Submission GuidelinesNew FEI helmet ruling welcomed
09/01/2012
The FEI's move to make riding hats compulsory at all international shows from 2013 has been welcomed by Horse Sport Ireland, which first put forward the proposal.
The decision was made at last month's FEI General Assembly.
This proposal was first put forward by Horse Sport Ireland at the 2009 General Assembly in Copenhagen. At that time it was supported by the European Countries in Groups I and II but was referred for further discussion in the subsequent meetings between Groups I and II with the FEI President Princess Haya.
It has always been compulsory to wear hats in the ring but riders and grooms were allowed to ride on the show grounds without headgear. The new rule in Article 140 of the FEI General regulations states that:
“Beginning 1 January 2013, while riding on the show grounds the use of properly fastened Protective Headgear will be mandatory. In the competition arena venue and adjacent warm-up areas, as well as riding from one to the other and from the stables for the purposes of competing, the protective Headgear requirements are governed by the applicable Sport Rules.”
Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh welcomed the ruling which he said would ensure that a good example was set by international riders.