Confusion over a British Eventing (BE) ruling on a certain make of stirrup has been clarified and the product will be allowed – but not until next season.
Riders had expressed confusion on social media as to whether or not Tech Stirrups’ Venice stirrups are allowed at horse trials.
They had been prohibited under BE rules as the design contains magnets, but BE has now said the Venice is an exception to the rule – the magnetic system in the Venice stirrups is employed for safety reasons, rather than to improve rider position.
“The BE sport committee reviewed [this rule] at their most recent meeting and has decided to amend the rule so that these stirrups will be permitted for use in 2018,” a BE spokesman told H&H. “The wording of the 2017 rule does not permit their use at the moment.”
Under BE rules, magnetic stirrups are illegal in all three disciplines and when working in at events.
The BE spokesman confirmed that the stirrups may not be used in competition until the 2018 season.
Riders on Facebook have said they are pleased the stirrups are now allowed, but disappointed the rule reversal will not be enforced until next year.
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Venice stirrups feature a magnetic foot release system. The side of the stirrup opens under increased pressure and springs back in place when pressure is released.
The stirrups are made from aluminium, have a textured tread and can be used with standard stirrup leathers.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
