Horse welfare is key as new dressage rules introduced

British Dressage has reviewed its policies and brought in changes for the 2024 rulebook

- BECKY MURRAY

BRITISH DRESSAGE (BD) said horse welfare is at its heart as it reviews policies and sets out "commitments to our equine partners".

BD has published its 2024 members' handbook, which incorporates rule changes. There are "significant updates" to welfare policies, including the BD code of conduct for welfare and a "charter for the horse", following a full review carried out in consultation with World Horse Welfare.

The code covers welfare and care at home, care when riding, fitness to compete, equine carry capacity and fitness, care at competitions including travel, tack and equipment, abuse, veterinary, welfare reporting and penalties.

Good management is encouraged based on the five domains of animal welfare (nutrition, environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state) and the three Fs (freedom, forage and friends). The fitness to compete section states that "participation in competition is restricted to fit horses and athletes of proven competence, which will be assessed by the judge during the test".