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