Three cheers to Lorilu for making this much progress!
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The best part of the guide is this line âWhen in doubt, rule on the side of
the competitor.â 
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I wore a mesh coat 2 weekends ago - never crossed my mind that I might be illegal. Eeeek! Well, no one said anything.
OT but⊠did you notice waaaaay at the bottom of that USEF communication that bits with French links are probably soon to be illegal? Anyone know the reason for that? I donât use one anymore but I know lots of horses that go in one. Surprised that hasnât come up here.
ETA: The French link info is actually in the Dressage Attire and Equipment Booklet. To wit:
The French Link snaffle (the center plate
curves) is currently PERMITTED but a
rule change is in process that will make
this bit prohibited, both as a snaffle and
bridoon, on 12/1/2022.
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Thatâs a shock. French links are widely used. I need to look up more about this.
The post above yours says that this coat is legal and that there is a rule clarification to be issued to make this permanent.
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Mesh coats are fine. The issue was a clarification needed about mesh PANELS.
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Itâs the two different colors that is the issue, not the mesh itself.
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Ugh. Iâd just emailed USEF about French link legality earlier this spring because of that note about them being under review. Was told they were legal. Mare is happy in one, much happier than with a bigger bean/ball type link.
French links, prohibited Wonder Woman boots, legal. Right 
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I see tail coats are permitted above 4th level. So this means short show coats are also okay? It doesnât say tail coats are required above 4th level.
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I know, I was half kidding.
Good! I love my mesh coat.
It was in the TD video from earlier in the y ear- it seems in part to maybe an FEI decision but the concern is that the flat part of the french link could act with too much force on the tongue and develop a sharp edge.
yes
Did everyone get the email yesterday? Its all under review. They heard us!!
and regarding bits: Her is a link to the proposal. I beliee you have to log in to view it. I think it will affect more than just the french link - NS turtle top maybe as well⊠https://www.usdf.org/competitions/usef-rule-changes/USEF%20Dressage%20Proposed%20Rule%20Changes.pdf?t=5/19/2022%208:38:47%20PM
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Short coats are permitted at all levels in national shows.
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Uh oh. Both my snaffle and bridoon are NS turtle tops.
Why would it affect the turtle top?
Possibly the âcurved on all surfacesâ requirement? Turtle tops might be considered to be flat on top? (I know the edges are rounded)
Oh, I did read the response. I see all this brouhaha about different colored coats and two-tone coats and shirts and logos and whatnot tiresome. Yeah, yeah, I know I donât have to visit the threadâŠ
I know several people who have opted not to renew their USEF memberships and who no longer show at recognized (USEF/USDF) shows, partly due to the SafeSport requirement. Others are cutting back or out because of costs. Not everyone is loaded with dough. I only buy new show clothes as my body expands (like the universe). And it hurts!
IMO, all because people canât be trusted to be able (or the powers that be donât know how) to tell the difference between a French link and a Dr. Bristol.
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