What do stewards check on whips and identification numbers?

Whips: have a 1.0 m and a 1.2 m gauge accessible (for example a tube, rod, tape measure or mark on a fence). Riders of horses may carry a whip up to 1.20 m and riders of ponies up to 1.00 m, with the tassel included in the measurement. Incorrect length or use of a whip entails elimination.

Horse identification numbers: two must be worn when competing, one on each side (saddlecloth or bridle), at least 3.5 to 4 cm high, in black or dark text on a white background. They must be worn whenever the horse is ridden, lunged, led, tethered or grazed from arrival until the end of the event. For breaches on the grounds, give an initial verbal warning, then a Yellow Warning Card for further non-compliance. A horse that enters the arena without correct numbers is deducted 0.50% per judge.

Stallions: green stallion identification discs or number holders must be worn at all times at an event, in addition to the horse number. Non-compliance results in a Yellow Warning Card.

Source: EA National Dressage Rules 1 January 2026, rules 4.8.5, 5.6 and 6.4.1.