Severn Vale Riding Club Notes on Dress for SVRC Events

Hat - Always, when mounted, wear a well-fitting hat to the current PAS015 or BSEN1384 standard, with a three-point retaining harness correctly fastened. Ladies should always wear a hairnet and long hair must be fastened securely. Saddles - Only English type saddles are allowed, saddle covers are not allowed. Side-saddles may be used, except for the Riding Test. Forbidden Tack - Market Harborough, side, draw, bearing,  check, or running reins of any kind are not allowed. Hackamores, bitless bridles, blinkers and hoods are forbidden. The use of fine wire, twine or cord in or around the horse's mouth is forbidden. Jewellery - No items of jewellery may be worn, at any time, while riding or handling horses. Any item which may become entangled must be removed. Spurs of excessively severe design may not be worn. Spurs are only to be worn in the traditional manner, with the curve, if any, of the neck of the spur directed downwards. Only spurs made of metal may be worn. Spurs are not permitted in Riding Test and Equitation Jumping Competitions. Whips of not more than 75 cms and not less than 45 cms are allowed. For Dressage, any length whip may be carried, however, for the Dressage Phase of a Horse Trials, whips are not permitted. Gloves must be worn in Dressage Competitions. They may be worn in Riding Test and Horse Trials Dressage Phase, but are not compulsory. Collars and Ties or Hunting Stocks must be worn. Polo neck sweaters may be worn in Cross Country events. Jodhpurs/Breeches - Jeans are not acceptable. Chaps may not be worn in competitions or instructional rallies, however, they are acceptable for Endurance or Pleasure Rides and working in. Dark jodhpurs/breeches are acceptable for rallies and rides, however, for competitions, fawn, yellow or white should be worn. Jackets - for competitions, dark blue, black or tweed may be worn, for Cross Country, Rallies or Rides, a coloured sweatshirt.  Even in hot weather, long sleeves must be worn, for protection. In severe conditions, the judge may allow waterproof jackets to be worn. All jackets must fit properly and not restrict movement. Always fasten zips and buttons, as open jackets can be dangerous. Boots - Riding boots with garter straps are correct, however, jodhpur boots are also permitted. Back Protectors are compulsory for Cross Country. SVRC would also recommend their use, where practical, when mounted or handling horses. Plaiting - Horses should be plaited for all competitions. Exceptions are made for evening events or Cross Country. Turn-out - Dirty or badly maintained tack is a danger to both horse and rider and all members are expected to turn out for events clean and tidy. Now click on the underlined text below to see specialised rules for the discipline that interests you. Dressage Riding Test Show Jumping Equitation Jumping Horse Trials