Dear Amy,
I am new to dressage and competing, and I have a few questions.
First, I recently rode in a dressage clinic and was corrected throughout the lesson: I was told that my excess rein should always lie on the right side of my horse. Somehow my rein continually ended up on the left side instead. Is there a rule regarding this? Will I be penalized or eliminated if the end of my reins swaps sides or is on the left side?
Second, my trainer encouraged me to purchase a “position reminder” to help me build muscle memory to keep my elbows tucked in. I am addicted to this tool. May I wear it under my jacket when showing? I understand that there is a horse and equipment inspection. Is there one for the rider, too? Would I be asked to remove my coat? Could I be eliminated if I used this aid?
Finally, I am a bit confused about the appropriate way to leave the arena when competing. Are you still being scored? I have seen some riders just turn around and go out, others walk all the way up to the judge, and I have even seen some make a small circle at the opening before leaving. Could you please advise on all these matters?
Dear Newbie,
These are some very interesting questions and observations. I would be happy to discuss them all.
Let’s start with what to do with your reins. So what is the excess rein? It is the leftover length of the rein. This part does not have any effect on the contact with the horse’s mouth. You might be surprised to learn that there is a proper name for this portion of the rein. It is known as a bight. Traditionally, the bight is placed on the right, which spawned the rhyming term “bight on the right.” As with tradition, the horse’s mane and braids should also fall on the right. This goes back to military cavalry and turnout protocol. The horse was always mounted on the left, or near side, and swords would also be hung in their scabbards on the near side. This made it easy for the cavalryman to reach over and pull out the sword when he needed it. Anything that might interfere with, or get tangled in the sword would be kept on the right, or off side. This would include the mane and any excess rein.
As far as the USEF 2026 rulebook goes, there is not a current rule stating which side the bight must be on or where the mane and braids should fall. There is a rule (DR117 under Position and Aids of Rider) which says that riding with both hands is obligatory in standard tests, apart from the salute or a discreet pat on the neck. I do not know of any judges that would comment on the side of the bight, and certainly there would be no penalty if it were on the left side, as there is no ruling on this. I personally do think it is more classical to have the bight and braids on the right, and you will find that, for most riders, the excess rein naturally falls to the right, and the same is true for the manes of most horses. So keeping the bight on the right is desirable, but not required and would have no effect on your score.
Now let’s discuss what a “position reminder” is, and how it works. This can be a helpful device for riders needing assistance maintaining their arm and upper body position. If you have not seen one, it is an adjustable, flexible strap that wraps around your upper arms and connects directly behind your back, reminding you to hold your arms close to your body and keep your shoulders back. I have heard of many success stories with these pieces of equipment and can see why you could be addicted!
Unfortunately, according to the USEF dressage rules, using such a thing at a competition would be illegal, since it would be considered a “gadget.” The rules state that the use of body tape, body bands, kinesiology tape, and resistive or elasticized body bands is prohibited on the show grounds. A position reminder would fall into this illegal category. However, it is true that the ring steward would only be checking your horse and equipment, and would not ask you to remove your jacket or any riding attire. Adhering to the prohibition on gadgets (such as a position reminder) would be on the honor system. You might get away with it, but my advice would be to continue to use it at home to help develop your riding position, and strive to become less reliant on it because you cannot legally take it to a show.
As far as exiting the dressage arena after your final salute, there is only one rule: you must leave at A (the letter where you came in), and you must leave in the way prescribed by the test you have performed. Most tests say to leave the arena at A at the walk on a loose or long rein. You are required to remain mounted.
Are you still being scored? No. Your test technically ends after your final salute. It is appropriate after your salute to walk forward toward the judge at C, but this is not required. It is also courteous, but not required, to say thank you to your judge. You may turn right or left to make your way out of the arena at A. In traditional dressage tests, you should avoid making a small circle before exiting: the promptness of your exit enables the rest of the show’s rides to stay on time. I have heard it said that in eventing dressage, making a courtesy circle is a sign of respect, but is not required. In traditional dressage tests, however, this practice is not encouraged.
I hope this has given you some insight into some very interesting questions. Enjoy your ride and showing in dressage!