Correct attire for dressage competition
Competing in dressage requires both skill and correct equipment. Correct attire is important to comply with competition regulations and give a professional impression. From riding helmets to riding boots, every detail plays a role.
Riding helmet
For all riding within the competition area, regardless of level or class, riders must wear a riding helmet with a buckled chinstrap. The helmet can be any color but must be of an approved type. To be approved, the helmet must be CE-marked, which means that it meets EU requirements.
Breeches
Although white breeches are most common at competitions, other colors are also allowed. Our white F LOW breeches are of course perfect to ride in!
Riding jacket or coat
Riders may wear riding jackets in any color. A riding jacket is a tailored jacket that reaches lower than the waist. In MsvA and higher classes, a riding coat is permitted. In 1* competitions and lower classes, a club jacket or long-sleeved shirt can replace the jacket. In bad weather, the head judge may give permission to use rain gear and in warm weather, the head judge may allow the riders to compete without a riding jacket or frock coat.
Competition stop
Under a riding jacket or tailcoat, it is permitted to wear a polo shirt, shirt, or top with a buttoned collar. Ties or plastic straps can also be used, but it is becoming more common to just use a racing top under the jacket. These competition tops always have white collars. GRACE competition top is stylish and sporty.
Riding boots
Riding boots can be any color. In invitational, 1* and 2* competitions, it is permitted to use riding shoes/jodhpurs together with boot shafts or short chaps without fringes.
Riding gloves
Gloves are recommended but not mandatory and can be any color.
Safety vest
Safety vest is permitted and can be worn either outside or inside the jacket or coat.
Uniform
Military and police may compete in uniform.
Shabrack
There is no rule that requires a white bridle to be worn in dressage competitions. Theoretically, you are free to choose any color. In practice, however, almost all dressage riders choose a white bridle because it is considered to give an elegant and traditional impression.
Advertising on Clothing and Equipment
Riders have the right to wear advertising or logos on their clothing, cowl/sabrak or fly hood. These rules only apply to 5*/4* competitions. The following restrictions apply to the exposure of the sponsor's name and/or logo during the competition and prize giving:
- Vojlock/Schabrak : Maximum area of 200 cm² on each side.
- Riding jacket : Maximum area of 80 cm² on each side, at the height of the breast pocket.
- Shirt collar : Maximum area of 16 cm² on each side or in the center of the collar.
- Breeches : Maximum area of 80 cm² (20 cm long, 4 cm wide) once along the left leg.
- Riding helmet : Maximum area of 125 cm² (25 cm long, 5 cm wide) in the center of the helmet.
- Fly hood : Maximum area of 75 cm², only once.
Spurs
Spurs are optional both during front riding and competitive riding in all classes.
Rod
Poles are allowed on the front ride and at the award ceremony, but not during the competition program itself or on the competition course in connection with the start. The collecting ring counts as front riding. If you have the rod with you to or into the competition course, you will receive a deduction of 2 points. The length of the rod may not exceed 1.20 meters for horses and 1.00 meters for ponies.