Preparing for your first horse show can be a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and inevitable stress. Ensuring you have the correct horse tack is paramount, as the wrong equipment can not only disrupt your plans but potentially ruin your entire show day. Understanding which items are permissible and which are not, based on governing bodies like the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), is crucial for success and to avoid disqualification. This guide delves into the essential “dos and don’ts” of horse tack for various equestrian disciplines.
Western Dressage Tack Rules
Western dressage elegantly blends traditional dressage principles with the refined skills of a Western horse. This discipline adheres to a strict set of rules regarding permitted and prohibited tack.
Approved Bridles
Allowed bridles fall into four main categories: Western cavesson, Hackamore or Bosal, Western Two Rein bridle, and bitless bridles. Mechanical hackamores are forbidden. Bosals must be rounded and made of braided rawhide or leather. Bitless bridles need to be Western-style, constructed from flat leather or similar material, and cannot feature a sidepull. Any noseband that utilizes a flash, figure-eight, or dropped design is disallowed. While standard Western bits are generally accepted, regulations on bit types vary by competition level. Crucially, any bit that could inflict harm is strictly prohibited. For example, snaffle bits are permissible at all levels and for horses of any age. Mouthpieces can be solid or barrel-shaped, but flat, sharp, slow-twist, twisted, or pointed edges are explicitly forbidden. Curb chains or straps, when used with a curb bit, must lie flat against the horse and be made of suitable material.
Saddle Requirements
English, Australian, Baroque, McClellan, and Spanish saddles are explicitly prohibited in Western dressage. Competitors must use either a standard American Western stock saddle or a working Western side saddle. Saddles cannot have thigh or knee rolls, but breastplates, cruppers, or breeching are permissible.
Leg Protection and Accessories
Splint boots, hock boots, and all other types of leg protection boots are disallowed. Instead, polo-style leg wraps are permitted, but they should be in a color that closely matches the horse’s natural coat or in white. Using brightly colored polo wraps may result in point deductions. Spurs and whips are allowed, with spurs being of Western or English dressage style and having blunted tines. Whips must not exceed 47.2 inches in length, including the lash. The overall aesthetic for Western dressage tack should be understated, with neutral colors that do not detract from the horse’s performance.
General Western Riding Tack
The USEF rulebook outlines general requirements for Western riding competitions, which vary across disciplines like Working Cow Horse, Reining, and Barrel Racing.
Saddles and Bridles
While ornate Western saddles with extensive silver embellishments are popular, the rules state that “silver equipment shall not count over a good working outfit.” This means a well-made working saddle is as acceptable as a decorative one. Regarding bridles, USEF provides less specific regulation for general Western classes compared to Western dressage. Hackamores are permitted in most classes, provided the horse is under five years old.
Bit Regulations
For bits, standard Western bits are expected, with a maximum shank length of 8.5 inches. The mouthpiece diameter should range from 5/16 to ¾ inches and must be smooth or latex-wrapped, without any protrusions. Standard snaffle bits are allowed for horses under five years old, featuring a smooth, center-jointed, single-rounded mouthpiece.
Leg Protection
Unlike Western dressage, polo-style leg wraps are not permitted in general Western classes. All bandages and boots for leg protection are prohibited, except in Working Cow Horse classes where shin, bell, and/or protective bandages are allowed on the front legs, and standard sliding or rundown boots are permitted on the rear fetlocks.
Dressage Tack Regulations
The traditional dressage arena enforces some of the most stringent tack regulations.
Bridle Rules
The type of bridle permitted depends on the competition level. For tests below Second Level, and for FEI tests for children and ponies, a plain snaffle bridle is mandatory, including during warm-ups. Above Third Level, a double bridle can be used. However, for Junior and Young Rider classes at Premier Leagues or High Profile Shows, including Under 25 Championships and FEI International shows, double bridles are required. Bridles must be made of leather or a similar material. Nylon reinforcements are allowed only if they do not directly contact the horse. Bridles must be brown or black and include a browband, noseband, and bit. Western-style and bitless bridles are prohibited.
Bit Specifications
Dressage bits have specific rules: bit guards and mouthpieces with a diameter less than 10mm are not allowed. Acceptable materials include rubber, nylon, or synthetics, without aftermarket additions. Legal bit styles include various types of rings and cheeks. Mouthpieces for snaffle bridles can be single-jointed, double-jointed, barrel-jointed, or unjointed. The mouthpiece must be smooth, without twists, bumps, or exposed wire. Any joint that could pinch the horse’s mouth is strictly forbidden.
