This logo looks good ... to us!
When we heard one rider at Sydney asking a steward 'should I go and get a different saddle cloth because I got one without a logo,” it prompted our interest in just how big logos can be on saddlecloths and riding clothes. What we discovered was that both riders and stewards need to keep a good tape measure handy!
We spoke to a few of the stewards at Sydney to find out. amongst other things, the ‘inside’ story on logos …
Then for those of you who enjoy reading the rules straight from the horse’s mouth (otherwise known as the FEI) see below …
540 Advertising and Publicity on Athletes and Horses
Subject to the provisions of article 135 General Regulations, the manufacturer logo can appear, specifically for Eventing: at all Events, except Regional and Olympic Games under the patronage of the IOC, Athletes may wear clothing and use equipment (including, but not limited to, riding equipment) which identify the manufacturer, the Athlete’s sponsor(s), the Athlete’s team sponsor(s), the National Federation’s sponsor(s), the Athlete’s nation, and/or the Athlete himself,
but only under the specific conditions set forth below.
540.1 Identification of a Non-Sponsor Manufacturer
While present in the Competition area and during the prize-giving ceremonies names or logos identifying a non-sponsoring manufacturer of the clothing, and equipment may appear only once per item of clothing, and/or equipment and solely on a surface area not exceeding: - three square centimetres (3 cm2) for clothing and equipment
540.2 Identification of a Sponsor
While present in the Competition area and during the prize-giving ceremonies the name and/or logo of the Athlete’s sponsor(s), his team sponsor(s) and/or his National Federation’s sponsor(s) may appear on a surface area not exceeding:
a) Two hundred square centimetres (200 cm2) on each side of saddle cloth;
b) Eighty square centimetres (80 cm2) on each of the two sides of jackets or top garment at the height of breast pockets for Jumping Events, Dressage Events and for Jumping and Dressage Tests of Eventing;
c) Eighty square centimetres (80 cm2) only once lengthwise on the left leg of the riding breeches during the Cross-Country and Jumping tests of Eventing. In any case, the surface area on the riding breeches should be dedicated to the visibility of the following only: the Athlete’s name, identification of the Athlete’s nationality, the name and/or logo of the Athlete’s sponsor(s), his team sponsor(s) and/or his National Federation’s sponsor(s);
d) Sixteen square centimetres (16 cm2) on both sides of the shirt collar;
e) Either two hundred square centimetres (200 cm2) on one arm of jackets or top garment or one hundred square centimetres (100 cm2) on each arm of jackets or top garment for the Cross-Country tests of Eventing
f) One hundred twenty five square centimetres (125 cm2) vertically in the middle of the hard hat for the Jumping and Cross-Country tests of Eventing;
g) Seventy five square centimetres (75 cm2) (maximum seven centimetres and a half -7.5 cm- high, maximum ten centimetres -10 cm- wide) for the logo on fly bonnets in Jumping and Cross Country Tests of Eventing.
540.3
Notwithstanding the above, OCs of FEI Championships may prohibit such names and logos in the schedule, with the exception of the names and logos of the team sponsors and/or of the National Federation sponsor(s) under the limitations as set forth in Article 135.1.2.1 of the General Regulations.
Before we finish we have to let you know that the person who had asked the original question ‘should he change his saddlecloth’ was told ‘no, his logo was fine and he could continue warming up' and he went on to ride a good test - logo and all!
At this stage we're pretty sure that logos and wording on socks are fine to be any size!
