I tried to look it up and I emailed USEF but couldn’t find/get the answer. I know blinders are illegal, but what about fleece on the check pieces of a bridle?
TIA!
I doubt this is helpful…but a friend of mine competed in them for years at USEA events and was told going into the startbox at her first CIC* that they were illegal at FEI and to remove them immediately.
Nope.
I think I remember reading that the only non-leather (or leather-like) piece allowed on your bridle was the padding where a figure 8 noseband crosses (does that have a name?). But I’m sure Janet will weigh in.
Both USEF and FEI rules state no blinkers allowed.
No mention of fleece or sheepskin on the bridle cheek pieces is mentioned in the USEF Eventing rules. The only comment is bolded under EV115.1.
However it is possible/probable the USEF officials (PGJ, TD or Steward) would identify the material on the cheek pieces as a form of blinker and not allow them.
EV115 Saddlery
- EXERCISE AREAS. The following restrictions begin at 3:00 p.m. of the day prior to the start of the entire competition and continue throughout the duration of the event. The following are compulsory: an English type saddle and any form of bridle, including double bridle, snaffle, gag or hackamores. Running martingales with rein stops, Irish
martingales, bit guards, boots, bandages, fly shields, nose covers, and seat covers are permitted. Side reins are
permitted only while lunging an unmounted horse, as are running reins and chambons. Other martingales, any
form of gadget (such as a bearing, running or balancing reins, etc.) and any form of blinkers, are forbidden, under penalty of disqualification.
From the current FEI rule book: Saddlery allowed/not allowed for XC & Jumping. Bolded statement does specifically state sheepskin or other material is NOT ALLOWED on the bridle cheek piece.
539.3 Cross Country and Jumping Tests
539.3.1 Permitted
The type of saddlery is optional. Gags or “bitless bridles” are allowed as are unrestricted running martingales or Irish martingales. Reins must be attached to the bit(s) or directly to the bridle. The stirrup iron and stirrup leathers must hang free from the bar of the saddle and outside of the flap.
539.3.2 Forbidden
Any form of blinkers, side, running or balancing reins; tongue straps and/or tying down the Horse’s tongue; any other restrictions, any bit or other item of saddlery likely to wound a Horse. Sheepskin (or other material) may not be used as addition on cheek pieces of the bridle.
For Cross Country, any device which could restrict the smooth separation of the Athlete’s boot from the stirrup in case of a fall is forbidden.
Thank you. Back to the drawing board for my stupidly spooky (at things outside the ring) horse…
I believe the Dyon ones are also legal. I certainly have seen horses wearing them at events for SJ.
