Warkworth Dressage Group, Warkworth Showgrounds, State Highway One, Warkworth (2026)

27/08/2026

FUN FACT AND DRESSAGE RULES
UPDATED FOR 2026
ANY RULES QUOTED REFER TO ESNZ (NEW ZEALAND) RULES

Musicals – what does your horse like to boogie to?

So what are the rules around musicals. For the most part it’s the same as riding a normal test, except you’re the only one who knows where you are going.

From the time the bell rings you have 45secs to get into the arena, so don’t faff about too much getting to your “music starting” place. From the time your music starts you have 20secs to enter the arena. The time starts for your musical, when you move off from your entry halt, and stops at your final halt…. All going well, at the same time as your music ends.

Each level will state what the time allowed will be, and yes there could be someone timing it. You will receive penalties for going over or under the time. There is usually a 10sec buffer.

Each level has a set of movements you will have to show, you can also add into your test any other movement that is performed in any normal test at the level you are riding or lower, for example a level 3 rider could put leg yielding (level 2 movement) into their test, but not half pass (level 4 movement) If you deliberately show a movement not allowed, there are tough penalties. However, “deliberately” is the key word, if in your counter canter at level 3, your super keen steed does a super flying change, clearly that isn’t deliberate, however if you then do a flying change back to correct, that one is. So always be careful of the correction.

The other movement that seems to trip people up is leg yield left to right in level 2 (or vice versa). You cannot go from one direction to the other without clear straight line steps in between.

Just for a moment put yourselves in the judge’s car seat and think…. If I didn’t know where I was going would this be clear. While the judges have a sheet telling them the list of movements you must do, they are blind as to when or where you are going to do them… and to be honest, at times are still wondering that when the test has finished. Its up to you as the rider to make the movements as clear and as obvious as you can so the judges aren’t left wondering what movement it was supposed to be. Also, we are too tired from all the thinking to have to keep getting out the cars to check with other judges as to where in the test you may have hidden that secret shoulder in left! And this might come as a surprise but occasionally the judges blink, and if in your leg yield zig zag you only had one stride of straight, well then we will have missed it. So make things clear, it’s a fine line between super fancy and just too busy.

You need to know your music extremely well, not only so you know where you should be during the test so you are to time with the music, but also should something go wrong with your music during your test, you can recognise it doesn’t sound right and stop.

If your music is skipping and doing weird things and you choose to carry on, you will get marked for the music that played, remember the judges don’t know that its not suppose to sound like that. So should things with your music go wrong, stop and go talk to the C judge, its their job to talk to the music person.

Should your music go wrong or stop completely during the test you have a few options. If they can get the music playing correctly again without too much delay, then you can either start from the beginning or from the point where you stopped, or anywhere in between. If you choose to start from the beginning of your test again, the movements and marks already been done will not be marked again.

Should the music not be able to be sorted quickly, with consultation with the C judge, you will be given another time to come back and re-ride your test, either at the end of the class or in a break. And again, its your choice where you start the test from and again marks given on movements already ridden will not change.

Something that has cropped up recently is hearing stories of riders asking the music person to stop the music when they finish the test…. Well, that is a big ole no. The music person will start your music when you give the signal, as to when the music finishes is up to you, that is all part of the marks, keeping in time with your music. Same applies if something is not right with your music, do not call out to the music person, go and talk to the C judge.

Musicals are suppose to be fun, so try to keep the elevator music to a minimum and show off you and your horses best moves.

Happy training everyone😃

20/08/2026

*Fun Facts and Dressage Rules**
UPDATED FOR 2026
ANY RULES QUOTED REFER TO ESNZ (NEW ZEALAND) RULES

What can you do to help your local group?

Behind every dressage group is a usually small bunch of hardworking individuals, 99% of who are volunteers, no payment received for the many hours they put into the event and whose main aim is to make sure you as the rider have the best day you can…. So what can you do to help?

