New Body Protector Rules

From 1st January 2024, the Level  3 blue BETA 2018 standard will be required when riding at any pony club event. This means the purple BETA 2009 safety certification will no longer be permitted.

There are three different levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, with Level 3 being recommended for working with horses and competing in events like jumping and eventing, and is designed to prevent minor injuries.

Body protectors are a mandatory piece of safety equipment required while riding cross-country and over solid fences in arena eventing.

They are designed to protect a rider by absorbing the high levels of energy created when falling off a horse or being kicked or stepped on by a horse. A correctly-fitted body protector can offer protection to the abdomen and internal organs, chest and ribs, and prevent against soft tissue injuries.