New year, new rules

Safety, clothing and welfare rule changes adopted by equestrian governing bodies for 2024 season

The new year has ushered in some changes to the rules surrounding competitive riding in both affiliated and unaffiliated events. The rules affected govern standards for helmets and body protectors, while dress code has also been updated.

Latest standards

Most notable is the introduction of a new ruling for body protectors that stipulates all riders competing in British Eventing, British Riding Clubs and Pony Club competitions must wear the latest BETA 2018 standard, which is identified by the blue-on-black label to differentiate it from the purple-on-white label of the older 2009 standard. However, this ruling does not apply to activities or competitions for which a body protector is not a requirement, and, for those, the 2009 standard can continue to be worn.

Meanwhile, a new European helmet standard, EN1384:2023, has been formally introduced but, currently, this is being phased in gradually and will not immediately affect anyone riding competitively.

Clothing colours

When it comes to clothing, competitive riders will have more flexibility in their attire in the coming season, as dark-coloured breeches are becoming increasingly widely accepted by the governing bodies of the various equestrian sports. British Riding Clubs initially led the way by allowing breeches in other than the traditional colours of beige, cream and white, and other organisations have quickly followed suit.

Even British Dressage, which is normally conservative in its approach to dress code, is now permitting the wearing of dark-seated breeches with the proviso that, although it can be in a contrasting colour, the rest of the garment must be of a single, solid hue.

Spurs and whips

While spurs have long been optional for national dressage competitions, the FEI is now to permit riders to choose to compete without them in international competitions. As the rules had previously stipulated the wearing of spurs, riders not wishing to use them were obliged to wear dummies without shanks in order to comply. As a result, this decision will be welcomed as a sensible and logical move.

Finally, in what will be seen as a step to improve horse welfare, governing body Endurance GB (EGB) has introduced a ban on whips for elite riders competing in Competitive Endurance Rides, typically over 80km in length, in which winning places are awarded according to a first-past-the-post race system. The ban, however, will not affect riders taking part in Graded Endurance Rides and EGB pleasure rides in which placings are based on overall individual performance.

Photo credit: Jon Stroud