READ THE SCHEDULE!! 99% of your questions will be answered if you just read the schedule, riders notes or program, surprisingly it’s not been designed to just line the bottom of the budgie cage, it actually has important info in there. Nelson Dressage is running a fab fundraising initiative this season, $5 for answers to questions easily found in the info provided

Get your entries in on time. There are a substantial number of jobs that need to be done once the entries close, and for each person who asks if they can put in a late entry, that is a delay in getting other jobs done. For every extra test ridden is another 8mins that needs to fit into a usually tight schedule. Tell us at the time you are entering if you have some special requests, we are happy to oblige (if we can). It is easier to alter things before the draw is started, than after. But keep the requests to a minimum, wanting a late start because you other things you want to do on competition morning (don’t we all!!) probably isn’t going to cut it.

Pay your entries on time. Again, it is time out of someone’s day to contact you to remind you. Make sure your registration is up to date, and you have the correct membership. If for some reason you do not receive an email telling you how much to pay… go old school, grab the calculator, and work it out, ya know, like you had to before it was done online.

Check you are in the right class. With most entries being done on Evo Events now, it’s very easy to pop back in and check you have entered the correct classes, don’t leave it till the draw comes out to contact us to tell us you’re in the wrong class. While many event secretaries round the country are very much “god like”, they don’t know every single person entering, so if you enter hacks instead of ponies, they may not always realise you are in the wrong class.

Don’t complain about your start time. Someone has to go first, and there is usually a long list of people who have to ride at a certain time to work around their jobs they are doing to help the group, so if you are not one of these people, then offering to do a job just might get you a more favourable start time. “I don’t want to go first, the judges need time to get their eye in”…. actually no, our eyes are fine thanks, they tend to have started working as soon as we wake up. Doing the draw and judge placement is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and most of the time it is set out the way it is, to make all the pieces fit.

Offer to help. Many area’s are struggling to get volunteers, so to keep the events running they are having to pay people to do the jobs, which means entry fees go up. So bringing a packet of bikkies along on the day, is lovely but not really helping the problem. Offer to write for an hour, offer to pick up test sheets, learn how to do the scoring, help wash the dishes, the list is endless…..

Thank the sponsors. Most groups rely on sponsors to keep the groups afloat, and all they want in return is a thank you. Again, without these sponsors, entry fees would soar, so if nothing else thank them for helping keep the fees down.

Stay for prize giving. Yes, we know you have had a long day, and you want to get home…. So do the organisers of the show who have been on the grounds since before any riders have arrived, and will be there after the riders go home, having to clean up. So, stay and support the prize giving, you just never know when the sponsors might be in attendance.

Don’t gripe about your score or the judge who gave you that score. Just remember, judges are just like you, they have off days, they make mistakes, they get tired towards the end (aren’t you pleased you rode early now!), try sitting in a car for 8 hours + and still be able to concentrate as well as you did at 10am. Don’t assume that judge you moaned about is not also kicking themselves for making a mistake. They have made approx. 3000 snap decision’s that day, I can guarantee one of them was wrong.

Thank your hard working committee. After a long day, a smile and a thank you goes a long way. We are all involved in the sport because we love it, but unless you look after and support your committee’s, you just might find one day they aren’t there anymore.

If you are walking past the office, call in and ask, is there anything I can help with? Maybe a test paper needs to go back to a judge to get a mark, or a paper is not signed. You have no idea how a smiling face at the door asking if you need hand can turn a pretty sh*te day/moment into something amazing. We feel the love

I know it seems daunting and that everyone looks like they have jobs or know what they are doing but just the offer to help is great and plus you may just meet some pretty amazing new people who could be your besties for ever!

