Dufour, Bachmann Andersen and Klimke comment on possible curb ban

Danish dressage riders Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Daniel Bachmann Andersen have expressed their criticism of possible legal restrictions on the use of curbs. The background to this is a statement by the Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Jacob Jensen, who does not rule out a ban on the curb bit in Denmark.

In a recent interview with dr.dk, Laudrup-Dufour emphasizes that a ban does not automatically improve horse welfare. Rather, it is important that riders learn how to use the equipment correctly.

Ingrid Klimke takes a stand on the curb bit debate

German Olympic rider speaks out in favor of a fact-based discussion.

In Germany, too, there is an intense debate about the curb bit. A group of international scientists recently approached the FEI and the German Equestrian Federation (FN) with concerns about the use of the curb bit. Ingrid Klimke responded with a statement.

Klimke emphasizes that she welcomes any objective discussion about the welfare of horses, but warns against jumping to conclusions from individual photos. The central question is whether the obligation to use a curb bit is a purely sporting regulation or an animal welfare issue.

If scientific findings clearly prove that the curb bit is detrimental to horse welfare, she is open to a reassessment. However, it advocates a differentiated approach that also takes into account the sporting context and training methods. The FN has already announced that it will examine the available image and video material in detail and enter into a dialog with the scientists.

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