Under the 2026 USEF Dressage Rules, a dressage-legal bit is a smooth snaffle at least 10 mm thick, with the rein attached at the mouthpiece, through Second Level; a bridoon and curb are allowed from Third Level up. Only bits shown in DR121's figures or listed in Annex A qualify. FEI shows follow FEI rules.
The bit you choose is also a central part of the partnership you share with your horse, and its selection should always put your horse's comfort first. This guide explains what the current rulebooks actually say, how to read the USEF bit list, how the main bit types work, and how to choose, fit and trial a bit well before you head down the centerline.
One note before we start: a product name, a collection label or a "dressage legal" tag on a listing is not a ruling. The rulebook and the technical delegate at your show have the final word, and the responsibility for compliance always rests with the competitor. Where this guide quotes a rule, it names the rule so you can check it yourself.
Who Makes the Dressage Bit Rules?
Each governing body writes its own rules. In the United States, national dressage competitions run under the USEF Dressage Rules, the DR chapter of the USEF Rulebook. International competitions (CDIs) run under the FEI Dressage Rules. Equestrian Canada, British Dressage and other national federations publish their own rulebooks, and the dressage phase of an event follows eventing rules rather than the dressage chapter. A bit that is legal under one set of rules is not automatically legal under another, so start by confirming which rules your show runs under.
The USEF Documents This Guide Uses
We checked this guide against the 2026 USEF Dressage Rules (the DR chapter, effective December 1, 2025) and USEF Dressage Annex A, Bits, Saddlery and Equipment (updated May 6, 2026). Rule numbers below refer to those documents. USEF also posts rule change notices during the competition year, so check the USEF Dressage Rules and Equipment page before each show season.
- DR121.2 says that only the bits shown in Figures 121.1, 121.3 and 121.4 and the bits listed in Annex A are permitted.
- Annex A lists specific brand-name bits in a grid, with separate columns for USEF snaffles (Fourth Level and below), USEF bridoons and curbs, USEF snaffles for FEI tests, and FEI bridoons, curbs and snaffles at CDIs.
- Annex A says that any bit or piece of equipment marked "Pending Review" is not allowed in USEF/USDF competition until the Annex says otherwise.
You can read both documents yourself: the 2026 USEF Dressage Rulebook and Annex A, Bits, Saddlery and Equipment.
The FEI Documents
We also read the FEI Dressage Rules, 26th edition (1 January 2023, including updates effective 1 January 2025). Its Article 401 tables set the bridle by event category. For 2026, the FEI publishes its detailed dressage tack specifications in a separate FEI Tack and Equipment Requirements document (effective 1 January 2026) and in the FEI TackApp. We could not open that document while checking this guide, so if you are entered at a CDI, read the current FEI requirements yourself and confirm your bit with the technical delegate or steward.
USEF Bit Rules at a Glance
| Topic | What the 2026 USEF rules say | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Snaffle diameter | At least 10 mm at the rings or cheeks; 12 mm in Young Horse and Children's classes; ponies may go below 10 mm | DR121.2.a, Annex A |
| Snaffle materials | Metal, flexible rubber or synthetic; no leather or leather-covered bits | DR121.2.a |
| Double-jointed center link | Smooth and curved like a lozenge; no tongue-plate effect; no Dr. Bristol or French link | DR121.2.a |
| Ported mouthpieces | Tongue relief no higher than 30 mm and at least 30 mm wide where it meets the tongue | Annex A notes |
| Bridoon | At least 10 mm; no D-ring, full cheek, half cheek or hanging cheek | DR121.2.b |
| Curb | At least 12 mm where it meets the cheeks; lever arm no more than 10 cm below the mouthpiece; upper cheek no more than 5 cm | DR121.2.c, Annex A notes |
| Bit guards | Prohibited in exercise and in competition, under penalty of elimination | DR121.14 |
| CDIs | Snaffles at least 12 mm for horses and 10 mm for ponies; FEI rules govern | Annex A notes |
Common Mistakes and Rule Myths to Avoid
One common misconception is that any bit labeled "legal" is automatically right for your class. In reality, the label may refer to a different discipline, a different federation or a different configuration of the same mouthpiece. Not every legal bit is ideal for every horse or rider, either. Here are the mistakes we see riders make most often:
- "All snaffles are approved." They are not. DR121.2 limits you to the bits in the figures and Annex A, and DR121.2.a specifically rules out Dr. Bristol and French link bits at national level.
