Bitless bridle confusion at Ascott-under-Wychwood

British Eventing (BE) is investigating whether a competitor was wrongly banned from competing in the showjumping phase at Ascott-under-Wychwood on 2 June because of his tack.

Mark Smith was told that he could not continue in the BE90 retrained racehorse class because his Dr Cook’s Bitless Bridle was not permitted.

Mr Smith, who captained the Dr Cook’s Quit the Bit team to finish ninth in the national team chase championships in April, told H&H: “It’s a bizarre decision. The rules say any form of bitless bridle is permitted.”

BE said the matter has been referred to the sports committee meeting on 14 June.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (14 June 2012)

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