Happy training everyone 😃

18/08/2026

**Fun Facts and Dressage Rules**
UPDATED FOR 2026
ANY RULES QUOTED REFER TO ESNZ (NEW ZEALAND) RULES

Did you know…..commonly asked questions

Plaiting – It’s not actually compulsory to plait at any level for national classes. “Normal plaiting of the horse’s mane and tail, however, is allowed”, is what it says in the rules. However having the mane plaited does show off the horses frame a lot better, and just looks tidier in general. Any kind of mane plaiting is acceptable, whatever shows off your horses neckline the best. False tails may be used, but may not contain any metal parts.

Turnout – while having a sparkly clean horse in not a requirement of the test, putting in a little effort is appreciated by the judges. You want the judges to be sitting up and taking notice, and a smart turnout gives the impression you are ready to put on a good show and have come well prepared… hopefully! Just try not to be the rider with all the gear and no idea

Horse leaving the arena during the test - All four feet must leave the arena to be eliminated, so if you’re quick enough to catch the horse with 3 legs out and 1 in and you can get all feet back in, you aren’t eliminated. If during the process of falling out and getting back in, you knock down some of the arena, that will stay that way until the end of your test. If you have a horse that is skilled at leaving through the entrance at A, you could ask your organising committee if it’s possible for a gate to be used, however what happens for one rider must happen for all riders, so you may need to find your own volunteer to do the gate for the whole class.
Callers – when having your test called, the caller is only allowed to say what is written in the test, they are not allowed to add comments or you could be given course errors or eliminated. It is fine however to ask the caller to repeat a movement if you didn’t hear it clearly. Once you have started your test you can not have someone start calling from part way through, this becomes outside assistance, and will cause elimination.

Horse Identification – during an event, at all times while on the grounds, a horse must be wearing an ID tag or bridle number. If tied up to float, or in the stable or being grazed out, the horse must have a ID tag on, and at all times when being ridden must be wearing two bridle numbers, one on each side. This is simply so your horse can be identified at all times, and should they decide to go for a wander round the grounds without you, the organisers know who to return the merry traveller to. ID tags should have the name of the person responsible for the horse, their phone number and the horses name, and either be attached to the halter or cover. Bridle numbers need to be worn either, on both sides of the bridle, or both sides of the saddle cloth, it is acceptable to make your own, but they need to be clear enough for the judge/writer to see as you go past. If you present to the judge without your bridle numbers without an acceptable excuse, you will be given 2 penalty points, and no, “mum forgot to put them on” is probably not a good enough excuse!

Other people riding your horse – from midnight before the competition till the completion of the competition, no one else may ride your horse. You may though have a groom ride your horse, at walk only, on a long rein. If someone does ride your horse during the competition you will be disqualified for the rest of the competition, you may be allowed to ride the rest of your tests HC, if you go and ask permission from the TD first.

Saluting - You can salute with either hand, and you can have your whip in your hand that is lowered in the salute, however just be careful you don't accidently tickle his back legs when he's doing his best standing still. When doing your final halt and salute, just remember this is the final thing the judge sees before summing up your test… so don’t rush it! Make sure the halt is established, do your salute, put a big smile on your face and pat your horse. We like to see people make a fuss of their horses at the end of a test. We like to have the image in our minds that Harold is going back to the float to get a carrot, rather than a smack with the carrot stick

Talking/Clicking tongue during test – Yes you are allowed to use your voice (have a read of Art 446, page 35) repetitive use will get you penalised, but a quiet discreet “good boy” will generally be accepted, clicking furiously throughout the test won’t be. Most judges will be accepting of a quiet word of reward for the horse, growling and yelling not so much. Obviously if you need to have a big chat with them, try and do it at the A end away from judges and their vulcan like hearing.

Happy training everyone 😀

14/08/2026

Time to renew your membership foe the upcoming season.
Go to Evoevents Join a Club to join.

13/08/2026

**Fun Facts and Dressage Rules**
UPDATED FOR 2026
ANY RULES QUOTED REFER TO ESNZ (NEW ZEALAND) RULES

Accuracy – prepare, prepare, prepare!