- "Legal for eventing means legal for dressage." Eventing dressage tests run under eventing rules. Check the rulebook for the competition you are actually entering.
- "Legal at a national show means legal at a CDI." Annex A has separate columns for national and FEI use. Some bits are marked permitted in one column and not in another, so read across the whole row.
- "The cheek doesn't matter." It does. A mouthpiece that is fine as a snaffle can be barred as a bridoon if it is fitted with a D-ring, full cheek or hanging cheek (DR121.2.b).
- "Small add-ons are fine." Bit guards are prohibited under DR121.14, in the warm-up as well as the arena, under penalty of elimination.
Careful attention to these details helps you avoid an unpleasant surprise at the tack check.
How to Keep Your Tack Competition-Legal
Staying compliant takes a systematic approach:
- Check your bit against DR121 and Annex A before each show season and whenever USEF posts a rule change.
- Read the whole Annex A row for your bit, including the notes, and look at the column for the test you are riding.
- Keep the maker's name and model number for each bit you show in, so you can answer questions at the tack check.
- Measure the mouthpiece diameter at the rings or cheeks, where the rule measures it.
- When in doubt, ask the technical delegate before the show rather than at the in-gate.
By following these steps, you can confidently select and maintain bits that meet both the letter and the spirit of the rules, and keep your horse comfortable throughout the competition season.
Consulting Official Rule Documents
When it comes to confirming your bit is compliant, the best approach is to go straight to the source. The organizations that govern competitions each publish their own rulebooks, and those rulebooks are the final word on legal equipment. They are updated regularly with new standards and clarifications, so make a habit of checking for the latest version before each show season. For USEF competition, start with the USEF Dressage Rules and Equipment page, which links the current rulebook, Annex A and mid-year rule changes.
These documents offer more than a list of approved bits. Annex A includes photos of individual bits and notes on how each one may be used, and DR121 explains the measurements behind the rules. Paying attention to these details is crucial, because a bit might be permitted as a snaffle but not as a bridoon, or at a CDI but not at a national show. We carry a wide selection of bits from makers we trust, but the final responsibility for confirming compliance always rests with the competitor. Taking the time to read the official documents helps you enter the ring with confidence.
Shop This Post
Featured in this article
AV Bob Avila Double Ring Snaffle Horse Bit - Sweet Iron Mouthpiece, 3" Rings - Multiple Sizes
$165.00
Shop Now →
A Rider's Guide to Dressage Legal Bits
Selecting the right bit is foundational for both compliance and your horse's performance. Understanding the main types, how they work and how they interact with your horse's mouth helps you narrow the choice before you check the rulebook. Let's break down the core categories.
Getting Started with Snaffle Bits
Snaffle bits are the cornerstone of dressage, offering direct communication between horse and rider. DR121.2.a defines a snaffle as a non-leverage bit with the rein attached at the level of the mouthpiece. It may be unjointed, single-jointed or double-jointed. Annex A notes that all permitted snaffle mouthpieces are approved with loose ring, D-ring, eggbutt or hanging cheek rings, and DR121.2.a also allows single- or double-jointed snaffles with upper or lower cheeks, full cheeks or Fulmer cheeks. Each design affects how stable the bit is in the mouth and how clearly your rein aids come through.
Pros:
- Direct contact for clear signals
- Required for the lower levels, so most horses learn their job in one
- Versatile for many horses and mouth shapes
Cons:
- Not ideal for every oral anatomy
- Can pinch if poorly fitted
- Some horses may need more tongue room than a plain mouthpiece gives
For a double-jointed snaffle, the center piece matters. DR121.2.a says the center link must be smooth and curved on all surfaces, as in a lozenge-shaped link, and must not have the effect of a tongue plate. The Shires Hunter Dee with Copper Lozenge is an example of that shape: a double-jointed D-ring snaffle with a 12 mm stainless steel mouthpiece and a rounded copper lozenge in the center. As with any bit, confirm the exact size and configuration against the rules for your class.
When shopping, you can start with our Dressage Legal Bits collection, then check each exact mouthpiece, cheek and diameter against the current rules.
Understanding the Weymouth and Bridoon
At the upper levels, many riders move to a double bridle, which pairs a curb (Weymouth) with a bridoon (sometimes spelled bradoon), each on its own rein. Under the USEF rules, the double bridle is permitted only at Third Level and above, and a cavesson is the only noseband permitted with it (DR121.3.i). The curb chain must have hooks, and a lip strap is optional (DR121.3.f and DR121.3.g).
