Competition rules
The rules are a great place to start for 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.
If you're not sure which level and section you should be competing in, our eligibility guides have been designed to direct you through a series of questions to provide you with the level and section for you. We also have an Approved Tack and Equipment Guide, which illustrates the tack, bits and equipment permitted under our rules.
2021 Members' Handbook
Our current rules can be found in the Members' Handbook, which contains all the information you need to know to compete in affiliated dressage. They are revised on an annual basis and come into effect from 1 January every year.
The Members' Handbook has been produced digitally for our members in 2021 to support our commitment to cut down on paper use, transport miles, and to help with our green credentials. All of our judges, stewards and officials will receive a printed copy automatically.
2021 rule changes synopsis
See below document for a synopsis of the 2021 rule changes:
Printed rulebooks
We will print a very small number of additional rulebooks for those Full members who really do need to access a printed version. If you fall into this category please contact the team below. Your request will then be verified by our team, prior to a printed copy being posted out in the new year.
2020 Members' Handbook and rule changes/ amends
See below document for a synopsis of the 2020 rule changes, in particular please note change to bronze eligibility tables:
Approved tack and equipment
Alongside the Members' Handbook, there's a Approved Tack and Equipment Guide* for British Dressage competitions to provide you with a pictorial guide for clarification on permitted tack and equipment:
*Important updates published 23 January 2020. Please note the use of infrared products (warm up quarter rugs, saddle cloths and fly hoods) are now permitted.
