BETA Safety Week New Dates Announced

The organisers of BETA Safety Week have announced new dates for the 2020 campaign following the postponement of April’s schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual campaign that raises awareness for rider safety and the importance of correctly fitted up to official standards gear will now run from 27 June to 5 July.

Each year riders are encouraged to visit participating BETA retailers to have essential items of riding wear checked for fit, quality and to make sure each item adheres to the correct safety standards. Advice is also available on riding hats, footwear, body protectors and hi-viz gear. The trade association’s retail members taking part will show their support by displaying BETA Safety Week marketing material, many offering consumers the chance to take part in the BETA Safety Test quiz, with a £100 shopping voucher prize.

As the current pandemic persists, retailers are prepared to adhere to social guideline/hygiene standards and will be adequately equipped to keep all involved safe and well. Staff allocated to checking the fit of safety gear should be wearing gloves, masks and other necessary equipment.

Now in its third year, BETA Safety Week is supported by many of the sport’s top riders and organisations, including British Eventing, the British Horse Society, the Point-to-Point Authority, British Riding Clubs and the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund. BETA will also be working in collaboration with Air Ambulances UK for the first time to reflect the work that it does among the equestrian community.

BETA executive director, Claire Williams said;

We had originally timed the campaign to tie in with the start of the competition season, but many events and competitions have, sadly, been cancelled,”

Now, we’re facing the start of the ‘new’, delayed competition season as the three Olympic disciplines propose starts in some way between now and 4 July. A rescheduled BETA Safety Week will give riders returning to competition the chance to check that their equipment still meets the rules and is fit for purpose.”

BETA retailers will be open to offer their usual high levels of service, so it would be great if customers continue to support them. We advise riders to check with their local retailers first to check whether a fitting service is being offered and, if it is, what is required from them in terms of personal protective equipment (PPE).”

Further information about BETA Safety Week for retailers and riders can be found at beta-uk.org or by calling the BETA office on 01937 587062.