Germany to re-examine draw reins rules

Germany is now looking at rules regarding draw reins following Switzerland’s announcement last month that the national federation was taking a stand and banning the training aids at shows at national level. Draw reins are currently allowed under Swiss showjumping rules during the warm-up prior to the first fence and in prize-givings.

However, from 1 January 2016 they will not be allowed at national shows, in an attempt to improve the profile of horse sport. The Swiss Equestrian Federation said it wants to “engage continuously and proactively in the welfare of the horses and the reputation of equestrian sports”, adding that draw reins paint a negative image for non-riders.

A spokesman for the German Equestrian Federation syayes  that the “use of draw reins at riding shows in Germany is under discussion”. Currently they are allowed in prize-givings and flat work before jumping. Draw reins are already banned everywhere except prize-givings under Dutch rules.

At shows run under FEI rules in Germany and the Netherlands, draw reins would still be permitted in the warm-up. However, it is hoped by some riders, including trainer Christopher Bartle, that the rule change could have far-reaching consequences and lead to riders training differently.