Are you looking to give dressage a try this year?
Dressage is inclusive for horses and riders of all levels and capabilities, with plenty of local and national opportunities to suit all aspirations whether you just want to go out and have fun or are a competitive rider after winning results. Whether you're looking to compete for the first time, are coming back to it after a break, or just want to check that your new show jacket is permitted, we've put together an easy-to-follow guide for both horse and rider. These rules apply for men, women and children competing at lower levels of dressage.
This guide is correct as of February 2022.
When competing both in affiliated (British Dressage) and unaffiliated classes it's important to be aware of and to follow the rules and guidelines for both horse and rider. Turning yourself and your horse out smartly in correct dress and competition-legal tack stands you in good stead for the competition, shows respect for the judge and organisers, and contributes to the feel and experience of your day. It's a huge part of competitive riding, from the lower local levels right up to international competition.
Clarify the rules in the latest British Dressage Rulebook if you're unsure, and to take into account any changes.
Dressage Competition Wear
It's easy to keep your dressage competition outfit simple and affordable when you start out. The primary rules are that your outfit is muted and conservative, but subtle embellishments and additions to items are permitted as long as core dress rules are adhered to and there are no welfare risks for the horse.
Protective EquipmentYou can wear either a jockey skull or a peaked helmet for dressage, provided it meets the current PAS015 safety standards. The helmet should ideally match your jacket colour; if wearing a jockey skull the hat silk should be in a solid, muted colour. Hats that are completely mirrored are not permitted.
You are able to wear a body protector or an air jacket if you wish to, provided it is in a conservative, muted colour.
JacketsIntro - Advanced-Medium Level: Short show jackets or tweed short coats (hacking jackets) are worn up to Advanced-Medium level. Show jackets should be in conservative, muted colours (black, navy or grey are most common), but some detailing is allowed such as subtle pinstripes, coloured collars and contrast piping to the collar, lapels, pockets and vents on jackets are permitted.
Bold patterns and bright coloured jackets are not allowed. Navy jackets with a red collar and white piping are worn by the British Team only.
At regular competitions (not Championships, Regionals, Area Festivals, Premier Leagues and High Profile shows) riders can also wear waistcoats (also in plain, muted colours).
Long or short-sleeved show shirt worn with a stock or a tie in hot weather. Riders may choose to wear plain, dark waterproof coats in wet weather.
Shirt & Stock/TieEither a traditional show shirt or a modern competition shirt is permitted. Traditional collared shirts are worn with a tie that matches your jacket and show shirts are worn with a correctly fastened stock tie in a conservative colour with a subtle design.
LegwearCompetition breeches and jodhpurs should be plain white, beige, champagne or canary yellow to suit the colour of the jacket you're wearing.
FootwearConventional long riding boots or jodhpur boots with or without matching chaps or gaiters in black or brown should be worn. Suede and fringed gaiters/chaps are not permitted.
Spurs may be worn at all levels. They must be a pair, made of metal (which may be coated) and used in their manufactured state. More details of spur use are in the British Dressage rulebook.
GlovesGloves are mandatory and must be worn during your test. Any colour glove is permitted, but black, navy and white is most popular.