Carl Hester expresses enthusiasm for the six international dressage shows scheduled in Britain in 2026, highlighting key venues like Hartpury, Hickstead, and Wellington Riding as excellent opportunities for spectators to watch team hopefuls ahead of the FEI World Championships in Aachen. He encourages public support for these events, noting that many are free to attend despite rising costs in running shows. Additionally, the NAF Five Star Winter dressage Championships at Addington offer another free chance for fans to engage with the sport.
Hester also addresses the upcoming FEI rules revision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing horse welfare while cautioning against adopting showjumping’s revised blood rule, which replaces automatic elimination with warnings and suspensions. He supports harmonized rules but warns that such changes could have unintended negative consequences for riders. Hester urges the dressage community to back efforts led by FEI dressage director Ronan Murphy and the strategic action plan group to ensure transparent, welfare-focused regulations. He also mentions the launch of a new British dressage app to enhance rider engagement and shares a personal note about competing in Doha during the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing bravery and optimism.