Not everyone who comes to dressage is riding a purpose built dressage machine. In fact many riders are riding home built, backyard specials, but that doesn’t mean they still can’t produce an awesome dressage test.

If you’re not blessed with a horse with an excellent 10 trot, but instead a fairly good 7 trot, then it’s up to you as the rider to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay on that 7. Some riders can lose up to 10% of their marks just down to inaccurate riding, which is just throwing marks away.

If you aren’t sure just how big a 10m/15m/20m circle is… work it out, put some poles out to help you get the feel of the size of the circles, then practice riding those circles round the arena, in the corners, at various markers, so at any point you know exactly how far into the arena you should be going. Just remember though, circles do not tend to have corners or straight bits, so ride those circles all the way round, and think turn, turn, turn!

Half 10m circles…. That means your half of a circle is 5ms. Its not 10ms each side of the marker, you’re riding an egg at that point, its no longer a circle. The half circles are often at E or B, and guess what, there is a judge sitting there, watching you go way past the point 5ms would be. If you finding you have a lot of straight on the centre line between half circles, then yeah, its no longer a half circle, it’s a half egg

Use the corners and short sides! A vast number of tests have movements starting at a quarter marker, and immediately before that quarter marker is a corner, and if you have just let you horse slob around that corner, is unlikely you are going to be well set up for the movement coming up fast. So go as deep into the corner as you can while still maintaining a good rhythm and balance, get your horse straight and set up for the next movement, so when you hit that quarter marker you are giving yourself the best chance of doing that movement to the best of your ability.

Sadly the short sides aren't just there for you to have a quick breather, they are there help you prepare for the next movement coming up, use them to show off your best frame and fancy steps to the judges on the short side, and rebalance and get organised for the next movement.

While your horse might be quite a superior being, its most likely not a mind reader, so warn it when something is about to happen, make sure they are listening (half halts are your friend) and ready for your aids before giving them the signal. Don’t rush movements, you (or the financier of your dressage day) have paid a decent amount of money to be in the arena, don’t hurry things, remember to half halt, rebalance and set movements up properly.

All movements start at the first letter of each movement, so movement 1 carries on until the first letter in movement 2 etc etc. Each movement starts when the riders shoulder goes past the marker. When movements are on the diagonal, the movement must be performed on the straight line of the diagonal, before the horse’s nose reaches the markers. For example, if the movement is across the HXF diagonal in canter left lead, and trot at F, the trot transition needs to happen while still on the diagonal just before the F marker, while the horse is still straight.

Read what the test actually wants you to do. MXK Show lengthened strides in trot, does not mean use the M corner to wind the horse up, do as much as you can across the diagonal and then use the next corner to come back. The judges need to see clear transitions in and out on the straight line, don’t ask for too much, as soon as you think this feels great… stop asking! The horse’s natural momentum will carry on for a few more strides and then come back.

Many tests have marks just for the transitions, because they are actually semi-important, and they tell the judges a lot, so every transition you ride at home, ride it for a 10, so you’re more likely to get a good one in the arena. One trans very few people ride well, is the one at the end of the lengthening, medium or extended trot & canter. Its not just your "boldest handbrake off" canter we want to see, we also need to see the transition back, within throwing distance before the marker, not two movements later.

Practice halts and free walks. Every test has at least 1 halt in it, as it goes up the grades maybe 3 halts, so teach your horse to stand square at home, so on competition day there is a fairly good chance they will just automatically square up in the halt, and try and keep on the contact. Every test also has either a free walk or later an extended walk, and they always have a co-efficient of 2, so practice your walks, practice letting the horse take the contact down and out and bringing it back without jogging or getting distracted.

It takes 10,000 repetitions for something to become a habit, so practice practice practice at home so it just becomes second nature in the competition, so on the off chance your nerves kick in, your horse will have it all under control! The more you are disciplined at home to ride good forward trans, halts, corners etc, that is the same work you will get in the arena.

