Why This Guide Exists
Bitless bridle rules vary significantly by federation, discipline, and competition level. What is permitted in a national club class may be prohibited at an affiliated or international event. This guide summarises the known positions of the main governing bodies relevant to EVORIN's markets. It is informational only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.
| Federation / Body | Discipline | Level | Bitless Permitted? | Notes & Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNHS (Netherlands) | Dressage | Up to & including ZZ-Zwaar | ✅ Yes — selected bitless bridles | KNHS expanded bitless eligibility through ZZ-Zwaar level. Permitted equipment list applies; confirm with KNHS Reglement Dressuur. knhs.nl |
| KNHS (Netherlands) | Dressage | ZZ-Licht and below (club/recreational) | ✅ Yes — generally permitted | Lower-level national and club classes have broader equipment tolerance. Always check current KNHS event conditions. |
| KNHS (Netherlands) | Dressage | Grand Prix / international (CDI) | ❌ No — FEI rules apply | International events in NL are governed by FEI rules; bitless bridles are not currently permitted. See FEI row below. |
| FEI (International) | Dressage | All FEI levels (CDI, World Cup, etc.) | ❌ No | FEI Dressage Rules (current edition) require a bitted bridle. Bitless bridles are not on the permitted equipment list. fei.org |
| FEI (International) | Para Dressage | All FEI levels | ⚠️ Conditional | Certain equipment exemptions may apply under Para Dressage classifications. Consult your national Para equestrian body and FEI Para Dressage Rules. |
| FEI (International) | Endurance | All FEI levels | ✅ Yes — hackamores / sidepulls generally permitted | FEI Endurance Rules permit bitless options in many cases. Confirm with current FEI Endurance Rules and the organising committee. fei.org |
| KNHS (Netherlands) | Endurance / Afstandsrijden | All national levels | ✅ Yes — generally permitted | Hackamores and sidepulls are widely used in endurance. Confirm per-event rules with the organiser. |
| DE (FN / LPO) (Germany) | Dressage | National affiliated (LK) classes | ❌ No — bitted bridle required | FN Leistungs-Prüfungs-Ordnung (LPO) requires a snaffle or double bridle for dressage. pferd-aktuell.de |
| DE (FN) (Germany) | Trail / Western | National | ✅ Yes — check discipline rules | Western and trail disciplines may permit hackamore-type equipment. Verify with the relevant German specialist federation (e.g. NRPS, QH-Verband). |
| BE (KBRSF / FRBSE) (Belgium) | Dressage | National | ❌ Generally No | Belgian national dressage rules broadly follow FEI equipment standards. Consult kbrsf-frbse.be for the current rulebook. |
| UK (British Dressage) | Dressage | National / affiliated | ❌ Generally No (affiliated) | British Dressage rules for affiliated competitions follow a similar position to FEI regarding bitted bridles. Some unaffiliated shows may permit bitless — check individually. britishdressage.co.uk |
| Western / Natural Horsemanship | Various (trail, ranch, reining) | All | ✅ Often Yes — sidepull & hackamore common | Many Western and natural horsemanship shows actively encourage bitless. Always verify with the specific show organiser or ruling body. |
Understanding the Difference: Hackamore vs. Sidepull
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but differ in mechanism. A hackamore applies pressure primarily via the nose and chin (and sometimes poll), while a sidepull applies direct lateral pressure to the nose without curb action. Some federation rules specify which type of bitless equipment is permitted, so always check against the exact equipment definition in the rulebook.
Key Tips Before You Compete Bitless
Always check the current rulebook - federation rules are updated periodically and the above table may not reflect the very latest changes.
Contact the show secretary or TD -(Technical Delegate) If you are unsure whether your specific equipment is permitted at a particular event.
Check at the class level, not just the discipline level - rules can differ between affiliated and unaffiliated classes at the same show.
Para and therapeutic exemptions - riders with specific needs should contact their national Para equestrian body in addition to the general rulebook.
Equipment inspection - even where bitless is permitted, your bridle may still be subject to equipment checks for fit and welfare compliance.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. EVORIN EQ B.V. is not a regulatory body and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Federation rules change; always verify directly with your federation or show organiser before competing. Nothing on this page constitutes legal, regulatory, or professional equestrian advice.
Sources: KNHS Reglement Dressuur (knhs.nl), FEI Dressage Rules (fei.org), FEI Endurance Rules (fei.org), FN LPO (pferd-aktuell.de), KBRSF-FRBSE (kbrsf-frbse.be), British Dressage (britishdressage.co.uk). Reviewed October 2026.
