2022: A Year In Review
This year flew by, didn’t it? There were many exciting highs and more than a few interesting discussions about horse sport in 2022. Here’s our top headlines from the year in review:
So long, French Links. The USEF announced that beginning Dec. 1, French Link snaffle bits would no longer be allowed in dressage competition. This comes a few years after eventing rules banned the bit, along with Dr. Bristols.
HELLO, Lottie Fry! Lottie Fry isn’t a newcomer in the world of FEI dressage but boy, did she did make a splash in 2022 with spectacular performances aboard Glamourdale at the World Dressage Championships and the London International Horse Show.
Good on you, New Zealand. From a podium finish at the Eventing World Champs in Patroni to Tim Price’s all-class No. 1 finish at the Maryland 5*, it was a banner year to be a kiwi.
Maternity leave takes center stage. When Jessica von Bredow-Werndl was ready to return to the dressage ring after having her child, she was met with some strife from the FEI. This sparked a debate on who and when a woman should return to sport, and who should get to decide. The FEI ultimately added some flexibility.
Some hard goodbyes. The Tallahassee-based Red Hills Horse Trials officially ran its last event. Several other horse parks closed or changed hands this year, too. And the shakeup over eventing calendar dates continues.
More flair, please. It was the first year new rules in dressage competition allowed for some flair down center line. Boots, coats and saddle pads could show off some color in the ring … and riders sure did!
Research moves us forward. The Virginia Tech helmet study armed us with new information about safety and changed the way we looked at many top (and expensive) brands. There’s still a long way to go in this realm, but this breakthrough research is a step in the right direction.
This hot take originally published in the Heels Down Spark. Get more conversation starters in your inbox every weekday morning by subscribing to the Spark now.