Body Protectors

Following the inquest last week into the fatality at Nunney International Horse Trials last year the HM Coroner for that area highlighted the importance of checking that safety equipment listed in the rules for the competition meet those standards as published. Sadly the rider involved was not wearing a body protector that met the standard as published in the rule book for British Eventing competitions. It could not be established if this contributed to the fatal injuries sustained but did highlight the need to check.

British Riding Clubs have a well-established method of self-declaration of hats & body protectors prior to the competition both at qualifying level and at championships in order that below standard equipment can be withdrawn and advice to the rider given prior to them being mounted ready for the Cross Country phase, it is vital that this continues and we remind those charged with checking the importance of this action. Clubs running XC elements must also follow these guidelines.