[Mike Matson]

Moving in a new direction.

(fourth paragraph down)

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestri...-fei-has-store

[JWB]

So that's what that new thumbs up button is for! Will this be crossing over into eventing dressage?

[yaya]

No, top hats may still be worn in competition and the warmup directly preceding.

Helmets must be worn when schooling/training or just riding around.

See: http://www.eurodressage.com/equestri...1-january-2013

[Petstorejunkie]

It's a step in the right direction, for sure!

[Mike Matson]

Thanks for the more detailed info yaya.

[dwblover]

I think it's a good step in the right direction. I do hope we continue to see more and more of the top riders wearing helmets in the competiton ring too!

[ThreeFigs]

Well, He double hockey sticks!

I bought a new top hat for nothing.

[yaya]

Well, He double hockey sticks!

I bought a new top hat for nothing.

You can still warm up and show in it, you just can't wear it when schooling.

[RedmondDressage]

I'm fine with helmets for schooling, I always wear mine at home anyway. But I have worked my ass off to get to FEI and dammit I'm going to wear my top hat in the ring! I've dreamed of getting to put on that top hat and shadbelly for many, many years and I don't care how anyone else feels about it, I'm an adult and I'm wearing that thing!

[mjhco]

You can wear a top hat for competition.

[yaya]

Since this is an FEI rule, it only applies to CDIs.

For national shows, I'm sure USEF will soon amend their helmet rule to include mandatory helmets for schooling. Right now, there is no requirement for helmets for riders over 18 schooling FEI horses.

[joiedevie99]

In an USEF show, helmets are mandatory if under 18, or if showing in any class at the show at 4th level or below. Top hats are permitted if over 18 and showing only in classes at PSG or above.

In a CDI, helmets are mandatory when schooling. Top hats are permitted in warm-up immediately before showing, and in the show ring.

[MelantheLLC]

I figure Charlotte wears a helmet at FEI, and I wanna be just like her when I grow up! (Even if she could be my granddaughter, hey.)

[alicen]

Cornelissen isn't waiting until 2013: http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&...9,r:0,s:0,i:74