As entries for the first events of 2017 open we want to make sure competitors are up to date with the latest rule changes and updates and as are prepared as can be for the forthcoming season.

Below are a few essential tips to get you on your way, for the full picture download the BE Members’ Handbook online along with a list of the 2017 Changes.

Protective Wear

If this is your first season with BE or you are back after a break don’t forget that you will need to get your hat checked and tagged at the secretary’s tent at your first event, below are the permitted standards;

British & European

PAS 015*
VG1 01.040 2014-12 *
*with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark

American

ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards with SEI mark
Snell 2001 or 2016 (No other mark is needed with Snell)

Australia & New Zealand

AS/NZS 3838 2003 onwards with SAI Global mark

Protective headwear (i.e. a hat meeting one of the above standards) is now required in all phases at all levels whenever mounted at a BE National event. This means that top hats and beagler, or hunting caps, are no longer allowed in the dressage phase as previously seen at Novice level and above.

Additionally for the cross country phase ‘Cross Country Protective Headwear’ is a “Jockey Skull” of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. It must also comply with the ‘Protective Headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.

Body Protectors

For the cross country phase, you must have a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) approved and appropriately labelled Level 3 body protector, with the year 2000 or 2009 shown on the label manufactured in the year 2000 or after. From 1st January 2018 Body Protectors must be a BETA Level 3 with 2009 on the label - the year 2000 will no longer be permitted.

Air jackets are permitted for use in both the dressage and show jumping phase with or without a body protector underneath.

Competitors are also reminded that all safety equipment must be used in its original, unaltered state.

Stopwatches

Stop watches are now permitted in all classes for cross country at one day events, including BE80(T), BE90, BE100, BE105 and BE100Plus.

Attention must be drawn to Rule 5.9:

Pace. Throughout the Event, Competitors are free to choose the pace at which they ride. They should, however, always take account of the requirements of each phase, the prevailing conditions and terrain, the fitness and ability of themselves and their Horse and all other factors which may be relevant to the welfare of both Horse and rider. On the cross country course, they must also have regard to and respect the class speed, the optimum and ‘too fast’ times.

Deliberately slowing down near the end of the cross country course to avoid time penalties is likely to incur a disciplinary sanction.

Other electronic devices

No receiving, recording, transmitting or monitoring device other than a watch may be used by a competitor during any phase of an event except with the permission of the Chief Executive.

Medical Cards

It is the competitor’s responsibility to wear a BE medical card during all cross country phases if they have a medical condition that may impact on their care in the case of an emergency. Conditions that are relevant include serious past injuries/surgery, chronic health problems such as diabetes, long-term medications and allergies. If in doubt competitors should consult with their own treating physician

It must contain the competitor’s details where indicated on the card and must be worn on the competitor’s arm or shoulder in such a way as to be visible at all times

Medical Cards are available free of charge for Members from BE on request
It is not compulsory for Competitors without any medical conditions to wear a medical armband.

Falls

We hope you have a great day at the event, but if you do unfortunately have a fall, please make sure you get yourself checked by the Event Doctor before you take part in any further phases or go home. Please see Rule 9.2 for further information on Rider Falls and Medical Checks.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Changes to Minimum Eligibility Requirements (M.E.R.s) are as follows;

BE100 now require all riders to have completed two BE90 classes with qualifying results*

• If you have two BE90 qualifying results on your BE record from any year you have obtained your M.E.R.s to compete at BE100 however if you are in the year of your 12th or 13th birthday with a new horse you must achieve the M.E.R.s as a horse/rider combination even if you have two BE90 qualifying results on a different horse.
• If you have never competed at BE90 level but have completed a BE100 you do not need to obtain the M.E.R.s at BE90

 

The new BE105 level will need two BE100 completions with qualifying results*

To compete at Novice level, riders must have completed three classes at BE100, BE100Plus or BE105 with qualifying results*

*To gain a qualifying result competitors must score no more than 50 dressage penalties with 16 show jumping penalties or less (12 penalties or less if you are in the year of your 12th or 13th birthday), and complete a clear cross country round (zero jumping faults) with no more than 30 cross country time penalties.

