Dressage Rules & Equipment

UPDATED June 2025 - The purpose of this pamphlet is to assist Exhibitors as well as USEF Dressage Technical Delegates, Dressage Judges and Stewards who officiate Dressage classes at any Federation licensed competition. Exhibitors and Officials must be familiar with USEF Dressage Rules DR120 and DR121 in the current USEF Rule Book. In no way does this booklet supersede the most current USEF Rule Book. There may be updates during the year and all competitors and officials should consult the current Rule Book prior to competing.

Anatomy of a Successful Experience: Determining If You Are Ready to Move Up a Level

Summary of rule changes in effect as of 12/1/2025 for the 2026 Competition Year.

Summary of rule changes in effect as of 2/1/2026.

The USEF Rulebook is designed to delineate boundaries that create an environment for fair and honest competition within which equestrians can enjoy competing safely, with integrity and respect.

UPDATED - April 2025 - Annex A is a supplement to the USEF Dressage Rules. All bits/equipment labeled as ‘Pending Review’ are not allowed in USEF/USDF competition until determined otherwise in this Annex. Please refer to FEI Dressage Rules directly for permitted saddlery/equipment in FEI CDIs events. NOTE: New bridle and/or models/configurations and equipment may be approved under our Annex A. However, all existing provisions of DR121, including allowed bridle materials, must additionally be met to be acceptable for competition purposes.

Additional information regarding the rule change to DR121.3. a (crownpieces) that went into effect 9/1/24.

Dressage Competition Management and Technical Delegates are strongly encouraged to review these Implementation Guidelines for DR126 Equipment Inspections. This document outlines the responsibilities of both competition management and the Technical Delegate. The guideline also provides examples of possible methods that can be utilized to ensure that 50% of equipment is checked.

This guide is designed to assist equipment checkers at Level 1-3 competitions.

This guide is designed to assist equipment checkers at a Level 4-5 competition (Championships).