What the USEF rules require:
- Bridoon: a mouthpiece of at least 10 mm; D-rings, full cheeks, half cheeks and hanging cheeks are not allowed (DR121.2.b)
- Curb: an unjointed leverage bit with a mouthpiece of at least 12 mm where it meets the cheeks (DR121.2.c)
- Curb lever arm: no more than 10 cm (3.9 inches) below the mouthpiece (DR121.2.c.5)
- Curb upper cheek: no more than 5 cm (DR121.2.c.5)
Pros:
- Allows refined aids for upper-level work
- Gives the rider two reins with different actions
Cons:
- More complex to fit and to handle
- Can be harsh in unskilled hands
- Not suited to inexperienced riders or horses not yet ready for the work
If you are building a double bridle, the Myler MB 04 Low Port Comfort Snaffle Bridoon uses the MB 04 mouthpiece, which Annex A permits as a bridoon only with a loose ring or eggbutt cheek. Check the cheek and size before you order.
Are Myler Bits Dressage Legal?
Some are, and Annex A lists them by name. Myler bits are known for their curved, shaped mouthpieces that give the tongue more room, which is why riders of sensitive horses often ask about them. In the Annex A edition we read (updated May 6, 2026), these Myler mouthpieces have permitted entries, each with its own notes:
- MB 02 Comfort Snaffle (wide barrel)
- MB 04 Low Port Comfort Snaffle: permitted as a bridoon only with a loose ring or eggbutt cheek
- MB 36 Forward Tilted Barrel: not permitted as a bridoon with hanging cheeks
- MB 33 WL Wide Low Ported Barrel
- MB 32 and MB 06 Mullen Barrel entries, with notes on how each may be used
Annex A also marks some Myler designs as not permitted: the MB 33 Ported Barrel snaffle (its port exceeds 30 mm), the Myler Weymouth curbs and the western HBT shank. Some Myler mouthpiece numbers, such as MB 01 and MB 09, do not appear by name in the edition we read. That alone does not make them illegal, since DR121 also permits the designs shown in its figures, but confirm with USEF or your technical delegate before you show in one.
Myler Bits We Carry That Annex A Lists
- Myler MB 02 Loose Ring Snaffle, 14 mm, 5 1/2 inch
- Myler MB 02 Dee Without Hooks, 4 3/4 inch
- Myler MB 36 Loose Ring Snaffle, 5 inch
- Myler MB 36 Eggbutt Snaffle Without Hooks, 6 inch
A Note on Myler Cheeks and Hooks
It's not just the mouthpiece that matters. Myler sells many of its cheeks with or without rein hooks (slots in the rings). Annex A does not address hooked cheeks, and DR121.2.a defines a snaffle as having the rein attached at the level of the mouthpiece, so the Myler bits we list for dressage are the versions without hooks. If you want to show in a hooked version, ask the technical delegate first. You can browse every mouthpiece and cheek in our Myler collection, and our guide to what a Myler bit is explains the levels.
Does Bit Material Really Matter?
Under DR121.2.a, a snaffle mouthpiece must be made of metal, flexible rubber or synthetic material, and leather and leather-covered bits are not allowed. Within those limits, riders choose among stainless steel, sweet iron, copper and copper inlays, titanium, and rubber or synthetic mouthpieces. Annex A lists bits in several of these materials by name.
Things to weigh:
- How your horse accepts the feel and taste of the material
- Durability, since rubber and synthetic mouthpieces wear and should be checked for chewing damage
- Care, since some materials need more cleaning or drying than others
Material is a matter of preference and your horse's response. Try one change at a time so you can tell what made the difference.
A Guide to Legal Cheekpiece Designs
Cheekpiece design is a critical part of compliance. For a snaffle, the rules allow loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring and hanging cheek (Baucher) rings, plus full cheek and Fulmer cheeks. A few details to know:
- Hanging cheek snaffles are limited to an upper cheek of 7 cm (DR121.2.a).
- Keepers are permitted only in national-level tests, and only for full cheek and half cheek snaffles (Figure 121.1).
- A bridoon may not have a D-ring, full cheek, half cheek or hanging cheek (DR121.2.b).
- Because a snaffle is a non-leverage bit, cheeks that add leverage do not qualify as snaffles.
