What Gladiator Gear Is USEF Legal to Wear? The 2027 Rules

Show season comes with a rulebook. Here's where Plughz® and Reign Ease® can go with you under the USEF Rule Book effective December 1, 2026, with the rule number for each one, so you can check it yourself before you enter.

Plughz® Powered by Gladiator

• Hunters, jumpers and equitation: allowed. The Hunter, Jumper and Equitation rules place no restriction on ear plugs.
• Eventing: allowed in all phases. From December 1, 2026, ear plugs and ear hoods are permitted for every test, including dressage (Eventing, Subchapter EV-10 Saddlery, 2.i, from rule change EV127.8, approved June 16, 2026).
• Dressage: prize-giving only. Ear plugs aren't allowed in the warm-up or the test, under penalty of elimination, but they're permitted at prize-giving ceremonies (DR121.9). Noise-cancelling fly hoods can't be worn with ear plugs (DR121.8.b).
• Vaulting: allowed. Ear plugs and ear hoods are optional equipment (VA107).

Reign Ease® PRO-C

No USEF rule names a poll pad like Reign Ease, so here's our guidance and the rule behind it.

• Jumpers: allowed. Nothing in the Jumper tack rules restricts a pad under the crown piece (JP111).
• Hunters: home and schooling. Hunter judges can mark down tack they see as unconventional (HU105.1.a), so use Reign Ease at home and for schooling, and Plughz in the ring.
• Dressage: home and schooling. Only the crownpiece's leather and its padding may touch the horse's head, and officials decide what counts (DR121.3.a).

PTR™ Bell Boots, Fetlock Wraps and Blanket

The recovery gear is made for the barn. At a show, put it on after your round and leave it on overnight in the stall. It's made for rest, not the ring, so check your rulebook before competing in it.

FEI and prize lists

International (FEI) competitions follow the FEI rules, and a prize list can add its own conditions. Check both before you compete.

Read the rules yourself

The full USEF Rule Book and this year's approved changes are on the USEF site: USEF Rule Book and USEF rule changes. Last checked October 23, 2026. Questions about your class? Call us at +1-610-215-2004.