The UPHA Equitation Committee would like to provide some clarification regarding the USEF Equitation Rule EQ 116.  The rule includes verbiage that outlines riding habits must be of ‘conversative color’ and ‘appear solid’. It has been brought to our attention that there are some habits that are questionable as to if they follow this ruling – ones that have significant patterns consisting of very different colors in the fabric pattern and thus do not appear solid, as the rule specifically states.  Here is the current rule as stated in the USEF Rulebook:

EQ116 Appointments 

1. PERSONAL. Exhibitors and judges should bear in mind that at all times entries are being judged on ability. However, neatness is the first requisite regarding a rider’s attire and the following requirements are based on tradition and general present-day customs. Judges must penalize and may eliminate those competitors who do not conform. 

a. INFORMAL: Riding habit will consist of jacket with collars and lapels of the same conservative color with matching jodhpurs, a collared shirt, tie, vest, and complimentary gloves, jodhpur boots, and derby or soft hat (protective headgear may be worn without penalty per GR801.1). Conservative colors for informal riding habits include black, blue, grey, burgundy, green, beige, or brown and may contain herringbone, pin stripes, and other combinations of colors that appear solid. Colors not included in this list are not acceptable and must be penalized and may be cause for elimination. Only informal dress is permitted in American Saddlebred Pleasure Equitation classes and Morgan Classic Saddle Seat Equitation classes, day or night. 

b. FORMAL: Even more conservative attire is required for evening classes. Riding habit will consist of tuxedo-type jacket with collars and lapels of the same color with matching jodhpurs, formal shirt, bow tie, vest or cummerbund, and matching top hat (women), homburg or other soft hat (men). Solid colors for formal riding habits include dark grey, dark brown, dark blue, or black. Formal shirt must be white or off-white with the bow tie and vest or cummerbund to match shirt or riding habit in color. Colors not included in this list are not acceptable and must be penalized and may be cause for elimination. Formal riding habits are not to be worn before 6:00 p.m. and are not mandatory after 6:00 p.m.; exhibitors competing on 
Pleasure horses have the option to wear formal attire in Open equitation classes as specified by the rule. 

c. OPTIONAL: Blunt end (unrowelled only) spurs and/or riding crops. 

d. Protective headgear is not required in any class in the Saddle Seat Equitation unless stated otherwise within these rules. Use of protective headgear cannot be penalized.

According to the way this rule reads, judges must penalize suits that do not conform to this rule. They do not have to eliminate the rider, but they are “allowed” to eliminate a rider. Also, it does not eliminate a rider from being placed 1st if his/her performance is superior to the other riders in the class.

The Committee reminds everyone of this rule and that it must be followed so that your equitation riders do not face unnecessary penalization from a judge(s) solely because they are not conforming to the rules of the division.  The Equitation Committee hopes that every rider has the best chance and that they are not penalized because of their suit. Please be advised of the specificity of this rule when picking out suits and suit fabric for your equitation riders.

Respectfully,
UPHA Equitation Committee