The choice of cheekpiece affects the clarity of your aids and your horse's comfort, so match it to your horse first and then check it against the rule for the bridle you will use.
Getting the Right Fit for Your Horse
Proper sizing and fit matter for your horse's welfare as much as for the rules. Measure before you buy rather than assuming your horse wears a standard size.
Key tips:
- Measure your horse's mouth width and check that the bit sits correctly, usually with one soft wrinkle at each corner
- Check that the mouthpiece meets the minimum diameter for your class, measured at the rings or cheeks
- Ask an experienced bit fitter or your equine dentist if your horse is between sizes
A correctly sized bit supports clear communication and reduces the risk of discomfort in the ring.
Understanding Mouthpiece Thickness
Mouthpiece thickness is a detail every dressage rider should check. Under the USEF rules, a snaffle or bridoon must be at least 10 mm in diameter, a curb at least 12 mm, and Young Horse and Children's classes call for a snaffle of at least 12 mm, with an exception for ponies. At CDIs, Annex A notes a snaffle minimum of 12 mm for horses and 10 mm for ponies. Above the minimum, thicker is not automatically kinder: a horse with a fleshy tongue or a low palate has less room in its mouth, and a thick bit can crowd it. Before your next show, take a moment to measure your current bits. It's a simple step that protects your horse and keeps you confident in the arena.
Finding the Perfect Dressage Bit for Your Horse
Selecting the ideal bit is a process that balances compliance, comfort and performance. The right choice can improve your partnership in the arena, while a poor fit may hold back progress. A systematic approach keeps your horse's welfare at the center.
What Is Your Horse Trying to Tell You?
Begin with a careful look at your horse's mouth and temperament. Not every legal bit suits every horse, so understanding your horse's features is crucial.
- Look at tongue size, palate height and how sensitive the bars are.
- Watch for signs of bit aversion, like head tossing or a busy mouth.
- Review your horse's training history and any earlier bit problems.
A horse with a fleshy tongue or a low palate has less room, which is one reason riders try thinner or shaped mouthpieces. Your equine dentist or an experienced bit fitter can tell you what your horse's mouth has room for. This individual assessment means the bit is chosen for your horse's anatomy and behavior, not just its label.
Does Your Bit Match Your Training Goals?
Your training objectives and your horse's stage of education shape the choice. Under the USEF rules, a snaffle bridle is required at Second Level and below, and either a snaffle or a double bridle is permitted at Third and Fourth Level (DR121.3.j). As you progress, a double bridle becomes an option, and at some upper-level competitions it is required.
Aligning your bit with current and future demands makes for smoother transitions as your horse advances. For instance, moving from a snaffle to a double bridle should follow your horse's readiness for more collected work, not a calendar date. Always introduce new bits gradually to keep trust and responsiveness.
Your Pre-Purchase Legality Checklist
Before you buy, check the bit against the rules for the class you will ride:
- Mouthpiece type: unjointed, single-jointed or double-jointed, and for double-jointed bits, a smooth, curved center link rather than a flat plate.
- Diameter: at least 10 mm for a snaffle or bridoon at national level (12 mm in Young Horse and Children's classes), 12 mm for a curb.
- Cheek: permitted for a snaffle, and if the bit will be a bridoon, not a D-ring, full cheek, half cheek or hanging cheek.
- Material: metal, flexible rubber or synthetic, not leather or leather-covered.
- Port: no higher than 30 mm and at least 30 mm wide where it meets the tongue.
- Listing: shown in the DR121 figures or listed in Annex A, and not marked "Pending Review".
Keeping the maker's name and model number on hand can also help during tack checks at competitions.
Putting Your Horse's Comfort First
Prioritizing your horse's comfort is non-negotiable. Watch for signs of discomfort, such as resistance, an open mouth or reluctance to accept the contact.
Shaped or anatomical mouthpieces are designed to spread pressure and leave more room for the tongue, and many horses go more quietly in them. A comfortable horse is more likely to perform at its best, which makes welfare-focused bit selection a cornerstone of your training and competition plan.
Training vs. Competition Bits
While many riders use the same bit for schooling and showing, your focus may shift between the two. During training, your goal is to build clear communication and your horse's confidence. This is the time to make sure the bit you're using is comfortable, encourages acceptance of the contact and helps you reach your training goals. A simple, well-fitted snaffle is often the best tool for building a solid foundation, because it gives direct, easy-to-understand cues. Prioritizing your horse's comfort during these sessions directly affects their willingness to work and their trust in your aids.
