With the relaxation of the FEI rules concerning the colour of tail coats, the Dutch equestrian federation has taken the opportunity to put their Olympic dressage team in full orange tails, similar to the show jumping riders.
Any Colour Allowed
The FEI rule 427.2.1., updated on 1 January 2021, reads:
Tailcoats/jackets,: any single colour tailcoat or jacket (approved by the Athlete’s NF) will be allowed. Striped or multi-coloured coats or jackets are not permitted. Tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue or modest piping or crystal decorations, are acceptable.
While before only black or dark blue were allowed, and there was a relaxation of the colours for the freestyle outfit, the rule amendment now allows for any colours in dressage.
Team Orange, Literally
With any colour allowed, the Dutch did not wait a second to refit their tailcoats to the flashy orange colour.
The Dutch Olympic Dressage team did a fitting of their new jackets at the NOC headquarters in Papendal, The Netherlands, on 7 July 2021 and the Dutch NF made a little video of the fitting.
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2021 Olympic Games
Edward Gal and Total U.S. Take the Lead in the 2021 Dutch Dressage Championships