The first “BE Lite” competition will run at Howick Horse Trials on 12 July, a new British Eventing (BE) scheme.
BE Lite is a “flexible affiliation model for unaffiliated events”. The idea is that there will be same rigorous safety standards as at an affiliated BE event, but it is designed to be an accessible route into the sport. This means organisers have greater flexibility and for riders the entry process is simplified and dress requirements are relaxed.
Horses and riders will not need to be BE members, nor pay a BE run fee on top of entry. Results will be published on the EventingScores website, but will not go on any records.
It will be a competition, not training, but the focus is on participation, enjoyment, confidence-building and progression. BE’s sports taskforce, which developed the idea, is finalising details in the rules, but BE’s standards in safety, welfare, safeguarding and event delivery will apply.
BE CEO Rosie Williams told H&H she hopes that there will be four or five BE Lite fixtures in this pilot year.
She said BE Lite is about “supporting organisers and riders, strengthening standards and creating more opportunities for people to enjoy our sport”.
“This initiative recognises that there is no single route into the sport and provides a welcoming, flexible framework that allows more people to experience eventing while benefiting from BE’s expertise in safety, welfare and sport delivery,” she said.
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“Importantly, while some rules are simplified to encourage participation, the core principles that matter most remain unchanged. Horse welfare, rider safety, safeguarding, veterinary and medical provision and event oversight remain at the heart of every BE Lite competition.”
She added that this is about encouraging people who want to try eventing without feeling pressure to have to buy all the kit, particularly given current financial pressures.
Qualified officials will oversee competition and BE’s welfare, safeguarding and conduct standards apply. Riders who fall or repeatedly incur refusals on cross-country will be eliminated, in line with established safety principles.
Entry fees and prize money are being set by organisers. BE will not take money during the pilot phase, but it will in future.
“It is not a money-making exercise for BE,” said Ms Williams. “Yes we will take a little bit of revenue [in future], but for us it is about opening up the channel that allows a rider to do maybe two BE Lites and then get their brave pants on and perhaps go and do a BE80 – or maybe not! But they’ve tried it and had a good experience, I know they’re safe and I know that if things do go pear-shaped, there are [the right] people there to help.”
Venues that run unaffiliated events are not allowed to host international fixtures. Ms Williams confirmed that organisers who run BE Lite events, rather than unaffiliated, will be eligible in future.
Howick Horse Trials organiser Hannah Matthews said the Howick team is “thrilled to be the first venue to host a BE Lite competition and to support an initiative that helps make eventing more accessible while maintaining the high standards our sport is known for”.
“We hope it will encourage new riders to get involved and provide a positive experience for everyone taking part,” she added.
A spokesperson for unaffiliated series The Cotswold Cup told H&H that it “fully supports” the initiative.
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
