5 minute read
SAFETY FIRST
Getting the right fit
As you may have guessed, depending upon manufacturer, size and style, there are differences in the way body protectors fit. However, it’s important to find one that is not only comfortable, but also sits snugly because its effectiveness depends on it – so be prepared to try different brands until you find the one that suits you.
Following are some tips on what you should take into consideration when you’re shopping for a body protector:
• A body protector is meant to sit close to your torso, and should be fitted over the clothing you’ll be riding in. A lightweight riding shirt or jersey is probably the best option for underneath the protector, while additional warmer clothing can be added over the top if the weather calls for it.
• Before trying the body protector on, loosen all the fasteners. Once it’s in place, tighten the chest and waist closures to make sure you can achieve a snug fit. At this point, check to make sure that there is still enough room to adjust the fasteners, so that they can be both tightened and loosened if necessary. If there isn’t, you probably need to try on a different size or type. Also, be aware that some protectors conform to your body shape as they warm up. If that’s the case, you’ll probably need to readjust the fasteners after 10 or so minutes.
• Once you’re happy that the body protector fits securely, check that the front is long enough to cover you from your breastbone down to your bottom rib. If the protector is too long, it will pull away from your body and you’ll need to try a shorter length. Also check to ensure that the shoulders and the neck lie flat against your body – if not, try a different size, length or style.
• The length of the back of the protector is also important. Sit on a saddle if possible (if not, sit on a chair) and adopt all the positions you are likely to ride in. There should be between five to 10 centimetres clearance between the saddle or chair and the bottom edge of the body protector in all of those positions. If there isn’t that clearance, the body protector could be pushed up by your saddle as you ride, which would be both uncomfortable and unsafe.
FEATURE
Safety first each and every time
If you’re an eventer, you need to be aware of important changes to the Equestrian Australia National Eventing Rules, or you may find yourself ineligible to compete as of 1 January 2020, writes AMANDA MAC.
We’ve all heard the horror stories of riders and horses coming to grief in the cross-country component of events both here at home in Australia and overseas. Tragically, on occasion these accidents have resulted in fatalities.
In an effort to reduce the likelihood of serious injury resulting from a fall, Equestrian Australia (EA) keeps up to date with all the new developments in personal protection equipment (PPE), with a view to updating its own rules regarding the standard of safety equipment it deems mandatory for competition.
The latest and most recent revision is to EA Eventing Rule EA 538.3.1 Cross-Country Body Protector, which now states that body protectors must be to the EN13158 Level 3 or BETA Level 3 standard. The new rule will be enforced as of 1 January 2020. And for those of you who are curious, BETA is the acronym for the British Equestrian Trade Association.
Understanding what’s required
In order to understand the situation – and it’s essential that you are very clear on exactly what standard of body protector you need in order to be allowed to compete – let’s break this down.
For some time now, EA Eventing rules have required the use of a body protector during the cross-country phase. On 1 January 2018, the rule was made more specific with EN13158:2009 becoming the recommended (but not mandatory) standard for body protectors. In other words, if your body protector did not comply with that standard, you were still able to compete as long as you were wearing a body protector of some description.
With rider safety being of paramount importance to EA, a decision was subsequently taken to revise the existing EA Eventing rule so that as of 1 July 2019, a body protector manufactured after 2009 to the EN13158:2009 standard became mandatory. Note the change from ‘recommended’ to ‘mandatory’. In order to give time for riders to comply with the rules, EA decided on a six month period of grace, which expires on 31 December 2019.
However, there has since been an important update to this body protector standard, which is set out in EA Eventing Rule 538.3.1. The revised rule now states that body protectors must be to the EN13158 Level 3 or BETA Level 3 standard, the standard that offers the highest level of body protection.
So, long story short, with the period of grace nearly at an end, as of the 1 January 2020, it will be mandatory for riders to wear body protectors to the EN13158 Level 3 or BETA Level 3 standard in order to be eligible to compete in the crosscountry phase of an EA event.
So that there is no doubt as to what type of body protector you require, it must comply with one of the following standards and be labelled accordingly:
• EN13158:2009 Level 3 • BETA 2009 Level 3 • EN13158:2018 Level 3, or • BETA 2018 Level 3
An international shift to greater safety
Equestrian Australia is not the only peak body to have upgraded its PPE rules. For example, in the UK, equestrians participating in cross-country riding conducted under the auspices of the Pony Club, British Eventing, British Riding Clubs and the British Horse Society (both in their registered riding schools and during British Horse Society exams) must wear body protectors that comply with the standard specified by those organisations.
Your safety is paramount
While alterations to rulings can sometimes be confusing, remember that they are made with your safety and well-being in mind. So continue to enjoy your cross-country riding, knowing that you’re protected up to the best currently available standards.
To access the EA’s news update on the revised Eventing Rule 538.3.1 body protector standards, please go to: https://bit.ly/2q1GSZJ. A link to information on the original 1 July 2019 rule changes is available at the bottom of the page.
