U.S. Dressage Rule Change Makes Spurs Optional as of 1 September 2024

Dressage

U.S.A.

The dressage department of the United States Equestrian Federation has several rule changes which were approved by the Board of Directors and are in effect as of 1 September 2024.

A summary of the rule changes is noted below. The complete list can be found here.

Dress:

• Spurs are optional during competition in all FEI Tests. Language has also been added to clarify that metal spurs with round hard knobs (metal or plastic) on the shanks are permitted (“Impuls” spur) and the knobs may rotate. (Page 10)
• Language has been added to clarify that there is no penalty for having cell phones or other electronic devices worn or carried in clothing while competing, as long as they are not in use. (Page 12).

Saddlery and Equipment:

• Updated language regarding the shapes and styles of permitted bridle crownpieces and pads. (Page 14).
• Clarification that a throat latch may be stitched or attached to the crownpiece or browband with a ring, snap, or buckle. (Page 16).
• A throat latch is required. A jowl strap can be used in addition to a traditional throat latch. The jowl strap must be fitted around or immediately below the horse’s jowl. Nosebands with one to two lower (chin) straps must also have a throat latch. Exception: Micklem Bridle. The back strap (or chin strap) of a noseband cannot also be considered a jowl strap. (Page 18).
• Single or double jointed snaffles may be used with upper or lower cheeks, full cheeks or Fulmer cheeks. Loose rings may have a narrow sleeve fitted around part of the ring. (Page 20).

Scoring, Classification and Prize Giving:

• In Children classes and classes for 7-Year-Old Horses, penalty percentage points must be deducted from both technical judges’ and quality judges’ score sheets. (Page 22).
• For FEI Children classes: In case of equality of percentages, the competitor with the higher “technical” mark will be ranked highest. If still tied, the highest total median score of the Technical Judges will decide the placing. (Page 24).

Athletes who are Blind or Have Visual Impairment, Commanders (Readers) and Callers (Living Letters):

• There shall be no more than four (4) Human Callers placed around the arena and one (1) Caller at X, but athletes with visual impairment are encouraged to use as few Callers as possible. Electronic callers can be placed at every letter. (Page 26).

Minimum Entry Requirements for CDIs – Annex B Updates:

• An update has been made for athlete/horse combinations interested in competing in CDI5*/CDIO5* events.
• “Athlete/horse combinations have achieved the minimum FEI Criteria to compete at CDI5*/CDIO5* events per FEI Rules and have a minimum of 70% on the USEF 12-month Grand Prix Ranking List.
In extraordinary circumstances, for U.S. events only, a waiver may be requested by those athlete/horse combinations that have achieved a minimum of 68% on the USEF 12-month Grand Prix Ranking List. The waiver request will follow the same process as foreign competition waiver requests as seen below” (pg. 2)