Editing Dressage (section)

== Tack ==
[[File:CollegiateDressage.jpg|thumb|upright|A dressage saddle]]
The rules on permitted cavessons (nosebands) saddles, saddle pads, etc., are subject to change and do change as more and more styles and stylish equipments are introduced into the marketplace. Dressage horses are shown in minimal [[horse tack|tack]]. They are not permitted to wear [[Horse leg protection|leg protection]] including boots or wraps during the test, nor are they allowed to wear [[martingale (tack)|martingales]] or training devices such as [[draw reins|draw or running reins]] or the [[gogue]] anywhere on the showgrounds during the competition. Due to the formality of dressage, tack is usually black leather, although dark brown is seen from time to time.

An [[English Saddle|English-style saddle]] is required for riding dressage, specifically a "dressage saddle" which is modeled exclusively for the discipline. It is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, mirroring the leg of the dressage rider, which is long with a slight bend in the knee, a deep seat and usually a pronounced knee block. Dressage saddles have longer billets and use shorter girth than other types of English saddles to minimize the straps and buckles underneath the rider's legs. The saddle is usually placed over a square, white saddle pad. Colored trim on the white saddle pad is permitted.<ref name=Tack_and_Equipment>{{cite web |url=http://www.usdf.org/about/about-dressage/competition/tack-equipment.asp |title=USDF &#124; Tack and Equipment |access-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821063629/http://www.usdf.org/about/about-dressage/competition/tack-equipment.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> A dressage saddle is required in [[International Federation for Equestrian Sports|FEI]] classes, although any simple English-type saddle may be used at the lower levels.

At the lower levels of dressage, a bridle includes a [[noseband|plain cavesson]], [[noseband|drop noseband]], or [[noseband|flash noseband]]. Currently, drop nosebands are relatively uncommon, with the flash more common. At the upper levels a plain cavesson is used on a double bridle. [[noseband|Figure-eight]] (also called Grackle) nosebands are not allowed in pure dressage, however they are allowed in the dressage phase of eventing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/uploads/File/Rules%202009/BD%20rulebook%202009%202.pdf |title=British Dressage Rulebook 2009 |access-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814202310/http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/uploads/File/Rules%202009/BD%20rulebook%202009%202.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Riders are not allowed to use [[noseband|Kineton]] nosebands, due to their severity. Beads and colored trim are permitted along the brow band of the bridle.<ref name=Tack_and_Equipment />

The dressage horse at lower levels is only permitted to be shown at recognized competitions in a [[snaffle bit]], though the detail regarding bitting varies slightly from organization to organization. The loose-ring snaffle with a single- or double-joint is most commonly seen. Harsher snaffle bits, such as twisted wire, corkscrews, slow-twists, and waterfords are not permitted, nor are [[pelham bit|pelhams]], [[kimberwicke]]s, or [[gag bit]]s. Upper level and FEI dressage horses are shown in a [[double bridle]], using both a [[bradoon]] and a [[curb bit]] with a smooth curb chain. Traditionally, the snaffle is used to open and lift the poll angle, while the curb is used to bring the nose of the horse towards the vertical.