Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What do I wear at dressage competitions?
Jackets - Short jacket or tweed coats must be worn. Jackets can be any plain, dark conservative colour. Tweed coats should not be brightly coloured Jackets and coats should be worn with a correctly tied stock, white American collar or shirt and tie.
Hats - Protective hats must be worn at all times during British Dressage competitions including exercising, warming up and competing.
Hats must meet the following standards:
PAS015, EN1384, BSEN1384 (BD strongly recommends that hats are BSI Kitemarked)
ASTM F1163 (2004) with SEI mark
SNELL E2001
Australian and NZ All AS/NZS 3838 1998 or any new standard that meets or exceeds those stated.
If a hat falls off during a test the rider must stop and replace it. The hat can be handed to the rider or they can dismount. The test can then restart without any penalties being incurred.
Breeches/Jodphurs - must be plain white, beige or cream
Gloves - must be worn and white, beige or cream gloves are strongly preferred
Boots - can be long boots or jodphur boots and must be plain brown or black. Gaiters can be worn if they are identical leather to the boots. Boots must not be decorated apart from small manufacturers studs.
Spurs - may be worn at all levels but excessive use if forbidden.
Whips - are permited, only one can be used in the warm up and whilst competing. Whips should not be used in a way that disturbs other horses and cannot be picked up if dropped during a test. When saluting the judge the rider must take the reins and whip in one hand. The free hand is then dropped to the riders side and the rider should nod their head. Excessive use of the whip is strictly forbidden.
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Jackets - Short jacket or tweed coats must be worn. Jackets can be any plain, dark conservative colour. Tweed coats should not be brightly coloured Jackets and coats should be worn with a correctly tied stock, white American collar or shirt and tie.
Hats - Protective hats must be worn at all times during British Dressage competitions including exercising, warming up and competing.
Hats must meet the following standards:
PAS015, EN1384, BSEN1384 (BD strongly recommends that hats are BSI Kitemarked)
ASTM F1163 (2004) with SEI mark
SNELL E2001
Australian and NZ All AS/NZS 3838 1998 or any new standard that meets or exceeds those stated.
If a hat falls off during a test the rider must stop and replace it. The hat can be handed to the rider or they can dismount. The test can then restart without any penalties being incurred.
Breeches/Jodphurs - must be plain white, beige or cream
Gloves - must be worn and white, beige or cream gloves are strongly preferred
Boots - can be long boots or jodphur boots and must be plain brown or black. Gaiters can be worn if they are identical leather to the boots. Boots must not be decorated apart from small manufacturers studs.
Spurs - may be worn at all levels but excessive use if forbidden.
Whips - are permited, only one can be used in the warm up and whilst competing. Whips should not be used in a way that disturbs other horses and cannot be picked up if dropped during a test. When saluting the judge the rider must take the reins and whip in one hand. The free hand is then dropped to the riders side and the rider should nod their head. Excessive use of the whip is strictly forbidden.
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