BTB: USEF Rule change! A new generation of dressage coats

USEF Rule change! A new generation of dressage coats

Posted: 13 Apr 2010 01:39 PM PDT

Recently the COTH the Dressage forum and the Ultimate Dressage forum have hosted discussions of the 2010 USEF Rule change concerning dressage attire (reprinted at the bottom of this post). How could I have missed a rule change with such profound shopping implications? The basic black dressage coat is now only one of many options for the fashionable dressage rider.

Technicolor coats!
What are the options? Photographer Terri Miller wrote a blog article that describes the Hue-Saturation-Value (HSV) color chart that the FEI uses to determine allowable colors (see the FEI rule on colors). The USEF is following the same guidelines. Terri says you can basically go with "any dark color" but if you're spending big bucks on a custom color coat, it'll pay to use the yafla color chart (Color Value must be between 0-32%). You can also refer to the Wikipedia color chart to get a sense of what colors fall into the allowed value range. Some people are talking about sending swatches to the USEF for approval. Good Lord, I would not want to be the Color Czar at the USEF.

What else is in the rules? From my interpretation (aided by the forums above):

Now contrast colors and piping (collar, cuffs, pockets) are allowed (my personal favorite rule change).
Now you can wear colored shirts (so long as they're solid) when coats are waived. Pinstripes and subtle patterns are okay. No t-shirts -- shirts must have collars.
Cooling vests may be worn under the coat or vest.
Solid vests may be worn if coats are waived. This is a big deal for people who don't like to wear shirts tucked in.
Up to 2 small logos can be worn on the torso.
Hats, stocks, ties, gloves and riding boots may be the same color as the coat.

Since you're buying a new coat anyway
Since you're going to go out and have a plum coat with pink piping and collar made, you can opt for another new trend: the shorter jacket. The newer style is more like a typical hunt coat. The one shown below is Pikeur Scarlett -- a little too short for my taste.

I rather like this blend of classic and sporty -- love the zipper! Pikeur Jalisca...

Color and pinstripes and something called "window pane" (tell me what is this???) are starting to be seen in the ring... This is the Pikeur Epsom dressage coat in pinstripe...

Here is the Cavallo Galathea. I love the contrast trim and collar...

Here is the Pikeur Epsom in the fashion colors -- are the colors legal? I'm not sure...

Thank God for the USEF and the many shopping opportunities it has created. Here are the colors of my dreamcoat, at least until I find a new set of colors I like more. The khaki is for the coat, the yellow (or maybe tan would be better) is for the collar, which is velvet, of course....