The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has updated equestrians on body protector rules following confusion surrounding competition requirements.
From 1 January 2024, body protectors meeting the 2009 standard will no longer be permitted for use in British Eventing, British Riding Clubs and Pony Club events.
This will mean that the BETA 2018 label will be the only accepted standard by these disciplines.
“We are getting a lot of enquiries lately about a change of rules on body protectors,” a BETA spokesman said
“Riders can of course continue to use BETA 2009 for general riding or in other activities where they do not specify a body protector requirement.”
BETA clarified that there is no new standard coming in at this stage and no revisions are currently expected to the current standard.
They advised those planning to buy a new body protector to have the item fitted.
“As much as we believe that Santa wants all the riders to have the best possible safety equipment, BETA always recommends that hats and body protectors should be fitted,” they added.
“If you want to buy those items for someone else a shopping voucher from a BETA-trained retailer might be a better idea.”
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