last updated on December 19, 2008 14:57

British Dressage will adopt the new 2009 FEI tests at all relevant competitions from 1 January 2009. To view the tests required at FEI level from 1 January, please click http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Dressage/Organisers/Pages/Dressage_Tests.aspx.

Important Information
Please note if you have purchased an FEI Junior Preliminary test (2006) or Advanced Medium 85 test dated 2009 from the BD shop, this has been replaced as of 17/12/08 by a new test also labeled the FEI Preliminary test for 2009, with effect from 1st January. To check you have the correct test sheet for 2009 please refer to the bottom right hand corner of your test sheet. If it is dated copyright 2006, this is incorrect for all shows commencing 1/1/09 and has now been replaced with a 2009 version.

The FEI has released the following press release regarding changes to collective marks:

"Following the release of the new dressage tests on 14 November 2008, concerns were raised by some National Federations during the General Assembly who wished to keep the collective marks at 2,2,2,2. The Bureau/ Headquarters therefore referred the matter to the Dressage Task Force for a second opinion. "

"We can now inform you that the Dressage Task Force supports the change in Collectives to 1,1,2,2, which is the opinion of the majority of NFs as well as the opinion of the Working Group for Dressage Tests. Also many riders, trainers and judges felt that 17-25% of the total marks for the former collectives 2,2,2,2 was too high and there is now a mathematical balance. FEI Headquarters will monitor the effect of the change during 2009 as well as all new tests in use."

The FEI has also confirmed the members of the FEI Dressage Task Force:
Frank Kemperman (NED), chairman and representative of the event organisers
Richard Davison (GBR), riders' representative
Robert Dover (USA), trainers' representative
Alain Francqueville (FRA), chef d'equipe
Katrina Wuest (GER), judges' representative
Elizabeth Max-Theurer (AUT), owners' representative