Gareth Hughes, a medal-winning British rider, has been selected to be part of a group tasked with reviewing the current state of dressage and developing an action plan to move the sport forward. The FEI has created this working group to establish a clear vision, realign objectives, and enhance dressage at all levels. The group will be chaired by George Williams, with members including Monica Theodorescu, Raphael Saleh, Kyra Kyrklund, Klaus Roeser, and Lise Berg.
The focus of the working group will be on embedding balanced, ethical training practices in the sport of dressage, prioritizing horse welfare and harmony between horse and rider. The group will conduct a comprehensive review of the current state of dressage, prioritize equine ethics and wellbeing, and propose future rule revisions to enhance the integrity of the sport. They will also create a repository of relevant scientific research and consult with veterinary experts to ensure the wellbeing of horses in training and competition.
The group will report regularly to the FEI board and dressage technical committee, with a presentation scheduled for the FEI sports forum on March 31. The members were carefully selected for their expertise and understanding of dressage, with a focus on incorporating stakeholder feedback and ensuring the long-term success of the sport. The working group aims to address current challenges in the sport, prioritize horse welfare, and position dressage for future success.
