Hat Rule for 2023
The Pony Club follows the British Equestrian Federation on its Standards for Riding Hats. It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet at all times when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall.
This rule defines the quality of manufacture that is required.
The individual sports also have additional requirements with regard to colour and type. It is strongly recommended that second hand hats are not purchased. The hat standards accepted as of 1st January 2023 are detailed in the table below:
Body Protector Rule for 2023
The Pony Club does not make the use of body protectors compulsory, except for all Cross Country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing. Body Protectors used for Cross Country and Pony Racing must meet BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label) or BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label) – see below.
For general use, the responsibility for choosing body protectors and the decision as to their use must rest with Members and their parents. It is recommended that a rider’s body protector should not be more than 2% of their body weight. When worn, body protectors must fit correctly, be comfortable and must not restrict movement.BETA recommend body protectors are replaced at least every three to five years, after which the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline.
BETA 2009 Level3 (purple label) body protectors will continue to be accepted at Pony Club competitions until 1st December 2024.
Riders who choose to use the Woof Wear Body Cage EXO must lodge a key with the Event Organiser when they collect their number.
Air Jackets
When an air jacket inflates the sudden noise startles horses in the immediate vicinity thereby causing difficulties for the other members of a ride if used in a group ride in a confined area.. Air jackets are therefore not encouraged for group rides.
If a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in Cross Country or Pony Racing, it must only be used in addition to a normal body protector which meets the BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label) or BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label).
Parents and Members must be aware that riders may be permitted to continue after a fall in both competition and training rides for Cross Country and/or Pony Racing, provided the rider has been passed as fit to continue by First Aid Providers. In the event of a fall, it must be fully deflated or removed before continuing, after which, the conventional body protector will continue to give protection. Air jackets must not be worn under a jacket and number bibs should be fitted loosely or with elasticised fastenings over the air jacket.
