Rules surrounding vocal aids and nosebands remain the same in FEI competitions, despite British Riding Clubs (BRC) making changes in the interests of equine welfare and horse and rider safety.Last month BRC implemented rule changes to allow the use of rider voice and bridles without nosebands in its dressage competitions, but the FEI has confirmed it has not received any requests from national federations or other stakeholders to consider such a rule change in its international events. According to Article 424.5.5 of theFEIDressage Rules, theuseof any audio orvoicesupport during a dressage test is strictly prohibited, an FEI spokesperson told Your Horse. According to Article 434.2 of theFEIDressage Rules, theuseof a bridle with noseband is mandatory. As dressage is a subjectively judged sport, the standardisation of equipment ensures fairness and consistency.However, they noted that theFEIGeneral Assembly 2025 (4-7 November) approved a rule change to separate the Tack and Equipment section from the disciplines rules. The intention is to include all specifications in a dedicated document, allowing greater flexibility for the review and modification of permitted tack and equipment outside the annualFEIRule Revision process, they said.The fullFEIRule Revision process for dressage will take place next year. As part of this process, national federations and other stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to submit proposals for amendments to theFEIDressage Rules, including the Tack and Equipment provisions.Your Horse has approached British Dressage for a comment.Lead image ShutterstockDressage judges explain how to improve your test scoreIs your horse is uncomfortable in his bit? Signs he is unhappy and how to solve itDitch mandatory white sportswear: Rules amended for inclusivityFurther equestrian bodies to allow dark breeches and jodhpurs in bid to boost inclusivityThe post FEI rules on vocal aids and nosebands still stand despite British Riding Club changes appeared first on Your Horse.