She posted on FB the following
Brewster was amazing all weekend, I’m so proud of him. Unfortunately, a questionable interpretation of a Bit rule has left me in a status of elimination and formal FEI protest has been made. Unfortunately, it did not seem like any of the officials wanted to really look into it further so it’s left being brought up to the next level. I am still very proud of my horse and happy that he is safe and sound in the stable. I am obviously very upset and emotional right now. This was supposed to be a very happy ending to the weekend and the surprise really feels like a kick in the gut for how hard he tried for me this weekend. 
In case anyone is interested the Bit in question is below 
And here is the article that makes it illegal
So frustrated and heartbroken.
I am embarrassed that I missed the presentation of best dressed because I was with the ground jury trying to defend myself . My apologies to the sponsors - it was not my intent to not be present for the award.
Even Banzai was tail switching and looking a bit weary, it was a good test of fitness
No Cooley are dealers here in Ireland, they tend to stick their prefix on the ones they sell if the breeder allows it. Most will rather than lose the sale.
thank you, off to look at the bit now.
Reading it I am left wondering did she modify it and that made it illegal? Can’t really tell.
Sinead with the hot mic lol
does anyone have a map of the sj course?
Jk that might be Frankie who is doing the post ride interviews.
I’ve done a little googling but couldn’t find the answer.
How much does it cost the rider/horse teams to enter Kentucky? And then barn fees etc?
My sweet husband is asking…marveling at why must be a sizable investment for not a mind blowing amount of prize money.
IDK if it this is still true but it used to be that it was just $100 to enter, since the real cost is in all the years or prep to get there.
Oh, interesting!
I just saw the other day, it’s in the FEI schedule on the event website. It’s around $450 for entry and $350 for stabling.
So per the official FEI schedule, the total entry, stabling, and fees is $998 for the 5* and $898 for the 4*.
I think it is nearly $400.00 to enter just a local event offering up to prelim. It cost a lot to put one on. I cannot imagine what it cost to do Kentucky or Maryland.
Did anyone notice Buck riding in a driving rein for the SJ course? Interesting choice would love to hear how that came about.
Jennie Brannigan is such a beautifully balanced and effective rider- that was just lovely to watch even if it was a shame about the cheap rail!
In the comments on her FB post, she states that she did not modify it. Lots of griping there too.
On one of the latest In Stride podcasts (“Eventing Dialogue”), there was a lot of discussion about these inconsistencies of rule enforcement by the FEI officials. Makes one wonder why the equipment isn’t reviewed prior to the phases or even before the event entirely. Like the horses, the tack/equipment needs to be “vetted.” Then there wouldn’t be these “surprises” as Katie put it in her post. Gutted for her nonetheless.
Agreed. Heck, photograph what’s checked in and signed off on. That’s just terrible for her.
I just realized that our little jumping Bug will be the US National 5* champion!!! Like a fine wine, that little one.
