Isabell Werth on Bella Rose
© FEI/Liz Gregg
By Equestrian Life
As of the 1st of January 2021, FEI events around the world will need to comply with the new safety regulations, which requires riders from all ridden disciplines to wear protective headgear at all times, both in the ring and out.
The matter was discussed and voted favourably at the General Assembly of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), which has been held in Moscow, Russia these past few days.
The decision to introduce the new safety rule was unanimous amongst the various representatives from national federations, however individual disciplines still have the option to allow riders to remove their protective headgear during presentation and during the playing of the national anthem.
Top hats have been a tradition in dressage for many years, particularly at the elite level and have become something that’s synonymous with the sport. Frank Kemperman, Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee weighed in on the matter, explaining that “Tradition is important in our sport, but it’s difficult to now follow the medical community’s advice.”
The rule change was proposed to take effect on the 1st of January 2020, however many delegates from national federations thought it would be best to delay the rule change to the year 2021, as this will give the equestrian community ample time to prepare.
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