Denmark has implemented new rules in national competitions, including optional nosebands and the use of bitless bridles in lower level dressage. Spurs are limited to 2cm in length, and in jumping, the whip can only be used twice in a row before disqualification. The Danish government is considering laws to ban certain equipment like double bridles and curb bits.

The changes in Denmark come after high-profile cases of alleged horse abuse involving Andreas Helgstrand and Carina Cassoe Kruth. Helgstrand was suspended for three months after a video surfaced of Kruth striking her horse with a whip. The Danish government has expressed concerns about equestrianism and the need to address issues of horse welfare.

The Danish Equestrian Federation has faced criticism for its handling of the abuse allegations, leading to resignations and changes in leadership. The new chair, Kimi Nielsen, aims to promote transparency and good horse welfare practices in the sport. The FEI rules still apply at FEI shows in Denmark, and there is pushback from elite riders regarding the mandatory measuring of noseband tightness.