Members of the IDRC,IDTC, Dressage Organizers and Dressage Officials club attended a meeting at the Dutch Nationaal Hippisch Centrum in Ermelo Tuesday November 5 and Wednesday November 6.
This is an annual meeting of stakeholders designed to inform members about technical aspects of the sport, engage stakeholders in the current status of the discipline and its future direction and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to focus and debate in a 'non-competition' environment.
Turnout this year was fantastic with over 120 participants including many Championship and Olympic winners attending. The topics were wide-ranging, and it is planned to publish a summary of the discussions in due course.
Some of the highlights included:
-Esprit de corps was evidenced by the excellent collaboration among the group; putting aside self-interest stakeholders embraced their responsibility for the long-term health of the sport. They appreciated the collaboration of the FEI Dressage Director and are committed to being a significant positive resource towards mutual aims.
-There was agreement that significant issues for the sport around perception, welfare and transparency and trust exist. The group accepted collective responsibility to address these and looks forward to working with the FEI Dressage Director as he develops the FEI Dressage Strategy.
-The principle of an objective measurement for noseband tightness was agreed. There was much discussion about the proposed protocol and implementation of the device which needs further consideration and clarification.
Other headline topics included:
• A review of the Paris Olympics.
• The use of AI for judging and training to assist with transparency, education and equine well-being .
• The legal perspective on social media, the terminology used in FEI regulations and safeguarding of riders.
• The effect of saddle design on performance, the rider's seat and equine well-being.
• Rider biomechanics.
• An FEI update and Dressage Strategy development.
• Young horse development from an equine physiological and well-being perspective.
• The NOPT programme.
• Challenges facing CDI organization, including viability.
• A review of judging statistics.
• Effect of shape/fitting of bit and bridle on horse performance and equine well-being.
