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  6. Eventing Rules, Tack, and Equipment


Eventing Rules, Tack, and Equipment

Rule changes effective December 1, 2026 (approved by the USEF Board 6/16/2026)

Please see the rule change packets under forms and publications for all rule changes going into effect December 1, 2026.

Rule Reference/ Tracking # Summary

EV113.1 #208-25

 All cases of Dangerous Riding must receive a USEF Recorded Warning. In addition to a Recorded Warning, 25 penalties or Elimination may be applied, at the discretion of the Ground Jury. 

EV127.8 #209-25

 Changes Compulsory Retirement (CR) so it is only applied when the Show Jumping phase occurs before the Cross Country phase. Additionally, any athlete that starts XC after a CR must be issue a warning.

Subchapter EV-10 Saddlery #218-25

 Permits the use of ear plugs for the dressage phase.

Subchapter EV-9 Dress #219-25

Permits white, light, or dark colored breeches or jodhpurs for the dressage and show jumping phases.

Appendix 2 #221-25

Changes the qualification requirements for Modified Classic Three Day Events.

 

USEF Rulebooks
FEI Rulebooks

Have questions on the status of a Proposed Rule Change? Contact Alison Lloyd at [email protected] for more information. 

Eventing Equipment

Questions regarding tack and equipment can be sent to [email protected].

Is my bit legal? For permitted Saddlery, USEF Eventing refers to the FEI Eventing Rules and FEI TackApp. Please see Annex 1 for exceptions for USEF licensed/Endorsed Eventing competitions for national levels. If you are still unsure as to whether your bit is legal, please e-mail a photo of the bit and the level at which you wish to use the bit to [email protected].

Rulebooks: Many questions can be answered by searching the USEF or FEI Rulebooks and other resources linked below.Tip: Search the rulebooks by using Control + F (or Command + F on a Mac) and typing in keywords. On mobile, click the Share icon and scroll down to 'Find on Page' to type in keywords.

Forms and Publications

Approved Rule Changes - Eventing Chapter

Rule changes going into effect December 1, 2026 for the Eventing chapter

2026 USEF Safety Stirrup Guidelines

These guidelines have been developed with the primary purpose of promoting safety for USEF members during USEF licensed competitions and to prepare members for upcoming changes to GR801.6 which go into effect Dec. 1, 2026.

FEI Tack and Equipment

FEI Tack and Equipment requirements for Eventing

Eventing Annex 1 - Tack & Equipment

Eventing Annex 1 is a supplement to the USEF Eventing Rules. NOTE: This includes Tack & Equipment for the dressage phase of Eventing.

Eventing Annex 2 - Eventing Showcases and Arena Eventing

Eventing Annex 2 - Eventing Showcases and Arena Eventing

2026 USEF Eventing Rulebook

2026 Eventing Rulebook