Equipments / Compensating Aids Update

COMPENSATING AIDS PANEL (CAP)
The Compensating Aids Panel (CAP) – as presented by Para Dressage Steward General Juliet Whatley and Head of Performance Pathways at British Equestrian David Hamer – provides a structured approach to reviewing Non-Standard Compensating Aid (CA) requests from Para Dressage athletes.

The panel consists of four professionals: a Classifier, a Judge, a Coach/Trainer, and a Steward. This diverse composition ensures a thorough evaluation of each request, drawing on expertise from multiple areas within the sport. The primary objective is to support the athlete’s performance while maintaining fairness, safety, and the welfare of both the rider and the horse.

When assessing Non-Standard Aid requests, CAP focuses on three main aspects:

1. Welfare and Safety of the Horse: Ensuring that the aid does not cause undue pressure or force and complies with FEI Para Dressage Rules, particularly Article 8431 Saddlery – Equipment. The aid must also meet a design standard deemed reasonable by an expert.
2. Welfare and Safety of the Rider: Evaluating whether the aid could restrict the rider’s movement or pose a risk of injury, especially in the Event of an accident. The aid must be designed to minimise these risks.
3. Equitable Competition: Ensuring the aid allows the rider to compete fairly with others in their Grade, without gaining an unfair advantage.​ 
    

APPLICATION PROCESS
The process begins with the athlete submitting their request through their National Federation (NF), which then forwards it to the FEI. CAP members review the request, and a decision is made only when all panel members agree. This ensures transparency, and each decision is accompanied by a clear rationale. For more complex requests, the process can take up to three weeks to allow for thorough evaluation.

Athletes were encouraged to follow the proper procedures for submitting their requests through their National Federation to ensure a timely and efficient review process.

EXAMPLES OF CAP DECISIONS
Whatley and Hamer provided the following examples of CAP decisions:

• Approved Aid: A request to attach a whip to the hand or glove was initially rejected when velcro or leather attachments were proposed. However, the panel approved the use of a rubber band (no more than 0.5 cm in diameter), as it allowed the whip to be easily dropped for safety reasons.
• Rejected Aid: A request to attach a foot stirrup with a strap was denied because it would prevent the athlete from falling free in an accident, compromising safety.
• Other Denials: Requests for offset spurs (with the shank pointing inward to compensate for limited ankle movement) and velcro or rubber band attachments were refused due to concerns for horse welfare.
• Rejected Rein Modification: An adaptation for a double bridle was declined because it added leverage on the curb rein, affecting the horse’s comfort and performance.

ALIGNEMENT WITH FEI RULES
CAP ensures that all aids align with the latest FEI rules, including recent updates such as:

• Noseband Measurement: New guidelines for the fit and tightness.
• Handholds and Looped Reins: Soft handholds are limited to 10 cm from the pommel, while looped reins are restricted to four loops, each no more than 30 cm in length.
• Updated Definitions: The definitions of rider falls and horse falls have been updated to provide clarity around these incidents.

USE OF VIDEO EVIDENCE
CAP frequently requests videos of the proposed aids in action, as this helps the panel better understand how the aid will affect the horse’s movement and overall welfare. This video evidence allows for a more informed decision-making process, ensuring that all factors are considered before a ruling is made.

Presenters
♦ Juliet Whatley, FEI Para Dressage Steward General
♦ David Hamer, Member of CAP, and Head of Performance Pathways at British Equestrian