The makers and customers of a bridle that has been accredited for dressage competitors for years say they’re “astounded” it has been banned.
The Quantum cavesson bridle, designed by Indy Dinky kids’s saddle creators Jill and Doug Hick and bitting skilled Gill Batt, was designed to keep away from restriction of nerves and myofascia within the horse’s face, and so improve consolation.
It was accredited by the FEI, and so additionally British Dressage (BD), 4 years in the past however this autumn, Quantum was advised it might be banned from subsequent 12 months.
Ms Batt advised H&H that when the bridle was first accredited, its creators despatched the FEI all of the related analysis and explanations.
“The FEI stated ‘No downside’,” she stated. “There’s been two rule modifications since and no downside, and no communication till November, once we had been advised ‘Sadly, the bridle shall be banned’.”
She added that the FEI was not forthcoming in its replies to Quantum’s requests for causes.
“The FEI is at all times speaking about welfare and doing extra for the horse however they’ve kicked this out on their very own assumptions,” she stated.
“Lots of people are saying their horses go so significantly better in it, however now they’ll’t compete in it, and we will’t get any solutions. We’re a small firm that’s made one thing for the good thing about the horse.”
Lisa Porter, who competes her mare Villis Fiasco Utopia within the Quantum in affiliated dressage, advised H&H she “immediately felt the distinction” driving in it.
“I don’t perceive,” she stated. “You’ll be able to put a flash on and crank it up tight and that’s allowed, however that is banned; it appears probably the most backward choice ever. We’re attempting to maintain social licence and guarantee our sport has a future, and so they put in guidelines like this that go in opposition to all the pieces they are saying they try for – the welfare of the horse.”
Vet and equine dental technician (EDT) Vikki Fowler rides each her horses within the Quantum cavesson.
“As an equine vet and a certified EDT, I wish to assume I do know a number of issues concerning the anatomy of the horse’s head and mouth,” she stated. “The Quantum presents aid on all main buildings of the horse’s head and, for me, is a large step ahead in horse welfare.”
BD CEO Jason Brautigam advised H&H BD follows the FEI on such guidelines, particularly pertaining to horse welfare.
The FEI advised H&H its tools skilled group had reviewed the bridle and suggested the ban.
“Based on the group, the impact of the noseband is totally different from a traditional noseband, because it passes by way of the cheek items. The peak of the noseband subsequently varies in response to the scale of the bit rings and never the horse’s morphology. The noseband and cheekpiece are linked on each the snaffle and the double, and the bit doesn’t have an impartial motion, so when pressure is positioned on the rein, and the bit is introduced into motion, the noseband is pulled onto the nasal bone of the horse.
“Horse welfare is paramount for the FEI, and we repeatedly assessment new tack and tools to make sure the well being and security of equine athletes.”
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