What is horse safety and welfare in Equestrian?

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Helmet: Certified riding helmet (ASTM/SEI, PAS 015, or equivalent) mandatory at all times when mounted, including warm-up, competition, and prize-giving mounted lap of honor
Body protector (Eventing XC): BETA Level 3 body protector mandatory for the cross-country phase. Must fit snugly and be in good condition (protectors degrade after significant impacts and have recommended replacement dates).
Air vest: Inflatable vest connected to the saddle by a lanyard. Activates upon separation from the horse, providing additional torso protection. Strongly recommended and widely used at the Olympic level.
Medical armband: Mandatory for cross-country. Worn on the upper arm, it contains the rider's name, blood type, emergency contact information, and any medical conditions (allergies, medications).

Veterinary inspections: All horses are examined before each phase of competition. The trot-up inspection checks for soundness. Horses failing the trot-up are not permitted to compete.
Holding boxes (Eventing XC): Compulsory halts on the cross-country course where veterinarians check heart rate, hydration, and soundness. Horses with heart rates above threshold may be held until recovery.
Frangible/MIM fences: Modern cross-country fences incorporate frangible pins or MIM (Maximum Impassable Mechanism) clips that allow the top element to collapse when struck by excessive force, dramatically reducing the risk of rotational falls
Course inspection: The cross-country course is inspected after each group of riders to check for fence damage, ground conditions, and safety
Extreme weather: Competition may be suspended in extreme heat (above 35°C / 95°F), severe thunderstorms, or dangerous footing conditions. The Ground Jury has authority to modify courses, reduce speed, or cancel events.

Medical team (human and equine) on-site throughout competition
Ambulance (human) and horse ambulance (specially equipped vehicle) available at all times during cross-country
Screens available at cross-country fences to shield the public and other competitors from viewing any serious incident
Spectator barriers positioned at safe distances from the course, particularly at landing zones and water complexes
Security fencing around stabling areas to prevent unauthorized access to horses

Helmet: Certified riding helmet (ASTM/SEI, PAS 015, or equivalent) mandatory at all times when mounted, including warm-up, competition, and prize-giving mounted lap of honor
Body protector (Eventing XC): BETA Level 3 body protector mandatory for the cross-country phase. Must fit snugly and be in good condition (protectors degrade after significant impacts and have recommended replacement dates).
Air vest: Inflatable vest connected to the saddle by a lanyard. Activates upon separation from the horse, providing additional torso protection. Strongly recommended and widely used at the Olympic level.
Medical armband: Mandatory for cross-country. Worn on the upper arm, it contains the rider's name, blood type, emergency contact information, and any medical conditions (allergies, medications).

Veterinary inspections: All horses are examined before each phase of competition. The trot-up inspection checks for soundness. Horses failing the trot-up are not permitted to compete.
Holding boxes (Eventing XC): Compulsory halts on the cross-country course where veterinarians check heart rate, hydration, and soundness. Horses with heart rates above threshold may be held until recovery.
Frangible/MIM fences: Modern cross-country fences incorporate frangible pins or MIM (Maximum Impassable Mechanism) clips that allow the top element to collapse when struck by excessive force, dramatically reducing the risk of rotational falls
Course inspection: The cross-country course is inspected after each group of riders to check for fence damage, ground conditions, and safety
Extreme weather: Competition may be suspended in extreme heat (above 35°C / 95°F), severe thunderstorms, or dangerous footing conditions. The Ground Jury has authority to modify courses, reduce speed, or cancel events.

Medical team (human and equine) on-site throughout competition
Ambulance (human) and horse ambulance (specially equipped vehicle) available at all times during cross-country
Screens available at cross-country fences to shield the public and other competitors from viewing any serious incident
Spectator barriers positioned at safe distances from the course, particularly at landing zones and water complexes
Security fencing around stabling areas to prevent unauthorized access to horses