SkunkyArt | alexpeanut — DFS Regulation Tack

Starting from the skin up, the first item put on is the body mesh. This light-weight, semi-transparent cloth mesh holds the hardware for the hit detection sensors. It is constructed the same way for every competitor (covering the same amount and parts of the body) and is engineered to restrict moment as little as possibly while still offering full-body sensing. Those with leg wraps leave off the lower leg mesh, as in the case of Aven, otherwise the mesh does cover all four legs.
The mesh gives the computers blow-by-blow feedback when the holographic dragon makes contact, as well as pinpointing the horse and rider's location at all times to help the tv cameras track them.

The saddle blanket is also standard for all competitors. It is customized to the horse's colors, with the symbol placed prominently in the corner. The aim is to make the horse as visible and easily recognizable as possible.

The saddle and bridle, as a throwback to Aleria, may be made by any of the three Nordanner saddleries , depending on what the rider thinks is best suited to their horse. They must be looked over by DFS registrars, and wired with more sensors to get the fullest experience possible prior to competing.

Hair must either be shorn in the traditional Nordanner war cut, or braided up and out of the way so as not to restrict the sensors. Ribbons and other dangling bits are not allowed, as they might interfere with sensing.

Riders wear regulation, form-hugging catsuits which allow sensors to be woven into the material to wire up the rider the same way the horse is. They are dyed to match the horse's saddle blanket design, and the horse's symbol is placed on the back, across the shoulder blades. A helmet is also provided, again dyed the horse's colors. As with horses, riders are expected to keep their hair bound up.

Depending on the style of competition riders are given standard-issue swords (wired with sensors) and/or a bow and virtual arrows to compete with.