The United States Equestrian Federation's American Saddlebred Committee would like to make exhibitors competing in the American Saddlebred Division aware that the use of a high-tail brace that acts as a crupper and attaches to a leather strap with round disk that slips under the saddle is illegal to compete with in Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited and Park classes.
These classes permit the use of a tail brace, per SB104.2. However, the described tack is not a traditional tail brace and is therefore prohibited under SB104 Appointments. It is considered nontraditional and is a training device which is prohibited in the competition ring.
SB104 APPOINTMENTS:
1. Horses shall be shown without artificial appliances (e.g., wired ears) and nontraditional tack. Anything that alters the intended use of equipment as provided for in the description of appointments for a given class is considered to be an artificial appliance. All artificial appliances other than those permitted are prohibited. Bandages, tail sets, chains or other training devices are prohibited in the competition ring.
If you have any questions concerning SB104.4 Appointments, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Director National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, jmellenkamp@usef.org or 859-225-6955.
-- via ASHA