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Rules & Equipment

The purpose of the Rules & Equipment information is to assist Athletes as well as USEF Dressage Technical Delegates, Judges and Stewards who officiate Dressage classes at any Federation licensed competition. Athletes and Officials must be knowledgable of and in compliance with the with USEF Dressage and General Rules. 

 

Questions?   Contact Hannah Niebielski, Director, Dressage National Programs 

Forms and Publications

Annex A - Bits, Saddlery and Equipment

UPDATED - January 31, 2019. 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.

Dressage Attire and Equipment Booklet

UPDATED March 22, 2019- 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.

Combined Nosebands Clarification

Clarification to DR121.2 regarding Combined Nosebands

Nose Nets used in National Competition

Effective April 1, 2017, USEF Dressage Rules will allow an approved brand of nose net to be worn in dressage competition in compliance with DR121.9.

FEI Dressage Tests for Seven Year Olds – Preliminary and Final Tests – at National Competition

The FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses are not a part of the qualifying process for any USEF Dressage National Championship

US Equestrian Dressage Guidelines for Equipment Review: by Competitors and/or Officials

Updated 04.16.2019 The purpose of this memo is to outline the method for interpretations of USEF Dressage Rules by Dressage Department for current legal equipment, posed by officials and competitors, that is shared with dressage sport stakeholders and posted on web as "current questions answered FAQ" and/or inclusion in Annex A of the USEF Dressage Rules.

US Equestrian Dressage Guidelines for Equipment Review for Manufacturers

Updated 04.16.2019. The purpose of this review process is to allow dressage equipment manufacturers to submit their new products or prototypes (bits, bridles, saddles, etc.) for review and determination of compliance with current Dressage Regulations of the USEF Dressage Rules, when from initial review from Dressage Department staff, volunteers, competitors, officials, etc. it appears that the equipment is currently not in compliance with USEF Dressage Rules.

Opportunity Classes - Effective February 14, 2014

Important Information on Opportunity Classes

Rulebook - USEF General & Dressage Rules

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.

USEF Dressage Grand Prix 12-Month Ranking List Criteria

Athlete/horse combinations are named to the USEF Dressage Grand Prix Ranking List (“Ranking List”) based on the criteria outlined in this document.