Revolutionizing Dressage Through The British Dressage Equine Welfare A

Understanding the British Dressage Equine Welfare Action Plan

The equestrian world is experiencing a pivotal shift in horse care, thanks to British Dressage (BD) and its Equine Welfare Action Plan. This strategic initiative promises to reshape dressage from 2025 to 2028, enhancing the holistic welfare of horses while reinforcing trust and integrity within the sport. Let’s delve into the key components of this ambitious plan and how it aims to transform dressage into a sport that not only celebrates the art of horse riding but also prioritizes animal welfare.

Governance and Policy Overhaul

At the heart of the British Dressage Equine Welfare Action Plan lies the commitment to a transparent, accountable governance structure. BD plans to appoint a dedicated welfare and officials officer tasked with overseeing the whistleblowing process. Consequently, the new system strives to ensure that any welfare breaches are swiftly and effectively addressed. A handy welfare report form, available to the public via the BD website, reinforces the openness of this initiative. The official link can be found here. One exciting proposal under review is an FEI-style yellow card warning system. It takes a page from international practices, ensuring that minor infractions are logged and rectified quickly. This guarantees that horses across all competition levels receive the care they deserve, aligning BD with world-class equestrian standards.

Raising the Bar: Education and Professional Development

A unique facet of the action plan is its focus on education and training as the foundation of horse welfare. Stewards, often the unsung heroes of competitions, will undergo professional development programs designed by BD. The goal? To equip them with the skills needed to enforce welfare standards rigorously and consistently. Furthermore, BD is thinking ahead by considering the introduction of voluntary welfare marshals at events. Though still in the ideation phase, this step emphasizes BD’s commitment to an educational approach that enables better care for the equine community.

Rider Proficiency and Skills

To ensure safe competition levels for horses and riders alike, BD is refining its rider skills tests. Originally exclusive to BD Youth squad contests, these tests are being adapted as benchmarks for rider progression. This is not just about improving competency; it’s about safeguarding the riders' and horses' well-being at higher competition stages.

The Evolving Competition Framework

The action plan emphasizes natural, harmonious performance over tension. A critical assessment of judging criteria has been put in place to nurture this shift. Vetting test movements at higher levels aims to alleviate undue pressure on horses and foster a competition environment that prizes serenity and naturalness. Notably, having dressage luminaries like Carl Hester advocating for adjustments, such as incorporating 'give and retake of the reins,' speaks volumes about BD's commitment to modifying standards conducive to equine welfare.

Collaboration on a Global Scale

It's not just about UK-centric developments. BD is also enhancing its ties with international bodies like the FEI. This collaboration aims to synchronize BD’s welfare measures with global standards, ensuring consistency in competitions worldwide. By embracing the FEI Code of Conduct for Horse Welfare, BD confirms its resolve to maintain ethical practices both on the national front and internationally.

Financial Acumen Meets Structural Innovation

While the primary focus remains horse welfare, the economic logistics of this transformation have not been overlooked. BD has noted a dip in starter numbers and national championship attendance. To counteract these challenges, it's weighing options like consolidating fixtures and moderately increasing entry fees. The aim is to strike a balance between ample competitive opportunities and financial viability for event venues. BD is sowing the seeds for a sustainable future where competitions are both economically sound and welfare-centric. Addressing financial pressures without compromising on the well-being of their equine athletes is their balancing act.

The Takeaway

The British Dressage Equine Welfare Action Plan reverberates as a profound commitment to elevating horse welfare standards. With an integrated approach encompassing governance, education, and regulatory collaboration, BD is indeed setting the gold standard for the sport. And as Chief Executive Jason Brautigam suggests, this is merely the beginning of a transformative journey, positioning BD—and by extension, dressage—as champions for equine welfare on the global stage. For further insights into this exciting initiative, you can explore additional details here.

Revolutionizing Dressage Through The British Dressage Equine Welfare Action Plan