Advertising and logos

For dressage and show jumping please see the BE website here for restrictions on logos during competitions, for the cross country phase of competition there are no restrictions on the size or location of logos on competitors dress. Any company sponsoring a rider must be registered as a Supporter Company and logos must still be approved by BE by emailing them to marketing@britisheventing.com.

Membership

When you receive your new membership card you will notice some changes which are part of the IT development project. The layout of the card has changed as it will now show a full renewal date and we have introduced a QR code. QR scanning technology is being used by some organisers for admission management to their events. Please note that the benefits of membership are non-transferable and so your card should not be given to third parties to gain advantage of those benefits.

Please ensure your email address and mobile number are up-to-date to ensure you receive essential membership information this includes having a valid telephone number in the ‘mobile’ field of your details for event abandonment alerts. You can update your details HERE.

Entry Fees

Entry fees and prize money in 2017 will be increased by 1.5%.

FEI Membership and Registration

If you are aiming to compete at International events either overseas or in the UK, both you and your horse need to be registered with the FEI. Registration forms can be downloaded from the BE website HERE.

Please allow at least seven working days for an FEI registration to be processed and 10 working days for an FEI passport.

FEI Passport

Your horse will also need an FEI Passport cover for any FEI competition if you are competing at CIC3* or above in the UK, or any competition outside of the UK. Contact the BE Membership team for more details on +44(0) 2476 698857.

Horse Vaccination and Passports

No horse may take part in a BE National Event (which includes entering the competition stables) unless it has a current vaccination against influenza which complies with the following:

Two injections for primary vaccination, not less than 21 days and not more than 92 days apart;

• A first booster injection must be given not less than 150 days nor more than 215 days after the second injection of primary vaccination;
• Subsequent booster injections must be given at intervals of not more than one year, commencing after the first booster injection.
• No relevant injection may have been given on the day of the BE competition.
• All horses intending to participate in FEI competitions must not have been administered within the previous seven days before the commencement of competition or entry to FEI stables. Under FEI rules, a booster must have been given within six months and 21 days prior to the competition.

Anti-Doping rules

It is vital if you are competing at a national or international level you understand the rules and guidance surrounding anti-doping – both for humans and equines, please see the FEI prohibited substance list for full details HERE.

The BEF’s National Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules (BEFAR) adopt the FEI’s Equine Prohibited Substances List in its entirety so the changes that come into effect on 1st January 2017 will also apply at National level. See the BEF website for more information.

Details on human medication can be found on the Global Dro website.

Rule Changes

Make sure you are up to date with all of the BE and FEI rule changes for 2017, below are some useful links for riders to access information in full:

Check the BE Members’ Handbook online

Summary of BE rule changes for the 2017 season

FEI rules online

Courtesy at Events

BE Event Organisers go to every effort to ensure the smooth running of events and securing generous sponsorship. Remember a small effort from riders can go a long way, so please;

• When possible try to stick to your running times
• If you decide to withdraw during the day please make sure you let the organisers know
• Ensure you or a representative of your team attends the prize giving or let the organisers know if you cannot attend
• Thank the sponsors if you are in their presence
• A thank you to volunteers also goes a long way, we couldn’t run without them!

 

Event Status and Abandonment

BE post regular updates regarding our events on www.britisheventing.com – please also make sure you are following the BE social networks to get the latest official news regarding events you are heading to:

Facebook
Twitter

BE also have an abandonment hotline. However where possible, if an event abandons, BE will send text messages to the number recorded in the “mobile” field on the BE database. Please check your details are up to date otherwise you will not receive any information sent regarding event abandonment. Your details can be updated HERE.

Results

It is very important that you stay at the event to check that your scores are correct on the scoreboard. If you need to query your score, i.e. if you think there has been a mistake, or if you wish to object i.e. you disagree with penalties given, you must do this within 30 minutes of the final scores being put up on the scoreboard, as there may not be anything that can be done after this time.

The correct procedure is to in the first instance see the Event Secretary, who will organise for you to speak to the Official BE Steward. Please see Rule 8.2 for further information.

Remember, the team at British Eventing are here to make sure you have an enjoyable experience so if you have any queries, feedback or suggestions please don’t hesitate to email us on info@britisheventing.com.