If they can’t tell the difference, then there will still be problems when a non-french-link three piece is labelled as a french link by the person doing a tack check. Just my opinion.
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Yup. It’s just silly.
I had the local NS rep out for a bit fitting today. I asked her about that. She said that, since NS is the official bit of the USDF (EF?) they have known about this for a while and the turtle top is fine. Its not flat on the bottom but rather curved.
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I have heard its because folks were continuing to use the french link even after the edges became sharp (worn), or they were using it upside down…)
Great reason to eliminate a competitor. Terrible reason to ban a perfectly mild bit.
I mean can we ride with an upside down curb or Baucher? No. Are we allowed to ride with a bit so worn it’s sharp? Also no. Sigh.
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My thoughts exactly.
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I was thinking about signing up with USDF this year but I’m thinking I will stay away for now, all these rules (some that are very silly) are definitely putting me off.
It is USEF, not USDF, that makes the rules.
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The bits I’m currently using on my horse have the “bean” mouth, but I’ve used French links for decades and found them to be very mild and never once had one become sharp or injure a mouth. My go-to baby horse starting bit has always been an eggbutt French link.
I’m thinking whoever said that some people can’t tell a Dr. Bristol and a French link apart might be on to something … which is pathetic, because I’m pretty sure back in my Pony Club days most of the D-2 kids could tell the difference.
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Thank you for the clarification. Either way, I’m thinking I’ll stick to the little schooling shows this year.
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Apologies if this has been answered. I searched around and didn’t find. Is the general consensus that the Le Mieux Loire saddle pads are “distracting shiny” or “allowed shiny”? I look at the examples and I think ok? I went to a USDF last weekend and I did see a few. I have some beautiful navy ones I use for USEA dressage (even AECs) with zero problems. I was surprised they would be considered flashy- when I bought them, my intent was for something subtly pretty. I only realized it would be an issue after reviewing the dressage attire guidelines examples.
This! People really dont know the difference between a french link and a dr. Bristol and they are even labeled wrong at dover.
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Lots of people were showing in the PSoS and Equestrian Stockholm pads at the show I watched last weekend. I think the satin type material is fine, it’s those really glittery/metallic ones that aren’t allowed.
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I just had to come back and update this - I did end up buying the AA Motionlite Primatova (burgundy). When you look at it on the rack it’s practically flysheet mesh, but when it is on you it looks solid and not see-through. I am usually a Medium but I went with the Large - the Medium was just too short on my body. It is super stretchy and by far the nicest coat I have ever had.
I just had a dressage-only test at a local event and it was a high of 87. I was in direct sunlight and barely even noticed I was wearing a coat.
On the plus side, I got tons of compliments on it. It is much more subtle in person than in the photos.
So thumbs up and glad that Dressage has slackened some of its restrictions. I have wanted a burgundy coat for decades.
Sorry the photo quality is not great - it’s taken from a video:
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I am ring stewarding this weekend and really hoping to see some wild outfits 
I am sure some are not ready to push the envelope, while others have been pushing it for years…
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I’ve been to a few shows and so far, there has been nothing even approaching wild. There were some pretty new colors of coats and a bit more bling on boots. That’s about it.
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Thanks for posting your review and the pretty photo. It really does look nice, and the color is perfect on your horse. I’ve been hesitant because of the way the material looks on the hanger: “flysheet mesh” as you said. But wow, it looks great on!
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That’s all I’ve seen here too. Not a single pair of non-white breeches so far 
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I am still so confused about pads. I asked the judge at my last schooling show about my ES pad. She said “as long as the logo is smaller than 2” and it’s not sparkly”.
Ok? Does that mean the actual size of the logo script being 2”? Or the little plate? I figured the heartburn wasn’t worth it and threw the traditional white pad on.
Considering buying metallic tape to cover the ES on the tag but worried about some judge feeling the sheen is too much. AHHHH!!! So stressful. Just give me some Wonder Woman boots. At least I know those are legal.
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I’ve seen a couple people with gray breeches, and I saw someone with dusty blue breeches and a grey shadbelly on a gray horse. It looked nice. I’ve seen some darker saddle pads - reds and greens and purples. I think we will see more colors of breeches as people’s whites start to wear out and they buy new show clothes.
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