New body protector standard hits shelves

Body protectors manufactured to a new safety standard went on sale on 1 October. The 2018 standard comes after recent rule changes from many equestrian bodies stating that competitors must wear body protectors marked 2009 or later. In a statement on its website, the British Equestrian Trade Association said: “The disciplines that set a minimum standard for body protection have now changed their rules and all have indicated that they will accept the 2018 version.” There’s no time limit set on how long equestrian bodies will accept 2009 garments, although it’s likely that they’ll continue to allow their use until at least 2024.