What is tack and saddlery in Equestrian?

Section 2: Equipment

2.1 The Horse

Any breed of horse is eligible for Olympic equestrian competition. Horses must meet the following requirements:

Age: Minimum 9 years old for all three Olympic disciplines
FEI Passport: Each horse must be registered with the FEI and carry a valid FEI identification document (passport) recording identity, vaccination history, and competition record
Veterinary inspections: All horses undergo a "jog" (trot-up inspection) before competition, where they are presented in hand and trotted on a hard surface before a Ground Jury. Any horse showing irregularity of gait (lameness) is eliminated.
Anti-doping: Horses are subject to FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCM). Prohibited substances include performance-enhancing drugs, sedatives, and analgesics that could mask pain. Positive tests result in disqualification and potential suspension of the athlete.

2.2 Tack and Saddlery

Dressage saddle: Deep-seated with long, straight flaps to facilitate a long leg position. No weight restrictions.
Jumping saddle: Forward-cut seat with shorter flaps to accommodate the rider's shorter stirrup length over fences. Used in Show Jumping and the SJ phase of Eventing.
Cross-country saddle: All-purpose or specifically designed for cross-country with extra knee blocks for security at speed and over solid fences.
Bits: Dressage (Grand Prix): double bridle (curb and bridoon) required. Show Jumping: any bit from the FEI-approved list. Eventing: discipline-specific approved bits per phase.
Boots and bandages: Permitted in Show Jumping and Eventing (cross-country and show jumping phases). Not permitted in Dressage (except in warm-up).
Whips: Dressage: whip permitted in warm-up but not during the test. Show Jumping: whip maximum 75 cm (29.5 in) including flap. Eventing XC: whip maximum 75 cm.
Spurs: Permitted in all disciplines. Must be smooth (no rowel spurs) and positioned correctly on the rider's boot.

2.3 Rider Equipment and Attire

Helmet: ASTM/SEI F1163, PAS 015, EN 1384 (or successor standard) certified riding helmet mandatory at all times when mounted. Chin strap must be fastened. No modifications to the helmet shell.
Dressage attire: Shadbelly (tailcoat) or short jacket, white or light-colored breeches, tall black boots, white stock tie or collar. Top hat is optional (many now use only helmets).
Show Jumping attire: Show jacket (any color permitted per national federation), white or beige breeches, tall boots, helmet.
Eventing cross-country: Body protector meeting BETA Level 3 (or equivalent) standard — mandatory. Medical armband on upper arm containing emergency contact information and blood type. Air vest (inflatable vest triggered by a lanyard) strongly recommended and commonly worn.
National identification: Saddle cloth must display the national flag and athlete/horse number for Olympic competition

Section 2: Equipment

2.1 The Horse

Any breed of horse is eligible for Olympic equestrian competition. Horses must meet the following requirements:

Age: Minimum 9 years old for all three Olympic disciplines

FEI Passport: Each horse must be registered with the FEI and carry a valid FEI identification document (passport) recording identity, vaccination history, and competition record

Veterinary inspections: All horses undergo a "jog" (trot-up inspection) before competition, where they are presented in hand and trotted on a hard surface before a Ground Jury. Any horse showing irregularity of gait (lameness) is eliminated.

Anti-doping: Horses are subject to FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCM). Prohibited substances include performance-enhancing drugs, sedatives, and analgesics that could mask pain. Positive tests result in disqualification and potential suspension of the athlete.

2.2 Tack and Saddlery

Dressage saddle: Deep-seated with long, straight flaps to facilitate a long leg position. No weight restrictions.

Jumping saddle: Forward-cut seat with shorter flaps to accommodate the rider's shorter stirrup length over fences. Used in Show Jumping and the SJ phase of Eventing.

Cross-country saddle: All-purpose or specifically designed for cross-country with extra knee blocks for security at speed and over solid fences.

Bits: Dressage (Grand Prix): double bridle (curb and bridoon) required. Show Jumping: any bit from the FEI-approved list. Eventing: discipline-specific approved bits per phase.

Boots and bandages: Permitted in Show Jumping and Eventing (cross-country and show jumping phases). Not permitted in Dressage (except in warm-up).

Whips: Dressage: whip permitted in warm-up but not during the test. Show Jumping: whip maximum 75 cm (29.5 in) including flap. Eventing XC: whip maximum 75 cm.

Spurs: Permitted in all disciplines. Must be smooth (no rowel spurs) and positioned correctly on the rider's boot.

2.3 Rider Equipment and Attire

Helmet: ASTM/SEI F1163, PAS 015, EN 1384 (or successor standard) certified riding helmet mandatory at all times when mounted. Chin strap must be fastened. No modifications to the helmet shell.

Dressage attire: Shadbelly (tailcoat) or short jacket, white or light-colored breeches, tall black boots, white stock tie or collar. Top hat is optional (many now use only helmets).

Show Jumping attire: Show jacket (any color permitted per national federation), white or beige breeches, tall boots, helmet.

Eventing cross-country: Body protector meeting BETA Level 3 (or equivalent) standard — mandatory. Medical armband on upper arm containing emergency contact information and blood type. Air vest (inflatable vest triggered by a lanyard) strongly recommended and commonly worn.

National identification: Saddle cloth must display the national flag and athlete/horse number for Olympic competition

2.2 Tack and Saddlery