A Guide to the Updated
USDF Attire Rules

Any equestrian who has come across dressage, whether as a spectator, hobbyist, or active competitor, is aware that the discipline isn't exactly known for its wide use of the color wheel. Dressage itself is founded on military maneuvers used back in the days of the mounted cavalry, hence the traditional dressage "uniform" of black and white. In 2022, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) made drastic rule changes and opened the doors in a big way to what can be worn in competition.

Read on to learn more about what can be worn in the show ring with these updated rules, so you can make the best-informed decision when choosing your next dressage look. It is important to note that the following rules are for USDF/FEI dressage only. These specific rules do not cover USEA/FEI eventing dressage; for those rules, refer to that discipline's specific rule book.

Updated Attire Rules Explained

The updated attire rules allow for a wider variety of colored show coats to be worn, though still excluding multicolored, brightly colored, and some patterned coats. Subtle pinstripes, tweeds, and subtle plaids are allowed, but beyond that, solid colors are going to be your best choice. Breeches can now be any non-bright color without patterns or color blocking. Shirts and neckwear can now be any color or pattern, as long as the required neckwear or full standup collar is present. If the neckwear is removable and coats are called due to heat, the neckwear must be removed.

The rider's boots and helmets should coordinate or match with the rider's coat but they do not have to. In the past, they had to be black or the same color as the coat. Gloves can be any solid color, but white, off-white, or dark colors are still recommended. Now that you know the updated rules, let's take a look at some examples of the world of horse ballet!

Examples

Coats

The first example above, a short riding jacket or cutaway coat (modified tailcoat), is permitted at any level of competition. Traditionally, dressage short coats have four buttons, though three-button coats are completely acceptable and seen frequently. A tailcoat/shadbelly is permitted only in FEI classes, meaning those above fourth level.

Any single-color jacket or tailcoat is permitted and may have subtle pin striping, checks/plaids, or tweeds. Therefore, the second and third examples of coats would be allowed in USDF shows. Striped and other patterns or multi-colored jackets or coats are not permitted, so the fourth example may be considered inappropriate with its subtle polka dot pattern. If there is a question regarding a rider's dress, it is up to the technical delegate (TD) of the show to make a ruling.

Tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue, modest piping, or crystal decorations, are acceptable.

Breeches

White, light, or dark solid-colored breeches or jodhpurs are all allowed in competition, so the first two examples would now be permitted. Bright colors, color blocking, and patterns are not permitted, so you could not wear the third or fourth examples in the show ring. Contrast piping and grip are allowed. For example, if you had white breeches with a grey suede full seat it would not be considered color blocking and would be allowed in the ring.

Shirts

A shirt of any color or pattern is allowed to be worn with a coat. When coats are called, any colored shirt is allowed as long as it has sleeves and a collar. This is the area where you have the most choice. This benefits riders who may have a mesh coat and prefer to wear a dark-colored shirt to match the coat color.

Neckwear

Shirts with necktie, choker/ratcatcher, stock tie, or integrated stand-up collar are required. Ties, chokers, or stock ties may be any color or pattern. All of the above examples should be allowed. Shirts with exposed zipper-style collars should use a tie or stock tie but are not required to.

If the neckwear is removable and coats are called due to heat, the neckwear must be removed.

Overview of Current Rules

Now that we've covered the rule changes, here is a helpful reference table that covers your outfit from head to toe! If you are ever in doubt about whether your or your horse's dress and saddlery is legal, you can always ask the show's technical delegate (TD) for clarification or just err on the side of caution and choose not to wear it.

For Better or Worse?

As all equestrians know, riders can struggle to be seen as athletes in the public eye. A more athletic and interesting look could help bridge this gap in public opinion. Individual style can catch the eye of any viewer, even those unfamiliar with the sport. That fun-colored turquoise show coat could attract the attention of someone new who may grow to become an avid spectator. 

An opposing viewpoint says that having the rider's legs and hands in bright, clean white guides the judge's eye to the softness of how the rider's seat and hands interact with the horse. The remaining clothing and tack being black or a neutral color keep from distracting the viewer's eye from what is happening underneath the rider in the horse itself. As any dressage rider knows, the goal is for the horse to shine with a rider that melts into that beautiful picture rather than standing out.

The best question to ask when choosing your dressage ring look is, "Do I want to bring the judge's attention there?" If you choose to ride in helmets or boots with crystal accents, the shine will show how often you look down or your leg swings. On the other hand, if a neutral or soft color is worn, the judge may not notice that small flaw. Inversely, if you have a soft and beautiful seat, black breeches on your black saddle keep attention away from the developed skill that was so hard-earned. Always think of the risks and rewards when choosing your look.

Closing Thoughts

The reaction to these changes appears to be mixed in the equestrian community. Some find the broad range of colors gaudy and would like to see things stay rooted in tradition, while others are excited about the possibilities for personal expression. As in all sports, style evolves just like the equipment technology, though it can be a bit more challenging to accept when it changes how the sport looks at first glance.

In theory, a rider's outfit that is overly vibrant can draw attention away from the horse, but personal touches in style are more memorable. With the new rule changes, riders have the freedom to wear whatever style makes them feel their best, whether classic or modern. So, what will you be wearing down centerline?