For the last time: your French Link is fine for National levels, but not for FEI levels. Photo via US Equestrian (snarky caption via Abby Powell.)
You may (or very possibly may not) have noticed this important little blurb nestled in the February 2020 USEF Eventing Newsletter:
“Effective immediately, eventing athletes can send eventing tack questions to one dedicated e-mail address and receive a response in a timely manner. Just send your inquiry to [email protected] and you will receive a response from USEF Eventing Department staff within 24 hours.
“To ensure a complete response, please provide as many details with your inquiry as possible i.e. a detailed description of the item, a photo or link to an illustration of the item, the level and test(s) you wish to use the tack for etc.”
These three little sentences actually equate to something seriously helpful for anyone with that nagging “Is this allowed?” question regarding permitted tack at National (Beginner Novice through Advanced) and International/ FEI (CCI1* through CCI5*) levels, because now you can get a definitive answer — wait for it — straight from the horse’s mouth.
Of course, you can always check the USEA/USEF rulebook or the latest version of the FEI Eventing Rules and their FAQ on tack, equipment and dress to see if you can find the answer yourself before asking the authorities — I’m sure the fine folk at US Equestrian would appreciate that — but it’s a lovely resource to have! And don’t forget to be as detailed as possible too, so that they can do their best to answer your question.
You can also keep up to date with the latest memos, such as this one that the USEF issued on Friday addressing the most recent hot topic on snaffle-links which we are affectionately calling “snafflegate,” on the newly revamped USA Eventing Website. Thanks USEF!
