British Eventing Tack Rules

[hattietwirl]

In October I aim to be competing in the BE90 at Bishop Burton College as it is literally a 30 minute journey in the horsebox. I am going with my friend who has loads of experience at higher levels but who has a new horse she is starting at 90 and she can't answer my (quite stupid) question so here goes:
I have read and obsessed over the BE dress code rule book but couldn't find the answers to this; Am I able to use bright green rubber reins, bright green gloves or a bright green browband to match my cross country colours? Also, I own compositi stirrups with (you guessed it) bright green treads. Would I be allowed to use those for the XC phase too? I am aware that time can be tight and I may be a little mad trying to change so many things when a good warm up will be needed for the XC but I have timed myself and my record times for stirrup and browband changes are both under 40 seconds
Anyway, this has been a ramble for no reason so I shall end it here! oh-but before I leave y'all in peace, have any of you ever competed at Bishop? I have spectated many times but I would love to hear some of your experiences.
Thanks in advance,
Hattie x

 

[Rosiefan]

I'm probably wrong but I think you can go XC looking however you want as long as you have the medical card/body protector etc. You may feel a bit uncomfortable though as you'll likely be the only one with bright green gear.

 

[andij253]

Please see the rule book re competitors dress and saddlery (Chapter 7)

http://www.britisheventing.com/docu...nTitle=Download+Area#category0001200000010002

Under these rules 7.19.3.4 I think you might get away with the browband , not sure about the reins? (The bridle must be predominately black, brown, grey or navy). Gloves are optional for XC so I guess green would be fine. Coloured stirrups are allowed for SJ & XC (7.19.2)

If you want a definitive answer you really should phone or email BE.

Personally I wouldn't add any more stress to your day that you need, your first event will be quite busy enough!! Also, and I know I'm going to sound really grumpy and old fashioned but what's wrong with plain tack? I'm very miserable I know but I hate the fact that BE is starting to allow all this bling!

Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic time at Bishop Burton and despite my grumbles above - eventers are all a friendly bunch and happy to help so never worry about asking questions when you are there.
Good luck for the season.

 

[hattietwirl]

Thank you both-I will for sure email BE to make sure

 

[popsdosh]

I seem to recall somebody last season was eliminated before cross country because of odd coloured tack and there was quite an uproar!

 

[hattietwirl]

I seem to recall somebody last season was eliminated before cross country because of odd coloured tack and there was quite an uproar!

Wow-thanks for that! That has certainly put me off the reins!

 

[Cragrat]

Doesn't Paul tapner have a gorgeous bright red saddle?!

 

[NaeNae87]

I would think the gloves, stirrups and browband will be fine... I would be double checking with BE about the reins though.

Not sure if you have a technical delegate on course at events but, (we have them over here) that is who I would be speaking to on the day if I had any gear queries - take a spare set of reins just to be on the safe side.

 

[fabscd]

I'd check, but i'm pretty surer PT as mentioned above has a red (or partly red) saddle. As for the rest, you will probably be fine, not sure if there is a specification on gloves, or if that is just for dressage

 

[montanna]

gorgeous bright red saddle?!

Somewhat of an oxymoron here I feel!

Seriously though, I think for your first event, if in doubt, don't do it. As above, you will have enough to stress about without adding to it needlessly. You could always email BE though (and take the response with you incase someone pulls you up).

 

[Cragrat]

Somewhat of an oxymoron here I feel!

Seriously though, I think for your first event, if in doubt, don't do it. As above, you will have enough to stress about without adding to it needlessly. You could always email BE though (and take the response with you incase someone pulls you up).

http://tapnereventing.com/photo-gallery/#jp-carousel-1802

Not an oxymoron!

But good advice, if in doubt, play safe and boring for your first time!