Any Colour Coats Allowed at US Equestrian Dressage Competitions, Riders No Longer Restricted to “Dark” As of Dec. 1

Dressage riders at United States Equestrian competitions will be able to wear coats of any color as of Dec. 1, in a move to “modernize” the traditional dress code that has required “dark” coats and jackets for all but freestyles.

The new rule specifies: “A short riding jacket or cutaway coat (modified tailcoat) with short tails is permitted at any level of competition. A tailcoat is permitted in all classes above Fourth level.

“Any single color jacket or tailcoat is permitted and may have subtle pin striping, checks or tweeds. Striped or multi-colored jackets or coats are not permitted. Tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue, modest piping, or crystal decorations, are acceptable.”

The new dress code, the federation said, is designed to give “riders many more choices and flexibility, to suit their modern tastes, fabrics and color choices for the competition arena.”

The rules will apply to all classes and levels, including championships, at USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized dressage competitions.

FEI (International Equestrian Federation) rules apply to FEI recognized dressage events, CDIs.

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