What clothing is compulsory at competitions?

At competitions under the German competition rules (LPO) you wear light-coloured riding breeches, a jacket and a shirt with tie or a blouse, optionally with a stock. With this you wear dark riding boots or dark paddock boots with matching half chaps. A riding helmet conforming to EN 1384 is compulsory in all disciplines, including in the warm-up arena and at the prize-giving.

The details are set out in the FN equipment rules, although the schedule for the competition is always binding. At competitions under the German rules for grassroots competitions (WBO), functional, close-fitting riding clothing together with ankle-high footwear with a heel is sufficient.

By Julia Lühr, Ahrens Reitsport in Tangstedt · Updated 18 October 2026

Clothing at competitions is regulated in the equipment rules of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), which supplement the German competition rules (LPO). The following information applies as of February 2026 for dressage, show jumping and eventing. The schedule for the individual class is always binding.

What do I have to wear in a dressage test?

In dressage tests you wear light-coloured breeches, a jacket and a shirt with tie or a blouse. Shirts and blouses may be short-sleeved, long-sleeved or sleeveless, and you can also wear a stock. In classes M and S light-coloured gloves are also compulsory. In class S you may wear a tailcoat instead of a jacket.

What applies in show jumping classes?

In show jumping the same applies: light-coloured breeches, jacket and shirt with tie or blouse. There is a restriction on the jacket colour. A light red or bright red jacket is only permitted from class M** upwards.

What do I wear in eventing?

In the dressage phase the dressage rules apply, although a tailcoat is only permitted from VM upwards. In the cross-country phase you are free to choose your top, but breeches remain compulsory. You must also wear a body protector with protective elements covering the back and chest. A body protector conforming to EN 13158, Level 3 is recommended and you may wear an air vest in addition. In the show jumping phase the show jumping rules apply.

Discipline	Breeches	Top	Special requirements
Dressage	light-coloured breeches	jacket, shirt with tie or blouse	classes M and S: light-coloured gloves, class S: tailcoat permitted
Show jumping	light-coloured breeches	jacket, shirt with tie or blouse	red jacket only from class M** upwards
Eventing cross-country	breeches	any	body protector compulsory

Which boots and spurs are permitted?

Dark riding boots or dark paddock boots with matching, close-fitting half chaps are permitted. The heel must be sufficiently pronounced and zips, elastic inserts and lacing are allowed.

Spurs may be a maximum of 4.0 cm in total length, measured from the boot.
The shank must be positioned horizontally or angled downwards.
Rowels are permitted, spikes are not.

Do I always need a riding helmet at a competition?

Yes, a riding helmet is compulsory in all disciplines, including in the warm-up arena and at the prize-giving. The helmet must comply with the European standard EN 1384. According to the FN, helmets certified under the transitional standard VG1 also meet the requirements.

Are there any exceptions to the dress code?

Yes, in all types of test and all classes a club or team outfit is also permitted, provided it is based on the regulations. Members of the armed forces and the police may compete in uniform.

What applies at competitions under the WBO?

At competitions under the German rules for grassroots competitions (WBO) the rules are much less strict. Functional riding clothing is permitted that allows the rider’s position to be assessed, so it should be as close-fitting as possible and in a colour that contrasts with the saddle. Ankle-high protective footwear with a heel is sufficient. In lead-rein and lunge line rider classes spurs are not permitted.