optional at all levels in national competition.

But they are compulsory in international dressage competition, with the exception of ponies and children-on-horses. The International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC) is suggesting this changes – and has the FEI’s support.

“Since ‘dummy spurs’ are allowed, it seems archaic that a rider would have to purchase these spurs when they could just as easily be allowed to go spurless,” stated the IDOC, in the first draft of FEI rule changes for 2024.

This is just a suggestion; the FEI rules revision process means stakeholders have until 16 August to give feedback, before the final draft is created. National federations will vote on the 2024 rules at the general assembly in November.