GEF Dressage Group Trots Toward Reform, One Thoughtful Step at a Time

New Hope for Dressage: GEF Considers Horse-Friendly Reforms (With No Whip Cracks Required)

The Global Equestrian Federation (GEF) Dressage Working Group trotted onto the scene at this week's “Global Equestrian Federation Transparency Shindig”, ready to confront the rather large (and heavily bridled) elephant in the room: the need for reform. In an electrifyingly vague session at the GEF-TS , the Dressage Working Group took the stage to unveil their ground breaking announcement: they have absolutely no recommendations at this time.

Amid a sea of polite applause and confused horses, panel chair Helga Müller—renowned dressage powerhouse and unofficial Queen of the Half-Pass—opened the session with all the gravitas of a judge at a pony pageant. “There is a general sense,” she said, “that dressage might no longer be seen as... credible. Apparently, the public has questions about nosebands, rollkur, and horses foaming at the mouth like it’s a cappuccino competition.”

The GEF panel, which included vet expert Dr. Winifred Blatch and thoughtful coach Sir Cedric

St. John-Wellington, explored the radical possibility of optional snaffles, raising minimum ages for horses in Grand Prix, and—brace yourself—discussing whether juniors should be allowed to yank on double bridles like they're playing tug-of-war.

Rather than sweeping things under a monogrammed saddle pad, the GEF team acknowledged the public’s growing concern and the five petitions about equestrian welfare ahead of the Paris Games. “The world is watching,” Blatch said. “So let’s make sure we’re worth watching—for the right reasons.” Though no formal rules were announced, the tone was clear: this isn’t just damage control. It’s a genuine effort to return dressage to its roots—partnership, precision, and performance without pressure.

Also discussed: embracing research (even the imperfect kind), developing tools to assess tack tightness, and yes, exploring futuristic tools like sniffer dogs to detect banned substances. Sherlock Bones, anyone? But the real kicker? The GEF is still unsure whether to actually implement any of these ideas. For now, the double bridle remains sacred, the nosebands tight, and the horses... obediently trotting sideways while the world watches on with growing discomfort.

As for change? It’s coming. Slowly. On a long rein. With a lot of half-halts.