A Western Dressage riders tack should be clean and fit the horse. Use of western saddles is acceptable and welcomed. Use of any traditional western headstall is appropriate. Western attire, belt, long sleeve shirt with a collar, and western footwear. Beginning in 2012, western style cavessons will be allowed, but must be adjusted loose enough to permit two fingers comfortably between the cavesson and the horse's nose. The preference is for horses to be shown in a snaffle type bit, but traditional curbs allowed in most western pleasure classes will be permitted. A protective helmet is highly recommended for all riders but mandatory for those riders under the age of 18.