Cross-country warning flags trial at Burghley
A new warning system to prevent dangerous riding on cross-country courses is to be trialled at Burghley, Blenheim and the European Championships.
The system, initiated by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will involve stewards at various points on a course holding a large yellow flag in the air when instructed to by the ground jury or an appointed official.
This will warn a rider that they are being monitored for potentially infringing rules relating to dangerous riding or abuse of the horse. The offences include riding an exhausted or obviously lame horse, and excessive use of whip or spurs.
FEI eventing director Catrin Norinder said if the infringement continued after a yellow flag was raised, the rider would be stopped by a red flag.
Following the trials, the FEI committee will decide whether to incorporate the system into its Rules of Eventing.
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