United States Eventing Association

Flipping through any tack store catalog will show you the endless amounts of tack and equipment that exist for your horse, and when buying a new piece of equipment for your horse it is always a good idea to take a gander in the USEF’s Rules For Eventing section EV115 to make sure that it is legal for USEA Recognized Horse Trials.

Be sure and check your tack before heading out to a competition, inspect the stitching and look for any weak spots in the leather that could prevent you from successfully completing the event. At all times while mounted at a competition an English type saddle and bridle are required. Restrictions to the saddlery used at a show begin at 3:00 p.m. on the day before the start of the entire competition.

When schooling or exercising your horse running martingales with rein stops, Irish martingales, bit guards, boots, bandages, fly shields, nose covers, and seat covers are all permitted. Side reins, running reins, and chambons are allowed only while lunging. All other gadgets as well as blinkers are forbidden and could get you disqualified.

Dressage

For dressage less is more. The only permitted pieces of saddlery are an English type saddle, bridle, and breastplate. A plain, conservative colored, well-fitting saddle pad is recommended. The nosebands allowed on the bridle may be cavesson, dropped, crossed (figure eight), or flash and they must be made entirely out of leather or leather-like material. A small disc of sheepskin is allowed for crossed nose bands. A double bridle is permitted for the upper levels and for information on the specifications you should refer to the rule book. Remember that any kind of boots or leg bandages are forbidden as well as nearly every other type of gadget and head/ear/nose covering.

Your horse’s bit will be checked for your dressage test, so it is important to view the drawings of permitted bits to confirm that your bit is legal (pictured right and in Appendix 4 of the Rulebook).

Cross-country and Show Jumping

The jumping phases are much less restrictive than the dressage phase. Breastplates are recommended for the jumping phases, but the only kinds of martingales allowed are running martingales with rein stops or Irish martingales. Reins must attach directly to the bit or use a u-shaped converter for bits designed for two reins. Gags and hackamores are also allowed. Stirrup irons and leathers must only be attached to the saddle by the stirrup bar and hang freely.

For FEI level competitions horse’s boots are restricted to a total weight of 500g. This includes all equipment added to a horse’s leg front or hind.

Questions about what your horse should wear to a USEA recognized event? Don’t hesitate to contact the USEA office!