Belly bands, riding in a curb without a curb strap, draw reins, side reins and excessively tight cavesson would merit which minimum offense level?

• A. Disqualification
• B. Level 1
• C. Level 3 (DQ)
• D. Level 2

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how equipment violations are graded in offense levels. Belly bands, riding in a curb without a curb strap, draw reins, side reins, and an excessively tight cavesson are all forms of improper or unsafe equipment that affect the horse’s welfare or the rider’s control, but they do not automatically result in disqualification. In the official scale, Level 1 covers these kinds of equipment infractions as the least severe sanction. More serious or repeated violations, or situations with greater danger or intent to misuse equipment, can escalate to Level 2 or Level 3 (DQ). So the minimum penalty applicable to these items is Level 1.