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THE GATE RIDING CLUB
EASY DRESSAGE RULE GUIDE
All Dressage competitions are run in accordance with British Dressage Rules, so we have pulled out the important things you need
to know for The Gate Riding Club Dressage Shows.
Dress Code - Rider
 Riders should be dressed in smart attire for their competition.
 Jackets must be short for Intro – Novice tests and be any dark colour or Tweed.
 Breeches or jodhpurs should be plain white, cream or beige.
 Gloves must be worn unless exceptional circumstances.
 Boots are to be black, brown or the same colour as the coat and may be long or short. Gaiters of the same leather as
the boots may also be worn.
 Spurs may be worn at all levels. They must not be worn upside down and be a pair. Excessive use of spur is
forbidden. Comb spurs are not permitted and Rowel spurs must be able to rotate.
 Protective Hats are to be worn at all times when mounted at a competition, including warming up. Please see Gate
Rules on the schedule for approved standards.
 Whips are permitted during the riders test.
Dress Code - Horse

Exercise boots must be removed before entering the dressage arena.

Saddle Clothes may be white, cream or a dark conservative colour.

Saddles should be General purpose or Dressage specific. Western style or traditional Iberian / Arabian saddles are
not permitted. Bright colours are not permitted.

Bridles must be used in the conventionally accepted manner. Snaffle bridles are only permitted at the Gate for
Intro – Novice Dressage Tests.

Bridles may not be decorated with tassels or any other additions. Padding of the cheek pieces is not allowed.

Flash / drop or cavesson nosebands are permitted. Drop Nosebands and flashstraps must lie in the chin groove.
Grackle nosebands are not permitted for dressage only competitions.
 Bitguards are not allowed

Neck straps are permitted at all levels.

Breast plates, breast girths and cruppers are permitted.
 All other additional tack (martingales, side / running reins ) are not permitted
 Bridle Numbers should be worn however you will be allocated a number when allocated your times.
 Plaiting is desirable but not compulsory.
Bits

See British Dressage Rule book with diagrams of permitted Dressage Legal Bits. Located with the secretary or via
the link to the BD rule book on line.
Warming Up
 Riders must pass left hand to left when meeting another rider coming in the opposite direction

Do not halt or walk on the outside track.
 No lunging is allowed in the warm up area.
In General

The use of a rider’s voice is prohibited and will result in the loss of 2 marks from the score that would have been
awarded for the movement in which it occurred.
 A rider may ride Hors Concours (HC) must request to on their entry form or inform the secretary at Declaration. A
score will still be given but no points awarded.

Riders must declare their entry to the secretary on arrival at the competition.

The competition time allocated to the competitor is the time that they should start their test.

Riders must wait for the judge’s signal before commencing their test. This could be a whistle / bell or car horn.

Callers are allowed in every class
If you have any further queries please see the dressage secretary on the day