Hi All. Many of the newest nice saddle pads have the maker’s logo on a tag on one or both sides behind the rider’s leg. (PS of Sweden, some Le Mieux, FairPlay, Equito… ) I know the rule - IRT Amateurs etc (please dont bother quoting it to me). Are these pads legal for an Amateur to use? (I do not own any. I have had conversations with others who think they are fine… etc etc… jsut want to be sure!)
Nope, unfortunately not, I asked USEF the question since I got a gift of a beautiful bling saddle pad with HorseWares logo. Will save it for a clinic.
No. I don’t remember the full text of the rule, but amateurs can have: their horse’s breed logo, their national flag, USEF/USDF/GMO logos, your stable name, or the logo of a business you own. I believe you can also have your own monogram. You can also use awards pads that you win at recognized competitions.
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thank you as I said I know the rule.
thanks @AZ_TD. That’s what I thought but I got so much flack from the person I was discussing it with… “I know people who showed with them at Regionals!”… same comment for the pads with a vertical colored stripe behind the saddle… Maybe the TD/Judges were generous due to it being Regionals, but I really think folks should follow the rules. BTW, someone here in Ocala was DQd because their braider had put a small 4-leaf clover charm in the braids (Jr Rider)… but the adults got a pass with the pads…
You need to actually send a message to the USEF or a TD directly. We licensed officials are discouraged from giving rules advice on open forums.
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I just cover up the logo tag (PS of Sweden) with a number holder. No more visible logo so it becomes legal.
That being said, I really wish manufacturers would realize their white pads are used in shows and de-logo accordingly. Make it a removable tag or something.
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I’ve sometimes wondered if you could cover the logo with something decorative. For some reason I keep thinking of the big sequined appliques they sell for DIY figure skating costumes. Not that I m a fan of bling particularly though.
Like this. We used to have a fabric store in town that sold a lot of this kind of thing but it shut down a while back.
Several riders at my trainer’s barn have these pads (Le Mieux, FairPlay, Equito). They also pin their number holder over the logo and have never had an issue.
I have seen some that have quite large logos/emblems. I am not sure some of those can be easily covered.
Sometimes a judge will not notice, but here is a scenario that may play out: the person with illegal pad wins the championship, someone else in the class complains, bringing it to everyone’s attention, then champion DQ’d.
Agree if you have a question, after you look at rulebook and Annex A, about an equipment issue, email a picture to USEF and save their reply to take with you to shows. Rules are continually changing and manufacturers are coming out with new inventions all the time.
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