Do I have to have my gear checked, and what happens if fresh blood is found?

A gear check is compulsory for each test, and failing to have one entails elimination. An accredited steward (or the steward's approved representative) checks the saddlery of each horse immediately after it leaves the arena, and reports any discrepancy to the Judge at C. The bridle is checked with the greatest caution because some horses are sensitive about their mouths.

If the steward finds fresh blood in the horse's mouth or in the area of the spurs at the end of the test, the Judge at C eliminates the horse and athlete. If fresh blood is found on other parts of the horse, the steward informs the Judge at C, who may eliminate the horse. The elimination for fresh blood is final.

A steward may do a visual check before you leave the last warm-up arena. You can decline it, but it remains your responsibility not to enter with any forbidden piece of saddlery.

Source: EA National Dressage Rules 1 January 2026, rules 1.4, 4.4 and 6.4.1.