Many riders may not realise that tailored waistcoats are permitted under both British Dressage and British Eventing competition rules, offering a smart and cooler alternative to the traditional show jacket.
Although the changes to the British Dressage (BD) rule have been in place since last year, exhibitors and trade stand holders say awareness remains surprisingly low, with many competitors still unaware they can wear a fitted waistcoat in the dressage arena — including at BD championships without seeking prior permission.
BD relaxed its dress-code rules from 1 January 2025, confirming that a tailored waistcoat may now be worn at championships without obtaining prior approval from organisers or the judging panel.
Previously, riders generally needed permission before dispensing with a conventional competition jacket at championship level.
‘To increase flexibility and inclusivity’
Maria Carrasco, co-founder of Caballo Elite, which specialises in competition waistcoats, said the updated rules were partly prompted by discussions following the 2024 Petplan Area Festivals.
“In January 2024 I competed in a waistcoat designed and made by my company at the Petplan Area Festivals,” she explained.
“The waistcoat drew some attention due in part to interpretation of the then British Dressage ruling on wearing waistcoats at championships.
“Following last year’s revision of competition dress code by BD to increase flexibility and inclusivity, the BD representative at the Area Festival agreed to put forward a revision to the Sports Council to allow tailored waistcoats to be worn at all championships regardless of the weather or season, and without the need to obtain judges’ permission.
“We were delighted when British Dressage announced it had adopted the new waistcoat rule last season.”
Riders unaware
Maria added that many riders are still unaware of the updated rules, despite increasing interest in alternative competition wear.
“We have been attending shows with our trade stand at BD and British Riding Club events, and many people are still unaware of the rule.
“We believe this rule change will be welcomed by many riders who prefer an alternative to the traditional jacket,” she added.
British Riding Clubs and British Eventing also allow riders to wear “a fitted waistcoat in any conservative colour” under their dress-code guidance.
For BE competitors, the waistcoat can be worn for both the dressage and showjumping phases, up to advanced level, at events running under BE rules.
British Showjumping remains more traditional in its approach, with the 2026 rulebook stating that jackets must still be worn unless officials grant permission for their removal during hot weather.
Comfort and practicality
Dressage competitor Ellie Barlow said the appeal of waistcoats was not just about comfort in warm weather, but also presentation in the arena.
“I bought a waistcoat for the summer, as I felt like going with no jacket and being all in white was not very flattering. I also felt it was more respectful having a type of jacket on for the judges,” she said.
British Dressage first began relaxing jacket rules nearly a decade ago, when competitors were permitted to remove jackets during hot weather at regular competitions. It was a decision widely welcomed by riders seeking relief from heavy traditional show wear during summer events.
With temperatures rising and competition fashion continuing to evolve, waistcoats may now be moving from niche alternative to mainstream choice in the dressage arena and beyond.
Main image © Caballo Elite
