Carl Hester (GBR), an Olympic gold medalist and influential figure in international dressage, has voiced significant concern over the FEI’s perceived inertia in addressing key rule modifications. His recent comments highlight a growing frustration within the elite dressage community regarding the bureaucratic pace of change, particularly concerning the integration of the 'give-and-retake' of the reins into higher-level tests.

Hester, riding his formidable gelding En Vogue, emphasized that initiatives deemed critical for the sport's integrity and progression are languishing. He specifically referenced a proposal, initially conceived during discussions with fellow Olympian Kyra Kyrklund, to introduce the give-and-retake at Small Tour and Grand Prix levels. This concept, designed to demonstrably prove the horse's throughness and submission, garnered widespread support at the FEI General Assembly last year. Yet, nearly 18 months later, its implementation remains in a holding pattern.

The 'give-and-retake' is not merely a technicality; it is a fundamental pillar of classical dressage, showcasing the horse's ability to maintain balance and rhythm independently of constant rein contact. Its inclusion in competition would provide judges with an objective measure of correct training, rewarding true collection over artificial frames. Hester's advocacy underscores a broader desire to prioritize ethical training and horse welfare within competitive dressage.

His critique extends to the broader issue of collective marks, which he believes are essential for a holistic assessment of a test. The current system, he implies, sometimes fails to adequately reward the nuanced harmony between horse and rider. Hester's call for the FEI to move at an 'extended canter' rather than a 'collected walk' on these matters is a clear signal: the sport's evolution, and indeed its credibility, depends on swifter, more decisive action from its governing body.