Saddles and Saddle Pads
Non-English style saddles such as Australian, Baroque, Endurance, McClellan, Spanish, Stock, or Western saddles are prohibited. Competitors can typically choose between a dressage-specific saddle or a jumping-style saddle at lower levels and schooling shows. However, for FEI tests (excluding para dressage), a dressage-specific saddle with long, near-vertical flaps and stirrups is required. Saddle pads must be conservative in color, typically white, black, cream, or navy. Contrasting colors and piping are allowed, but striped or multi-colored pads are not.
Accessories
Fly veils that match the horse’s natural color are permitted, including noise-reducing versions. Ear plugs and ear muffs are forbidden and can lead to elimination. Boots and bandages are also prohibited in the arena and warm-up, though they may be used during warm-up if removed before entering the competition ring. Whips are allowed up to 120cm in length, including the lash. Overall, dressage tack should be neutral and conservative to emphasize the horse’s natural movement and grace.
Hunter/Jumper Tack Guidelines
While the Hunter/Jumper circuit may have fewer explicit rules than dressage, there’s a strong emphasis on conforming to a traditional aesthetic.
Saddle and Pad Choice
Most competitors opt for a brown, close-contact saddle, as black saddles can make a rider stand out negatively. While not strictly regulated, saddle bling is discouraged as judges may deduct points for unsuitable turnout. Sheepskin or fleece saddle pads that conform closely to the saddle shape are preferred, with minimal overhang. Conservative pads are recommended if shaped pads are unavailable.
Boots and Bridles
Boots of any kind—bell boots, tendon boots, brushing boots, etc.—are explicitly forbidden and can lead to elimination or prevent placement. Competitors typically use plain snaffle bridles, sometimes with understated decorative stitching. Dropped, flash, and figure-eight nosebands are generally prohibited.
Bits and Martingales
For bits, simple snaffle or pelham bits are recommended. Illegal bits include three rings, gags, and kimberwicks, which may result in point deductions. Martingales are prohibited in under saddle, hack, and tie-breaking classes but are allowed in over fences or jumping classes. When in doubt about accessories like nasal strips or nose nets, it is best to avoid them. The only exception for leg protection is in cases of inclement weather, where show management may permit bell boots in muddy conditions. Whips are allowed but must be under 30 inches and are only permitted while jumping.
Showjumping Tack Regulations
Showjumping offers some of the least restrictive tack requirements, focusing on speed and performance over fences.
Saddles, Pads, and Bridles
A wide variety of saddles are permitted, though most riders choose jumping saddles for optimal performance. Saddle pads of any type and color are also allowed. Similarly, any bridle type preferred by the horse and rider is acceptable.
Bit Restrictions
While many bits are allowed, any curb used with a leverage bit must consist of loose links or joints, lie flat against the horse’s jaw, and be free of twists or sharp objects. Wrapping the curb or using a cover is permissible for comfort, but not with wire, metal, rawhide, or similar substances.
Martingales and Draw Reins
For classes with fences higher than 1.30 meters, only running martingales used conventionally are permitted. Draw reins and German martingales are allowed for schooling or in classes without prize money and fences below 1.20 meters.
Leg Equipment Weight Limit
Show jumpers must be mindful of the total weight of equipment on their horse’s legs. Boots, bandages, or bell boots cannot exceed 500 grams per leg. Beyond this weight restriction, there are no other limitations on the type of boot used.
Cross Country Tack Emphasis on Safety
Cross country competition prioritizes safety above all else. Tack must allow for immediate and unrestricted separation of the rider from the horse in case of a fall.
Saddle and Bridle Flexibility
Stirrup irons and leathers must hang outside the saddle flap and be free from the saddle bar. Reins should connect directly to the bridle without loops or hand attachments. Riders have considerable freedom in choosing tack; English-style saddles and various bridles, including double bridles, snaffles, gags, or hackamores, are allowed. Running martingales, Irish martingales, bit guards, boots, bandages, fly shields, nose covers, and seat covers are also permitted for comfort. Protective horse tack like boots and bell boots are commonly used. Side reins, running reins, and chambons are only allowed when lunging an unmounted horse. Gadgets like balancing reins, blinkers, and other forms of martingales are strictly forbidden.
Spurs and Whips
Spurs must be smooth metal with a shank less than 4cm, pointing rearward and curving downward. Any spur capable of wounding the horse is forbidden. Whips can be no longer than 30 inches and cannot be weighted. Riders will be penalized for carrying an adjustable-length whip while mounted. The principle of “less is best” applies, with fewer “gadgets” being preferable for both horse and rider.
Breeches.com: Your Comprehensive Online Horse Tack Store
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