Rule Changes

 

An early boost to the popularization of dressage was the FEI’s decision to limit the gaits performed in competition to two: trot and canter.  The elimination of the halt was received with enthusiasm by competitors for whom achieving a stationary, square halt was viewed as an unnecessary distraction from the flow of a test.  Elimination of all walk work in competition was further greeted with passionate approval since the walk was viewed as a tedious interlude in an otherwise spectacular and energetic performance. Other revisions of the rulebook are outlined below.

 

                         Competitions

 

Dressage has historically been lacking in popularity with the general public.  With its repetitive circles and tedious walk interludes, dressage had long been disparaged by many spectators as mind-numbingly boring.  A further obstacle to public interest and corporate sponsorship was the perception that dressage was an elitist sport.  This was reinforced by the formal 19^th century attire of top hat and tailcoat that was considered the only suitable apparel for competitors, both male and female.   The FEI realized that if the sport was to become relevant to modern audiences, draconian changes were necessary.

 

The first step to modernization was a radical change in the form of competitions.  All lower level tests (Training thorough Fourth Level) were eliminated. Instead of tedious and lengthy classes comprised of boring school figures, competition was separated into two divisions: Aesthetic Equitation and Prix Prix.

 

                                                   Aesthetic Equitation

 

All rides were to be accompanied by musical compositions written specifically for each horse and rider team. Scores were based on three sets of marks:

60% artistic creativity

35% turnout of horse and rider (coordinated tack and riding apparel required)

5% technical

 

While the horses were required to keep all four feet within the confines of the arena at all times, riders no longer needed to worry about reproducing the symmetrical and accurate figures of old. The new regulations stressed that emphasis be placed on creativity.  Since the only gaits allowed in competition were the trot and canter, competitors vied with each other to create exciting and innovative variations on these paces.  With a bow to Baucher, fondly known as one of the Old Dead Guys (ODG's), cantering backward became an approved gait in 2024.  And while the stationary halt was a thing of the past, in the spirit of inclusiveness, the sliding stop so beloved in Western reining circles became a feature of many performances.

 

Creativity was also stressed in the turnout of horse and rider, with the new rules stating that tack and apparel must be color coordinated. Initially competitors limited themselves to traditional outfits of 3 or 4 colors, but soon ensembles designed around various themes began to appear in the arena.  An early innovator in this area was Olga Rollkurova who, dressed in an outfit inspired by tropical fruits and riding to the music of Carmen Miranda and steel drums, set the standard for all aspiring contestants. Another notable ride, generously sponsored by Exxon, featured military music and commemorated the US’s annexation of the Middle East in the 2020’s.

 

                             Prix Prix

 

This division was viewed as the logical next step in the development of the sport due to the huge advances in cloning and genetic engineering being employed by top breeders.  Through much trial and error it was discovered that such characteristics as length of stride, suspension and cadence could be dramatically enhanced, although unfortunately not all at the same time in one animal.  This led to the creation of classes that would focus solely on one gait or movement in much the same way as Track and Field does for human athletes (i.e., high jump, long jump, running, etc.). 

 

The result was classes like Most Extended Trot andMost Extended Canter in which the horse that crosses the diagonal in the fewest strides wins.  These classes became an instant success with audiences.  Especially welcome was the fact that viewers and riders alike could now understand how the scoring system worked.  One need know nothing about horses or riding to determine the winner.  This also took pressure off of some judges who had been accused of favoritism and bowing to pressure from leading trainers and riders.

 

Another crowd pleaser was Pirouette to Infinity. The winner was the horse able to do the most pirouettes while keeping its back feet within a one meter circle. Cause for elimination was stepping outside the circle, balking or fall down.  Vomiting by the rider was also considered a fault, dizziness being a formidable challenge for those who lacked the foresight to take Dramamine before their rides.