What gear and saddlery checks must a steward do at the gear check area?

A gear check is compulsory for each test. A trained steward at the gear check area is responsible for:

• checking each competitor off the draw
• checking the gear of each competitor for each test immediately after the test is completed (a rider who does not have their gear checked after each test is eliminated)
• guiding the rider on the legality of saddlery, equipment and dress under Section 5 of the rules and the current Dressage Equipment Annex
• reporting any discrepancy to the Judge at C
• consulting the Technical Delegate or, in their absence, the Chief Judge, if in doubt about any item
• at restricted events, if an accredited steward is appointed, advising and supervising volunteers or approved representatives

A visual check before the rider leaves the last warm-up arena may be done, but the rider can decline it.

Source: EA National Dressage Rules 1 January 2026, rules 4.4 and 6.4.1; current equipment list at https://www.equestrian.org.au/dressage-rules.