US Equestrian offices will be closed on Friday, March 29th, 2024 in observance of Good Friday.


The purpose of the Rules & Equipment information is to assist Athletes as well as USEF Dressage Technical Delegates, Judges and Stewards who officiate Dressage classes at any Federation licensed competition. Athletes and Officials must be knowledgable of and in compliance with the with USEF Dressage and General Rules. 

Dressage Divison of the Rulebook 

Annex A - Bits, Saddlery and Equipment - Updated March 11, 2024

Annex B - USA Dressage Minimum Entry Requirements for CDIs - Updated 11.21.2022

Questions?   Email us at [email protected]

Forms and Publications

Rulebook - USEF General & Dressage Rules

The USEF Rulebook is designed to delineate boundaries that create an environment for fair and honest competition within which equestrians can enjoy competing safely, with integrity and respect.

Annex A - Bits, Saddlery and Equipment

UPDATED - March 2023. Annex A is a supplement to the USEF Dressage Rules. All bits/equipment labeled as ‘Pending Review’ are not allowed in USEF/USDF competition until determined otherwise in this Annex. Please refer to FEI Dressage Rules directly for permitted saddlery/equipment in FEI CDIs events. NOTE: New bridle and/or models/configurations and equipment may be approved under our Annex A. However, all existing provisions of DR121, including allowed bridle materials, must additionally be met to be acceptable for competition purposes.

Requirements for Dressage Competition Management and Technical Delegates for Equipment Inspections

Dressage Competition Management and Technical Delegates are strongly encouraged to review these Implementation Guidelines for DR126 Equipment Inspections. This document outlines the responsibilities of both competition management and the Technical Delegate. The guideline also provides examples of possible methods that can be utilized to ensure that 50% of equipment is checked.

Equipment Check Instructions for Dressage Competitions: Levels 1-3

This guide is designed to assist equipment checkers at Level 1-3 competitions.

Equipment Check Instructions for Dressage Competitions: Levels 4-5

This guide is designed to assist equipment checkers at a Level 4-5 competition (Championships).

Annex B

USA Dressage Minimum Entry Requirements for CDIs. Updated 11.21.2022

Dressage Attire and Equipment Booklet

UPDATED April 1, 2023 - The purpose of this pamphlet is to assist Exhibitors as well as USEF Dressage Technical Delegates, Dressage Judges and Stewards who officiate Dressage classes at any Federation licensed competition. Exhibitors and Officials must be familiar with USEF Dressage Rules DR120 and DR121 in the current USEF Rule Book. In no way does this booklet supersede the most current USEF Rule Book. There may be updates during the year and all competitors and officials should consult the current Rule Book prior to competing.

US Equestrian Dressage Guidelines for Equipment Review for Manufacturers

The purpose of this review process is to allow dressage equipment manufacturers to submit their new products or prototypes (bits, bridles, saddles, etc.) for review and determination of compliance with current Dressage Regulations of the USEF Dressage Rules.

Memo: Updates for Hosting Open Dressage Classes in 2023

Memo outlines rule changes that involve hosting Open Dressage classes, which will go into effect for the 2023 competition year.

Memo: Presidential Modification to GR 821.1(b) (DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS)

Published January 22, 2021. Presidential Modification regarding Opportunity Classes at USEF Dressage competitions.