I have heard of a new rule which was introduced last year – Hind Boot Control. What are stewards looking for regarding hind boots?

This new FEI rule was put in place July 1, 2014, as a further deterrent to potential boot abuse. Stewards at both jumping and eventing competitions are required to check hind boots for correct fitting with special attention to placement on the leg and tightness. This inspection is done prior to the horses entering the competition arena. It can be done when boots are changed in warm-up or just before the horse enters the competition ring. The boots are not handled by officials at this time; they are simply monitored as the rider or groom resets the boot and the steward watches to see that the fit and tightness are appropriate.

Another rule that has been in place for a long time states that all boots may be inspected and weighed by stewards and veterinarians following the class at a “boot and bandage” check.

I have seen a lot of really close shaving of the lower front legs of jumpers recently. What is the purpose of that, and is it legal?

The purpose of shaving the legs with a close blade is to make the leg feel a “bump” more than “hairy” legs would. Close shaving becomes illegal if the leg becomes rubbed raw or sensitive such that a veterinarian considers the leg has become hypersensitized.

What type of spur is considered illegal?

The disciplines of jumping, eventing and dressage have some common rules for spurs, but there are also differences. One common factor in all disciplines is if spur abuse is observed it will be dealt with, regardless of the spurs used. Another common factor is that all spurs must be properly placed on the boot facing back, and if curved, the curve faces down.

Some differences in spur rules among the disciplines:

a) FEI Jumper – For senior, young rider and junior divisions there are no restrictions; for children and ponies, spurs must be blunt and measure 4 cm from the boot. There is no reference to spurs in EC jumper and hunter.

b) FEI Dressage – Spurs cannot be sharp and if rowels are used, they must be blunt and smooth. (FEI Dressage rules 427.4)

c) EC Dressage – Horizontal rowels are illegal, anything sharp is illegal, and children on ponies may not use rowels. (EC rules E 4.1.8)

d) FEI Eventing – New this year, smooth (like a dime) vertical rowels are allowed for the X-country phase. No tines are allowed, nor are Spursuaders, offset spurs, or jumping spurs as illustrated in the FEI FAQ in Eventing Rules.

e) EC Eventing – Spurs are up to 3.5 cm from the boot. Anything sharp is illegal and the divisions differ as smooth, round, freely-rotating rowels are legal for Prelim, Intermediate and Advanced. For all eventing divisions, Impulse, Dummy and Spursuader spurs are allowed. (EC E114.3)

Different divisions (children, ponies, etc.) may have different spur rules. Be sure you check the rule that applies to you!