You can't expect your horse to know it can do less than perfect work at home but not in competition.
Don't settle for a 6 for that centreline, keep practicing till you can do a 10 every time 🤗

Happy training everyone! 😃

07/08/2026

**Fun Facts and Dressage Rules**
UPDATED FOR 2026
ANY RULES QUOTED IN THIS POST REFER TO NEW ZEALAND (ESNZ DRESSAGE RULES)

How to ride the perfect centre line…..

Centrelines Unless you are a GP rider on a GP horse riding at level one, chances are you can’t go the full sixty metres of an arena keeping the horse straight and having a bit of flexion. Yes you are quite right that you have a corner to go round once you get to C, but you have a lot of straight line and a halt to negotiate first, so just have your horses head in front of its body, you can ask for a little bend once you hit G. Kids are experts at riding centre lines, because their one thought is to go from one end to the other, while adults unfortunately have a million thoughts going through their minds and like to backseat drive, which creates wiggles. As you are entering the arena, pick a spot off in the distance behind the judge car, stare at it and just do an active trot down to C, it’s a lot easier to stay straight when doing a more active trot. Don't rush the halt, the halt should be held for a minimum of 3 seconds, make sure the horse is standing still, on a nice contact, and take a deep breath (it might be the last one you have for six minutes) before doing the salute and moving off again. The entry sets the tone for the rest of the test.

Give and retake the reins – this does require a little bit of practice. In most of the DNZ tests where this is required, it is both hands must go forward, now I realise some of the judges might look a little blind, but trust me we can see when you only move one hand forward, we can also see when you just lift your hands up. Your hands need to go forward up the neck line to the point where there is loops in both reins. When you move your hands forward, do it slowly, your poor horse is not going to stay relaxed with your hands shooting up behind his ears without warning. The judges are wanting to see that your horse is in self carriage and is not being held in the frame. Also it is often for 2-3 strides, surprisingly this takes longer than a millisecond, so again don’t rush it, if your horse can manage it, show it off well, or you are just throwing marks away.

Stretchy circle at trot – the number one thing this tells us as judges, is if stretching your horse is something you do on a daily basis. Ideally the horse should follow the contact down as you let the reins slide through your fingers, they need to maintain the same balance, rhythm and tempo. You must maintain contact with the bit, the horses mouth should be ideally about in line with the point of their shoulder. If this is not part of your daily routine, start introducing it at the end of the ride when the horse is tired and will be more willing to stretch.

Leg Yielding – Before the leg yield movement, you possibly have a turn onto the centre line, so practice the turn and then going straight. Don’t start the leg yield from the momentum of coming round the corner, or all you will achieve is the horse falling out through the shoulder. Come round the turn, show a few strides of straightness and then start. The whole idea is to show that your horse can move away from your leg aid and that you can control the movement, so it’s not how fast you can get back to the track, but how well you can control the amount side motion so you get back to the track at the correct marker.

Final halt and salute – I’m just going to mention this again, as a reminder….. don’t rush it! While this final part of the test, might be the first time some riders have taken a breath since starting, just take a few moments to do it well. Make sure the horse is standing securely, make sure they are attentive and on a contact, take a deep breath, do your fabulous salute and smile, drop your reins and give your wee star a big pat. Just remind yourself you have paid a lot of money to be in front of those judges, so make the most of your money and don’t rush it.

Happy training everyone 😀

03/08/2026

**Fun Facts and Dressage Rules**
UPDATED FOR 2026
ANY RULES QUOTED IN THIS POST REFER TO NEW ZEALAND (ESNZ DRESSAGE RULES)

Presenting to the judge… best foot forward!

Now that we know what we can wear, dress our horse in and have mastered the art of warming up. Next up is, explaining the rules around presenting to the judge.

