Rule of the Week - Article 257. Saddlery

Article 257 – Saddlery
1. In the competition arena:
1.1 Blinkers are forbidden.
1.2 Standing martingales are permitted for horses in children's horse competitions and in totally national competitions. Running martingales are allowed in all competitions.
1.3 There are no restrictions on bits. However, the Ground Jury has the right, based on veterinary advice, to forbid the use of a bit that may cause injury to the horse. Reins must be attached to the bit(s) or directly to the bridle. Gags and hackamores are allowed.
1.4 Leather, sheepskin or similar material may be used on each cheek piece of the bridle providing the material does not exceed 3 cm in diameter measured from the horse’s cheek.
1.5 The use of a tongue-strap is forbidden. For the use of tongue guards, see FEI Vet Regs 1035.4
1.6 Draw reins (running reins) are forbidden in the competition arena except during prize giving ceremonies and march-past parades.

2. Anywhere within the grounds of the event (restricted area) under control of the OC, the following provisions apply:
2.1 In the interests of safety, the stirrup iron and the stirrup leather (this also applies to safety stirrups) must hang freely from the bar of the saddle and the outside of the flap. The athlete must not directly or indirectly tie any part of his body to the saddlery.
2.2 Athletes are allowed to use a dressage whip when working on the flat but are strictly forbidden to use or carry a whip which is weighed down at the end at any time, or to carry or use one which is more than 75 cm in length in the arena, and schooling areas when riding over poles or any obstacle. No substitute for a whip may be carried. Failure to comply with this paragraph will incur elimination (Art 241.3.21).
2.3 The total maximum weight of equipment allowed to be added to a horse’s leg for a horse’s boot, front or hind (single or multiple boots, fetlock rings etc), is 500g (shoe excluded). Failure to comply with this paragraph will incur disqualification (Art.242.2.8).
2.4 For all young horse style classes, all hind leg protections must have a maximum interior length of 16 cm. The width of the fastener must be at least 5 cm. Boots with the capacity to be tensioned are not allowed. (Refer to FEI Jumping Stewards’ Manual on the FEI website for diagram).
The following criteria must be respected:

•  The inside of the protection must be smooth. The rounded rigid part of the protection must be placed around the inside of the fetlock;

No additional elements may be used in conjunction with the protection.
2.5 For all competitions excluding young horse style classes, any hind leg protections that has been found to be over tensioned to the point of being cruel or detrimental to the horses welfare, in the opinion of the judge/steward, may be penalised. Riders shall remove and reapply boots that are suspected of being over tensioned on the judges or stewards request at any time, at any show in Australia.

3. Advertising and Publicity on Saddlery and Equipment
(Refer to Art. 256.3 FEI Rules for Jumping Events)