last updated on March 30, 2010 14:40

The British Dressage Rules 2010 will now be arriving on everyone’s doorstep. As in the past, the new rules come into effect on 1 December 2009 and any alterations are shown in bold text.

Below are some of the major rule changes, but please read your rule book carefully for the full wording. The rationale behind these changes will be explained in the December/January British Dressage magazine in an interview with Sara Green, Director of Rules and Fixtures.

Rule 4
Riders who have not competed at or above a specific level for four years or more may apply to the BD office in writing to down group by one level only.

Rule 5d
At Advanced Medium, riders may gain unlimited points from A100, 104 or 106 and retain eligibility to ride in the Restricted section.

Rule 5j
Only riders in Groups 1-3 who have gained 62% or above in Advanced classes in the UK may compete at PSG and above.

Rule 40
If there are less than four competitors in FEI level classes the classes may be combined as PSG/Int I and/or Int II/GP for prize money purposes.

Rule 45
Gloves - Must be worn. White, cream or beige gloves are strongly preferred.

Rule 56
Ear covers/fly fringes are permitted during riding in and also for competitions held outdoors in summer months, solely in order to protect the horse from insects. They may not be worn for competitions held indoors
Nose nets will no longer require a dispensation certificate.

Rule 81
For National Young Horses tests: in 4 and 5 year old classes trot work may be ridden sitting or rising. In 6 year old classes, trot must be ridden sitting except lengthened strides which may be ridden rising.

All trot work in FEI tests, including Young Horse tests, is sitting except where it is specifically marked otherwise.

Rule 141 b) xii.
Riders who upgrade from the Restricted section to Open at a given level mid season may switch any part qualification earned in the Restricted section to the Open section before continuing to achieve the remaining part(s) of their qualification.

Rule 144
The qualification percentage for the Open sections for Medium and Advanced Medium have both been increased to 64%

Rule 149
Advanced Medium qualification. For both the Restricted and Open sections, horses must achieve two wins, one of which must be in a qualifier, at the specified percentage or above.

Rule 155
Special qualification rules. These will only apply to Jersey/Guernsey, Isle of Man and Isle of Wight. Scotland is no longer included and riders must comply with the standard qualification rules.

Pictured above: Henriette and Flavio make sure Ulrik is up to date with the new rules.