Riders raise concerns over unexpected new tack rules

New tack rules in British Showjumping (BS) have caused debate among riders.

On 6 March the governing body announced that following a recent national sports committee meeting, amendments had been made to the tack and equipment rules. Cheltenham gags with roundings and Stephens continental hackamores are no longer permitted with immediate effect – and other bits including the Trust Inno Sense hackamore combi and Beris Mullen Comfort Tandem, hammerhead spurs and bridle clips, are among items to be banned from 1 April.

The announcement generated discussion on social media around the notice period – and the reasoning behind the changes. Some riders said they had recently bought bridles with clips or bits that are no longer permitted; others raised concerns about having to find a new bit to suit a particular horse at short notice.

Rider Derek Morton told H&H he believes riders should have more input into rule changes.

“There doesn’t seem to be any sort of discussion with the membership, we don’t know where the root of these changes is coming from. If it’s welfare related, that’s fair enough and would give us a bit more of an understanding, but it just seems to be random things coming out of the blue,” he said.

“It’s like with everything, spurs and bits can be as soft or hard as you want depending who is using them – with a Cheltenham gag, it’s softer with the roundings than having two reins, so I don’t understand where these ideas have come from. Then if you look at FEI competition, it’s a completely different set of rules.”

Shirley Light of Brendon Stud questioned why certain bits have been banned

“I’m not a lover of bridle clips because I’ve seen too many horses put their heads down to rub their head on their front leg and undo the clip – but when it comes to the bits, some of the ones listed are very well made, with good materials and mechanisms, and I can’t understand why they’ve banned them,” Shirley told H&H.

“I’ve got a six-year-old that goes beautifully in the Bomber Happy Tongue Hybrid, and now I have two weeks to find a different bit for him. Unless there’s an extreme reason behind it, rules should be brought on 1 January.”

On 13 March BS issued “clarification”, stating that members are “encouraged to review the clarification” to ensure they are fully up to date with the latest guidance before competing.

In this update, BS confirmed that rope nosebands are not permitted, only one noseband may be worn in competition, and horses may compete without a noseband. The document states that clips are not allowed on a bridle, with the exception of the throatlash – and further information has been provided around hackamores; this includes that no metal may be inserted in the nose piece, padding or sheepskin, cheeks may not exceed 17cm and the back strap of the hackamore must be made of leather.

H&H has contacted BS for comment.

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