Key British Eventing rule changes for 2017
In less than three months the 2017 British Eventing season will be underway and with it some updates to bring our members on key rule changes.
Previously only compulsory below Novice level ‘Protective Headwear’ is now mandatory for all three phases, including dressage, at all levels. Protective headwear that meets the required standard must be worn whenever mounted anywhere at a BE event; this means that for Novice level and above hunting caps or beagle hats, and for Advanced Intermediate level and above top hats, are no longer permitted when mounted at a BE event. Please note that this rule is applicable to BE National classes only and for FEI rules on headwear for all FEI classes please refer to www.fei.org.
Stop watches are now permitted in all classes for cross country at one day events, including BE80(T), BE90, BE100, BE105 and BE100Plus. 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.
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 are in the year of your 12th or 13th birthday this must be achieved as a horse/rider combination)
– 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 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.
A complete list of rule changes will be published on the BE website in due course with the full 2017 Members’ Handbook available in the New Year. For questions on rules please contact sport@britisheventing.com.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.