From the 1st of January 2016, Switzerland will prohibit the use of draw reins at their (national) shows. The current rules limit the use of draw reins - they are for example not allowed when jumping at the warm-up, but from next year draw reins can not be used at all at a Swiss show. The new rules state that draw reins are generally prohibited in competition, at the warm-up and at prize givings. 

On their website, the Swiss Equestrian Federation explains their decision to ban the use of draw reins. At the core of the decision lies the well-being of the horses and the prestige of the entire equestrian sport, with further reference to how horses seen on draw reins (whether used correctly or not) can bring forward a feeling of force and pressure for the general public watching the sport - something that would send out wrong signals and that could prove to be harmful for the image of the sport. 

If there is an international event in Switzerland the FEI rules are in force.

Read the full article on the Swiss ban here.