Tack restrictions for British Dressage Tests

[Jamey]

I know there are restrictions for types of bit you can use but I can't remember which ones are acceptable. I am hoping to compete with Sasha in some prelim and novice tests later this year and am due to start lessons with a dressage instructor shortly. She is currently ridden in a Mullen mouth Pelham - would this be acceptable for this level of test or does it have to be done in a snaffle? I want to get this right before we start our training so that I can start from scratch with a different bit if this is required.

Also, are spurs allowed at this level?

[RachelEvent]

I don't have a british dressage rulebook to hand.. it's around somewhere, but I'm pretty confident that pelhams are not allowed. You'll have to compete in a snaffle, unless you find some unaffiliated shows which allow different bits (classes that are advertised as 'first time dressage' or 'fun dressage' will often allow most bits)

However, not all snaffles are accepted, so I'd have a chat with your new instructor, and work out which bit she thinks will work best with your horse, and is allowed in competition.

Spurs are allowed at all levels of dressage, apart from pony club tests, where you need permission in writing from your DC

Rachel xx

[Zingy]

I think the bit rules have just changed as well - you can now use bits made of 2 metals whereas you couldn't before. Don't know if the british dressage website has the full rules on it?

[Jamey]

Just had a look and the website has a full list of snaffles acceptable. Thank you very much. Now to figure out which one would be best!!!

[Lgd]

Snaffles only allowed at Prelim and Novice. Double bridle or snaffle Elementary to Advanced Medium, Double bridle only Advanced - GP.

A hanging cheek snaffle, single or french link, may be worth trying as you will still have the poll action and reduced bar action.

[Willingbe]

Hi,

Permitted bits are:
1. Ordinary snaffle with double jointed mouthpiece
2. ordinary snaffle with double jointed mouthpiece (french link)
3. ordinary snaffle with jointed mouth-piece with lozenge
4. ordinary snaffle with jointed mouthpiece
5. racing snaffle (D ring)
6. Egg-butt snaffle:
a. without cheeks
b. with cheeks
7. other type of snaffle with cheeks
8. snaffle with upper cheeks only
9. rubber, leather or plastic snaffle jointed or unjointed
10. unjointed snaffle
11a hanging cheeks snaffle or loose ring hanging snaffle

Plus two mylar bits which made it in as erratum on last years rule book but not on this years!

If you check out

http://www.horsesport.org/fei/pdfs/reference/03_02/dressage/DressageRules03-ENG.pdf

Page 48, it shows the FEI dressage rules which are equivalent.

Silly me, I forgot that the BD rule book is also now on their web-site:

http://www.britishdressage.org/British%20Dressage%20-%20Rule%20Book%202004.pdf