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.
Important Rule Changes
Dressage Chapter Rule Changes Effective 12/1/2025
Dressage Chapter Rule Changes Effective 02/01/2026
Dressage Chapter Rule Changes Effective 04/15/2026
Dressage Chapter Rule Changes to take effect 12/1/2026
Presidential Modifications
|
DR121.3.a – Modification to Dressage Crownpieces: Effective for the remainder of the 2026 competition year, until the approved standard rule change goes into effect 12/1/2026. The crownpiece may still be padded and may have elastic inserts. The only materials contacting the horse’s head must be the leather or leather-like material of the crownpiece or additional padding material. The crownpiece may not be made completely or partly of elastic. Any piece of tack or equipment that impairs the ears to move freely is not permitted
DR121.15 Mane, Tail and Body: Effective for the remainder of the 2026 competition year due to the screwworm outbreak – removes language that an existing wound or injury cannot be obscured, allowing the use of non-clear wound medications on horses that have existing wounds or may develop wounds while in, or traveling from, screwworm-infested areas |
Press Releases
We Want To Hear From You: How You Can Use Your Voice To Influence Rule Changes
New FEI Veterinary Regulations Effective January 1, 2025
USEF Rulebooks
- Complete USEF Rulebook
- 2026 USEF Dressage Rulebook
- Annex A - Bits, Saddlery and Equipment - Updated May 2026
- Annex B - USA Dressage Minimum Entry Requirements for CDIs