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.
2022 Members' Handbook
Effective 1 January 2022
Click on the document below for a summary of the major changes and additions, which are marked in bold in the handbook.
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 ahead of the 2022 handbook being ready. Your request will then be verified by our team, prior to a printed copy being posted out in the new year. All of our judges, stewards and officials will receive a printed copy automatically.
2022 Approved Tack and Equipment Guide
Alongside the Members' Handbook, there's an Approved Tack and Equipment Guide for British Dressage competitions to provide you with a pictorial guide for clarification on permitted tack and equipment:
Applying for a Dispensation
All classified and non-classified riders can apply to British Dressage for dispensation to use compensating aids to assist them in able-bodied competitions. Please complete the Dispensation Application Form and submit it to the Para Officer with supporting medic.
Eligibility guides 2022
| Level | Section | ||
| Prelim | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Novice | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Elementary | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Medium | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Advanced Medium | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Prix St Georges | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Inter I | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Inter II / Grand Prix | Silver | Gold | |
Traveling horses within the EU
Here's the latest guidance for moving equines between Great Britain and the EU.