For competition, your first priority is making sure your bit is legal for your level and federation. Remember that the rules cover the warm-up as well as the arena: the USEF snaffle bridle requirement applies in warm-up and competition (DR121.3.j), and bit guards are prohibited during exercise as well as in competition (DR121.14). Make sure your horse is completely comfortable in their competition bit long before you head down the centerline. Never introduce a new bit right before a show; a seamless transition from your training bit to your competition bit, or using the same one for both, keeps your partner relaxed and ready.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Bit Fitting
Proper fit is as important as legality. Start by measuring your horse's mouth width accurately. The bit should extend slightly beyond the lips on both sides without pinching.
- Adjust the bit so it creates a gentle wrinkle at each corner of the mouth.
- Check for gaps or pinching, especially at the corners and cheeks.
- If you are unsure, ask an experienced bit fitter to look at your horse in person.
A well-fitted bit supports clear communication and reduces the risk of rubs and discomfort.
How to Effectively Trial a New Bit
Testing a new bit well before competition is vital. Allow several rides for your horse to adjust, and watch for changes in acceptance and responsiveness.
If problems come up, adjust the fit, go back to the previous bit or ask a bit fitter for help. This trial-and-feedback loop helps you refine your choice before it matters in the ring.
A Breakdown of Bit Rules by Federation
Every governing body sets its own standards, and rule updates can affect even familiar tack. Below is what we confirmed, and where to look for what we could not.
USEF National Competition
| Test or level | Bridle under the 2026 USEF rules |
|---|---|
| Second Level and below, FEI Children's and FEI Pony tests | Snaffle bridle required in warm-up and competition (DR121.3.j.1) |
| Third and Fourth Level | Snaffle or double bridle (DR121.3.j.2) |
| FEI 4-, 5- and 6-year-old tests and the USEF 4-year-old test | Snaffle bridle required (DR121.3.j.5) |
| Other FEI-level tests at national shows | See the bridle table in Figure 121.11; some championships require a double bridle |
For the bit itself, use the table near the top of this guide and the Annex A grid. Annex A has a separate column for snaffles used in FEI tests at national shows, so check that column if you ride an FEI test in a snaffle.
FEI Competition (CDIs)
The FEI Dressage Rules (26th edition, with updates effective 1 January 2025) set the bridle by event in Article 401. Grand Prix events call for a double bridle. Prix St-Georges, Intermediate I, Intermediate A and B, and Intermediate II events allow a snaffle or a double bridle, as do Young Rider and Junior events. Children and Pony Rider events use a snaffle.
For the bit specifications at CDIs, USEF's Annex A gives a snaffle minimum of 12 mm for horses and 10 mm for ponies and has its own FEI columns, but it also directs CDI riders to the FEI rules and the FEI TackApp. The FEI and USEF columns do not always agree. For example, Annex A marks some French-link bits as not permitted at national level but permitted in the FEI columns. Read the current FEI Tack and Equipment Requirements for dressage and check your bit in the FEI TackApp before you travel.
Eventing Dressage
The dressage phase of an event runs under eventing rules, not the USEF dressage chapter, and the permitted bits are not identical. If you event, check the current eventing rules for your level rather than relying on a dressage list.
Equestrian Canada and Other Federations
Canadian riders follow Equestrian Canada's dressage rules, and riders in other countries follow their own national federation. Each publishes its own rulebook and updates it on its own schedule, so read the current edition for the country you are competing in.
Riding Under More Than One Set of Rules
When you compete abroad or across federations, staying compliant can be challenging. Each organization updates its rules periodically, and a bit legal in one place may be restricted in another. If you ride under more than one set of rules, choose a bit that is permitted under all of them for your target events.
Cross-check before international travel, and if you are in doubt, ask your trainer or the technical delegate well ahead of time. Keeping the maker's name and model number with your tack can help resolve questions at the tack check. With some planning you can choose bits that meet both local and international rules while keeping your horse comfortable.
Beyond the Rulebook: Rider Insights
The rules tell you what is allowed. Experience tells you what works for your horse. A few lessons riders and trainers come back to again and again:
What Trainers Look for in a Dressage Bit
Trainers generally look for a bit the horse accepts quietly, that stays steady in the mouth and that lets the rider's aids come through clearly. They tend to favor gradual changes, giving the horse time to get used to a new mouthpiece shape or material, and they caution against switching bits right before an important show.
