I read the rules. At my lower level, collared show shirt required, jacket is optional. It’s supposed to be hot for the show, but my Irideon vest & shirt looks sharper than shirt alone. Have worn this combo for schooling shows, but is it OK for a rated one?
When rates shows allow for no coat they require a “shirt -long or short sleeves with collar and without neckwear, if a conservative color, neatly tucked into riding breeches.” USEF handbook EV114 5a.
At rated shows, jackets aren’t required at my level. What I’d like to know is if a fitted riding vest is allowed, as it is in Dressage-only shows. Since no one has chimed in with a resounding “yes”, I’ll assume it’s not. Better to be safe than sorry!
MY interpretation, as a TD, would be that a vest is NOT legal. But it is a mater of interpretation,and what counts is the JUDGE’s interpretation.
Your best bet is to ask the event management.
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As Janet said, I’d ask the TD, but I can tell you that I’ve seen riders wear vests during the dressage at the 3 rated HTs I’ve competed at this year.
I was at a horse trial and a rider was wearing a vest, with some of the cooler fabric jackets, I’d opt for that over a vest.
I have a navy long sleeve show shirt, white collar, white cuffs and only a patch on my chest is white, worn it many times without a jacket, no problem.
Thanks everyone for your feedback. Although I had an early ride time and it was about 70F with sunshine, I was still wringing wet in my jacket. I may email the USEA to ask this question. That way I will have some assurance vs hoping I’ll be OK. I love my jacket, but as I age, heat is becoming a factor for me. I often show alone so have to wear it during warmup and the test.
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A-you need to check with USEF, not USEA, as USEF is in charge of the rules.
B- You can definitely ride in a shirt without a jacket. It is the addition of the vest that is not covered by the rules.(Though I don’t understand why you would WANT to add a vest if heat is "a factor " for you.)
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Janet, thank you for pointing me to the right organization for my dress code question. Although a show shirt by itself is acceptable, I think a lightweight riding vest looks more formal than a shirt alone. Yes, it’s slightly warmer, but not nearly as much as my fully lined jacket. Since I have these vests, I wouldn’t have to buy another tech show coat. Waiting to hear back from the USEF.
Hmm, I would think you could ride in a shirt with a crash vest, so I wonder why not a regular vest. This might require a rule clarification from USEF.
A crash vest is safety equipment, a regular vest is not.
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I have heard back from the USEF on this matter: Non-protective vests are not permitted at this time. Show shirt only or shirt and jacket. There you have it.
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Is it different for eventing than regular dressage? I wore a black Pikuer vest for summer shows when they waived coats.
Yes, the rules are different for regular dressage.
Not necessarily “show shirt.” You can wear a polo, etc.
thanks for sharing.
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Shirt must have collar and sleeves. It doesn’t have to be a “show shirt”. I wear a polo or a turtleneck, depending on the weather.
I’m wondering the same, and thinking it must be. I’ve seen plenty of riders this summer wearing vests over their shirt for dressage. The vests were not protective vests and these were recognized HTs.
One could make the argument that a vest is a sleeveless jacket!
