United States Eventing Association

Clarification on Permitted Bits in Eventing Competitions

In response to increased inquiries, the USEF Eventing Sport Committee recently discussed permitted bits for the dressage phase in both eventing FEI competitions and national Horse Trials/Three-Day Events held under USEF Rules. For now, we hope the following overview will provide clarity:

PERMITTED BITS FOR DRESSAGE - FEI EVENTING COMPETITIONS:
Please be aware that with few exceptions, the only bits permitted for the dressage test of FEI Eventing Competitions are those specifically illustrated in Article 428 of the FEI Rules for Dressage and the “Summary of new Tack/Equipment approved for FEI Dressage events 2016 " In addition, a few other approved bits are can be found in the “Information on Tack/Equipment approved for FEI Dressage events” below the summary.

In the past, it seemed permissible to combine any approved ring or cheek with any approved bit. The FEI has advised us that this is no longer permissible. Bits used for the dressage phase of FEI eventing competitions must be exactly as illustrated.

Please see Annex A of the FEI Eventing rules for the few exceptions to the Dressage Rules.

PERMITTED BITS FOR DRESSAGE – ALL USEF RECOGNIZED/ENDORSED HORSE TRIALS AND NATIONAL THREE-DAY EVENTS:

Appendix 4 of the USEF Rules for Eventing, includes illustrations of all bits permitted for use in the dressage phase of USEF Licensed/Endorsed eventing competitions. Please note that in addition to the information found in Appendix 4, the Eventing Sport Committee confirms that any of the rings or cheeks illustrated in Appendix 4 may be combined with any of the bits.

The ESC and Eventing Rules Working Group will continue discussions which will result in clarifications to the USEF Rules For Eventing (Saddlery) .

Questions? Please contact Shealagh Costello at [email protected]