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Rules

You can view the current British Dressage (BD) rulebook by clicking on the various headings below. The rules are revised on an annual basis and come into effect from 1 December every year.

It contains all the information you need to know to compete in affiliated dressage, including what you and your horse are allowed to wear, what the judges are looking for and how to qualify for all the different championships.

For information to help you with your first attempt at a BD competition, click How to get started. For a simplified guide to qualifying for some of the most popular finals, click How to qualify.

New rules for 2008

The most significant rule changes for 2008 are that:

  • A  "buffer zone" has been introduced so restricted section riders will be able to gain 14 points at the next level up before having to ride in the open section at the level below. This applies to all levels from novice to advanced medium.
  • The horse grading points limits have been increased.
  • A summary of the British Dressage Welfare Procedure has been included.
  • Area festival rules have changed.
  • Qualifications for summer/winter regional championships have changed.
  • Horses competing at prix st georges level and above must be at least seven years old.
  • A new rider group has been introduced. Group 2a will comprise riders who have gained points at grand prix or have competed in big or small tour in British-based CDIs.

The British Dressage Rulebook 2008:
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Membership, Points and Show Rules
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Equipment and Dress Rules
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Arenas and Riding the Tests
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Conduct and Judging Rules
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Notes on Interpretation and Definitions
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Qualification and Championship Rules
http://www.deq.idaho.gov/inl_oversight/environment.cfm Appendices

Please note the amendment to rule 143c. This should read: "Competitors in the Channel Islands will be able to qualify with one score sheet at the required percentage." The printed versions of British Dressage Rules 2008 included Scotland in error.

New show dispensation ruling - effective from 1 Jan 2008

There will be no more dispensation for a show to use a lower listed judge than the level required, except in extreme circumstances ie a judge is ill or stuck in traffic. If this is the case, the show will be granted dipsensation, but if the class is a qualifier, it will be changed to a non-qualifier.

New rules for 2007

The most significant rule changes for 2007 were that:

  • snaffle bridles are allowed in all national tests up to grand prix level.
  • only blunt spurs without rowels may be worn in young horse classed. Spurs with a smooth rotating rubber or plastic ball on the shank are permitted.
  • bridles may not be decorated, for example with tassels. Discreet padding of the bridle, such as a gel pad at the poll or noseband, are allowed.

New rules in 2006

The most significant rule changes for 2006 were that:

  • riders are allowed to do rising trot at elementary level.
  • snaffles are allowed in advanced tests.
  • there is no longer a maximum whip length. Whips may not be used in a way or of a length that disturbs other riders.