Common mistakes include assuming every snaffle is permitted and overlooking the cheekpiece. Reviewing the rulebook and getting a second opinion from a knowledgeable trainer or fitter are the simplest ways to avoid those pitfalls. The right bit, matched to both horse and rider, supports everything else you do in training.
When to Call a Professional Bit Fitter
A professional bit fitter can be a big help when a horse resists the contact, when you are moving into a double bridle, or when your horse falls between sizes. A fitter looks at your horse's mouth, watches you ride and often lets you try several options.
Write down what you tried and how your horse responded. That record, along with the maker's model number for each bit, makes it easier to repeat a good result and to answer questions at a show.
Your Smart Shopping Guide for Dressage Bits
The shopping process goes beyond picking a bit off the shelf. Riders should consider the exact specifications, quality and fit to make sure the bit is right for the horse and for the rules. Here are the most important factors.
Buy From Listings That Give Exact Specs
For dressage, the details decide legality, so buy from a source that tells you the maker, the model or mouthpiece number, the mouth width, the diameter, the cheek type and the material. Compare those details with DR121 and Annex A before you order, and check the bit again when it arrives.
Brands You'll See in Annex A
Annex A lists bits from many makers by name, including Myler, Bomber, Herm Sprenger, Happy Mouth and Lorenzini, among others. A brand name on the list doesn't make every bit from that maker legal, since the Annex lists individual models and notes how each may be used. We carry Myler and Shires bits, among others, and choose our horse tack from makers we trust.
How to Spot a High-Quality Bit
Look for clear maker markings, smooth finishes, consistent materials and no sharp edges or rough joints. Moving parts should move freely without gaps that could pinch.
Inspect any bit when it arrives and compare it with the maker's photos and specifications. If something doesn't match, ask your retailer or a bit fitter before you use the bit in competition.
When a Standard Size Won't Do
Proper fit is essential for a bit to work as intended. Many mouthpieces come in several widths, and some makers offer half-sizes or larger widths for bigger horses. If your horse falls between sizes or needs a width that is hard to find, ask about the full size range for that model before you settle for a bit that is too wide or too narrow.
How to Make Your Dressage Bits Last
Proper care extends the life of your bits and helps them stay compliant. Clean bits after every ride with warm water and a soft brush to remove saliva and debris. For rubber or synthetic mouthpieces, follow the maker's care instructions to avoid damage.
Inspect your bit regularly for wear, such as sharp edges, cracks, chewing damage or corrosion, and replace it if you find any. Store bits in a dry, protected place. One accessory to leave in the tack room on show day: bit guards are prohibited in USEF dressage (DR121.14). Our guide to choosing bit guards covers where they are useful.
Key Takeaways
- Make the Rulebook Your Best Friend: You hold the final responsibility for compliance. Check your exact bit against DR121 and Annex A for USEF shows, and against the current FEI requirements for CDIs, before you compete.
- Your Horse's Comfort Comes First: Legality gets you in the ring, but comfort helps you ride a good test. Choose a bit based on your horse's anatomy and feedback, so it promotes relaxation and clear communication.
- Choose the Right Tool for the Job: Your bit should support your current level and your goals. A snaffle is required through Second Level, and the double bridle is an option from Third Level up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my current bit still be legal this season?
It depends on the rules you ride under and on any changes since you last checked. For USEF shows, check your bit against the current DR121 figures and Annex A, and look at USEF's rule change notices. If your bit isn't shown or listed, or is marked "Pending Review", ask USEF or the technical delegate before you show in it.
Can I use bit guards in a dressage test?
Not at USEF shows. DR121.14 prohibits bit guards during exercise and in competition, under penalty of elimination. For FEI events, check the current FEI Tack and Equipment Requirements.
Is a French link snaffle legal for dressage?
Not at USEF national level. DR121.2.a says Dr. Bristol and French link bits are not allowed, and the center link of a double-jointed snaffle must be smooth and curved like a lozenge. Annex A marks some French-link bits as permitted in its FEI columns, so CDI riders should check the FEI requirements for their exact bit.
When can I ride in a double bridle?
Under the USEF rules, a double bridle is permitted at Third Level and above, and a snaffle is required at Second Level and below. Some upper-level championships require a double bridle. At CDIs, the FEI's Article 401 tables set the bridle for each event.
