My personal journey with dressage and my beloved horse has been a transformative experience. However, an ongoing concern has surfaced that affects not just us, but an increasing number of fellow equestrians: the limited choice of competition-approved saddles if your horse doesn’t fit the traditional dressage shaped horse. Many horses, including mine, struggle to fit traditional dressage saddles, or find them overly restrictive and uncomfortable. This reality not only impairs their performance but also diminishes their overall well-being.

Total Contact Saddles (TCS) offer a revolutionary alternative. These saddles are designed to fit the natural contours of the horse, allowing for freedom of movement and greater comfort during competitions. For riders, they ensure a closer, more connected experience with their horse, enhancing communication and harmony in performance. Unfortunately, these innovative saddles are currently not permitted in Equestrian Australia (EA) Dressage Competitions.

Research and reports from veterinarians and equine experts underline the importance of saddle comfort in ensuring horse health and performance. Horses ridden in ill-fitting saddles are prone to back pain, behavioral issues, and reduced longevity in their careers. Allowing for Total Contact Saddles could mitigate these risks, promoting both humane treatment and better outcomes in competitive scenes.

Equestrian Australia currently do not permit the use of the TCS but yet there are never any checking that the “normal” saddles that are being ridden in ACTUALLY fit the horses they are being used on- where is the horses health is paramount there?

We propose a trial or review of these saddles by EA, taking into consideration their benefits and compatibility with dressage principles. Feedback from participating riders and impartial expert observations could guide decision-making for future regulation changes.

By amending EA regulations to permit Total Contact Saddles, we can foster a more inclusive and horse-friendly environment. This change aligns with evolving equestrian ethics and the progressive trends we see in many international dressage competitions.

I'm calling on EA and fellow equestrians to recognize the pressing need for this policy change. Our horses deserve comfort, and as riders, we deserve the freedom of choice to use equipment that best suits them. Let's make dressage more adaptable for all by allowing Total Contact Saddles in competitions.

Join me in demanding this necessary change. Please sign this petition to push Equestrian Australia to adapt its regulations for the benefit of our horses and the future of dressage.