US Equestrian encourages all dressage competitors, licensed officials, and competition managers to review a new memo regarding the rule update to DR121.3.a – Crownpieces.
The rule update went into effect on Sept. 1, 2024.
Smooth Crownpiece
The rule update specifies that padding on the crownpiece “must be smooth and continuous across the poll while on the horse and rectangular or in the same shape as the crownpiece. Padding may extend no more than 1.5 centimeters beyond the dimensions of the crownpiece.”
This construction is intended to minimize pressure points around the poll that can occur along the edges of padded areas. Further explanation of this rule update is provided in the memo.
Any crownpiece that does not meet the specifications of DR121 is not permitted. Competitors are strongly encouraged to have their bridles checked by the Technical Delegate before competing if they have any questions.
Explanation Behind this Change
The poll and the area behind the horse’s ears carry the weight of the bridle. In order to distribute the force over a large area and to avoid areas of pressure concentration along the edges of padded areas, any padding must be smooth and continuous across the poll while on the horse, and rectangular or in the same shape as the crownpiece. Crownpieces with interrupted padding or padding of uneven thickness on the underside are not permitted. Any crownpiece that doesn't meet these specifications is not permitted.
See the full memo here.
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