Legal Bits for USEA Dressage Questions

[SarahM]

Hello all! A few bit questions here.

Baucher bits are legal for dressage for USEA but not FEI, correct? And waterford bits are not legal in dressage for USEA (nor FEI)? What would be a legal alternative for a Waterford?
Regarding bits with rollers, can they be a different metal than the mouthpiece?

Thank you!

[Janet]

I am only addressing USEF rules, not FEI.

In addition to the USEF (NOT USEA) rulebook https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/KlV5…nting-division you need to look at “Annex 1” https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/bGxa…s-saddlery-and

Waterford bits are not allowed for Eventing Dressage, ony straight, single jointed, or double jointed.

Rollers are not allowed for Eventing Dressage, with the exception of a tiny roller in the middle of the central lozenge (see number 5 on pg 2 of the Annex).

Baucher (referred to as “Hanging Cheek”) bits are legal for Eventing Dressage (the “Butterfly Baucher”, number 13 on pg 9 of the Annex, used to be illegal, but is now legal)

Within the legal bits, mutiple different metals are permitted.

I can’t suggest a dressage-legal alternative for a Waterford. But they are legal for the jumping phases.

[SarahM]

Thank you, Janet! Based on the pdf you linked to, am I understanding correctly that French Link/ Dr. Bristol are permitted for USEF (but not FEI)? Also, does this annex only apply to eventing dressage, then?

I appreciate it, most of my eventing experience was overseas- I’m not used to having to juggle so many rulebooks!

[pegasusmom]

The Baucher or hanging snaffle cheek piece is legal for FEI Eventing Dressage. ANY double jointed snaffle with a flat plate is not legal for FEI Eventing Dressage. For FEI Eventing Dressage bits look at the FEI Eventing Rulebook Annex A.

[Janet]

@SarahM

Thank you, Janet! Based on the pdf you linked to, am I understanding correctly that French Link/ Dr. Bristol are permitted for USEF (but not FEI)? Also, does this annex only apply to eventing dressage, then?

I appreciate it, most of my eventing experience was overseas- I’m not used to having to juggle so many rulebooks!

That Annex applies to USEF Eventing Dressage. It does not apply to USEF “straight” Dressage, nor to any FEI competition.

Yes, both French Links and Dr. Bristols ARE legal for USEF Eventing Dressage