So firstly, be on time. Figure out which arena is yours, before you actually need to head over. Keep an eye on the arena, and be ready to go onto the competition arena when the previous person has finished. You are allowed onto the surface as soon as the previous person has completed their final halt and salute. It’s your job to turn up at the correct arena on time, at some of the bigger shows if you turn up late, you may get turned away, as they have tight schedules to keep to, and a few people turning up late can add a lot of time to all the riders after you.

It is the respectful to stop or walk in front of all judge’s cars on your arena, so the writer can check your number and make sure they are filling out the test paper for the right person. Just as a wee test, next time you are watching a horse with a bridle number on its bridle, try and read the number as its cantering round… trust me, it is not easy! Do not just assume they know who you are, the judge will usually have their head down completing the previous persons paper, so it is the writer who needs to check. You do not want to ride the test of your life only to discover they have the wrong person’s name on it!!

The judge sitting at C is the person in charge of the class, so if you have anything you need to ask or tell the judges this is the person you need to speak to.

Please be respectful of other riders on the competition surface, while you can walk, trot or canter around the arena, please keep an eye out for others doing the same, especially young riders. Try and stay as close to your arena as possible so you do not disrupt those in the arena’s next to you.

If you are the first person in the class, especially after a break, you are not allowed onto the competition surface until the judges are in their cars. This is because it is not fair if the first person gets 8 laps round the arena, but the rest only get 1. If you are the first person in the class, but you present early, do not be offended if the judge tells you to go away again. Judges may have several different tests to judge in a single session, and they need a moment to go through the new test before you start.

However if you want to potentially maximise your time round the arena, be ready and waiting as the previous rider finishes, to head onto the surface.

Should you choose to ride earlier than your time, once you have entered the competition surface, you are under the control of the C judge, and they can ring the bell at any time they choose. Sadly, as above, you do not get to ride around the arena until it is your time…. The judges have morning tea to get to.

At 99% of dressage events, you are given a start time for each test, you are absolutely allowed to ride earlier if the rider before you has scratched, or if the arena is just running ahead of time, however it is also perfectly acceptable to ride to your time if you wish, the stewards may ask if you want or can ride earlier… again we all have morning tea to get to, but if you’re not ready, that isn’t your fault if some riders before you scratched, you can still stick to your ride time if you choose.

Once the judge rings the bell you have 45 seconds to enter your arena, most judges will try and ring the bell as you are going past E or B, heading towards A, however if the judge is on a tight schedule sometimes they just have to ring it regardless of where the rider might be. While you have 45 second to start, it is expected that you take the shortest route back to A, so if you are heading back towards C when they ring the bell, you are expected to turn around and head back to A to start. Most judges will hang their bell out the car window for several seconds after ringing it, so if you are not sure if it is your bell, activate your neck swivelling feature and glance back and see if you can see the bell.

You can enter from either the left or right rein, going round the arena on your better rein is usually the best option.

If you have a hearing problem that may mean you don't hear the bell being rung, please either tell the judge before starting, so they can tell you where they plan on ringing the bell to start, or have someone on the outside who can discreetly give you a wave to signal the bell has gone, but they then must move well away from the arena.

Any minor moments that happen before entering at A is not taken into consideration by the judges, and once you are through the gate A, take a deep breath, smile and enjoy the ride for the next 6 minutes. 😊

Happy training everyone 😃

31/07/2026

**Fun Facts and Dressage Rules**
UPDATED FOR 2026
ALL RULES QUOTED IN THIS POST REFER TO NEW ZEALAND (ESNZ DRESSAGE RULES)

Saddlery – too bling or not too bling that is the question.

Firstly, for full details on the correct saddlery allowed to be used and the penalties for illegal gear go to pages 23-32 of the ESNZ dressage rule book. Remember to read the rule in its entirety.
But the main ones are –

The most important rule around saddlery, is these rules apply from the time you arrive at the competition grounds. If you are caught with illegal gear on, it may cause elimination from the entire event.

Bridle numbers – you must have both on, one on each side, either on the bridle or saddle blanket, at all times when mounted on your dressage champion. In case there is a prize for the fanciest tail in the warm up, the stewards need to be able to work out who you are! They don’t have to be “official” ones, you can make your own, but there are rules around what size etc they must be

Saddles - yes you must have one on, and no it doesn’t have to be a dressage saddle. You can use, dressage, jumping, GP, side saddle, or treeless providing it looks similar to an English type saddle. It can be black, brown, navy or grey… sorry no pink. Saddles can have detailing on them, but if you look like you’ve come out of Arabian Nights… it’s too much! You also must have stirrup leathers and stirrups. The stirrup leathers must be on top of the saddle flap, they cannot be attached underneath. Seat savers can be used without needing a dispensation.

Bridles – Any traditional snaffle bridle can be used in all levels, and a simple double bridle from level 5 up in National tests. They must have a throatlash, but nosebands are optional. You cannot have clips that go onto the bit from the rein or cheek piece, but you can have clips instead of buckles on the rest of the bridle. Bridles can be black, brown, navy or grey, again sorry no pink…. The browbands can have bling (if it can be seen from a mile away, you may have gone to far), but cannot have attachments or tassels. Just a wee warning about using bling on your bridle, while it might make your horses head look even more gorgeous, it also draws the judge’s eye to your horse’s head, and if your contact is not the best, all the judge see’s is the horses head moving, so sometimes plainer is better.

Bits – There is a full list of bits on the ESNZ website or download the FEI Tack App, basically if you cannot find a picture of your bit.... then you probably can’t use it. But do make sure you read the rules around the bits in conjunction with the pictures. And you can’t change how you use your bit to fit the pictures, for example a dutch gag is still a dutch gag, just because you have your reins on the “big ring”, doesn’t turn it into a loose ring snaffle… true story!

Saddle cloths – Any plain colour is allowed (yes even pink!), brace yourself….it doesn’t have to be white. Discreet binding and or bling is acceptable.

Boots and bandages – anything goes in the warmup, but all must come off before entering the area around the arena or you may incur penalty points, or if you still have them on once you have started your test, you will be stopped by the judge and your groom/assistant must remove them, and you will received 2 penalty points per judge. These aren’t allowed in the test, simply because they could be covering up a wound or blood.

Hoof boots - black or brown hoof boots are permitted to be used. They must be low profile and not cover the coronet band or the heels. Example pictures are on pages 58-59 of the rules.

Fly Masks – For those horses with sun sensitivity, you can warm up in a fly mask, it must in no way be attached to the bridle, and it needs to be removed before entering the competition space.

Other items for all levels under national rules
Monkey straps – yes
Toe cages – yes
Neck straps – yes
Double neck straps - yes
Breastplates – yes
Nose nets – yes
Ear hoods – yes, but not one that attaches to the noseband
Ear plugs – no for test, but yes for prizegivings
Running martingales – no for the test, but yes for warming up
Bit guards – no
Running reins/balancing reins – no
Body Bandages - no
Titanium hoods - no

With the exception of boots/bandages, fly masks, whips and running martingales, you can only use equipment to warm up in that is allowed in the test. So, you can’t warm up your level 3 horse in a double bridle and then swap to a snaffle just before your test.
For most shows the start of the competition is usually midnight the night before the show. For the bigger shows it could be 24 hours before the first class, usually this will be stated on the entry form.

Obviously, what you do at home is your business, but when you're on the competition ground, the rules will start to apply.

With all rules it is ultimately up to each competitor to know which gear you can and can’t use. And be aware that rules change with the different types of classes or competitions that you’re riding at.
At the end of the day, having the sparkliest flashiest gear will not stop you from doing a creepy halt 😉

Happy training everyone 😀

Warkworth Dressage Group

27/08/2026

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