Latest from Horse & Hound in Frangible-devices

‘It shouldn’t be a given that riders will go clear when stepping up to four-star’, says Andrew Nicholson

Andrew Nicholson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:38:07 +0000

The five-time Burghley winner and cross-country coach to the Swiss eventing team analyses recent course-design trends

In a year when lots of riders are choosing to compete abroad, it’s great to see a very healthy number of entries for Defender Bramham Horse Trials this week.

I haven’t been to a British CCI4*-S yet this season – I’ve been to two Continental ones, Marbach and Strzegom with the Swiss team – but, looking at the results, the courses at Thoresby and Bicton caused plenty of trouble. I think that’s a good thing. Why should it be a given that you go clear at your CCI4*-S just because you’ve been popping round CCI3*s?

I thought the Marbach track was very good. Last year it was decent and one nation in particular complained, so Mike Etherington-Smith was called in to be the course advisor. In fairness, I gather that all that was changed were a few of the alternatives at tough fences, but those tackling it were very much encouraged to try the direct routes.

The eventing Nations Cup teams were first and the majority made it look easy. Then it came to those less experienced at CCI4*, and problems started occurring all round the course. That’s natural – there were plenty of competitors at their first CCI4*, and it shouldn’t be automatic that they go clear when making the step up.

Perhaps that was also the case at Thoresby and Bicton. I spoke to a few riders, and asked if they had done an advanced class first, and they hadn’t – they’d gone straight up from three-star.

That seems to be the culture of riders today – they believe they should be able to move up a level and it will be easy. But the questions become harder, the let-up jumps aren’t so straightforward, and that is what it is supposed to be.

Frangible questions

From the results sheet, a lot of frangible devices seem to have been broken at Thoresby and Bicton. I do wonder if, sometimes, fences are being put in the wrong place because they’re pinned? If pins and MIMclips didn’t exist, would designers have put those fences in those locations, and if not, surely it is the wrong fence?

At Marbach and Strzegom very few frangibles were triggered. I know there are lots more runners in four-star classes over here, but you’d expect the overall standard to be better as well.

The subject of course advisors is an interesting modern phenomenon. How many of these four- and five-star tracks now present the course-designer’s original plans, and how much input do these advisors have? And did these advisors have – or take – advice themselves?

However, I think the concept of assistant course-designers at the very top level is a good one to help them progress and gain experience.

Putting ideas into action

Andrew Heffernan designed the Strzegom track, and it will be interesting to see his Bramham course. I gather he’s made various changes, now he’s got the feel of it and can put his ideas into action, which is exactly what we want from designers.

Of course as a rider you want a course to be the same as the last time you jumped it – it’s a lot easier! But a designer needs to be confident and to have self-belief without arrogance.

Andrew is also going to be responsible for the new track for the national under-25 advanced class at Cornbury, which will be a bit of a “test event” for the 2027 under-25 World Championships.

The more I’ve thought about this new championship, the more I like it. Take, for example, the Swiss. They don’t have many young riders and serious competitors often start their careers later. This will be a real help in putting them on an upward curve.

There is a really good vibe about it in Europe. It gives riders an incentive to push their boundaries a bit and aim for something higher up the ladder. It also gives them the experience of being part of a team. It doesn’t take much to ignite someone’s thinking and who knows where they will end up as a result?

● What have you thought of cross-country courses this spring? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

British rider recognised as winner after FEI review overturns event results: ‘My horse deserves this’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Who would you choose for the British eventing team at the Aachen World Championships? H&H’s Pippa Roome weighs in

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Test and improve your horse’s adjustability with this eventer-favourite two-pole canter exercise

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Falls, frangibles and concussion in the eventing safety spotlight

Lucy Elder — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:12:13 +0000

Are concussions being under-reported, should we be looking deeper into falls not at cross-country fences – and how can we make sure that frangible devices are activating correctly?

These were the major talking points at the FEI Eventing Seminar (31 January to 1 February), led by FEI eventing committee chairman David O’Connor and FEI risk management steering group chairman Stuart Buntine.

The pair summarised data from events globally, including starters and fall statistics, saying the general picture is “positive”.

“It’s really important we look at a lot of these statistics, not just for what happens this year, but we actually take a 10-year look at the direction,” said Mr O’Connor.

FEI figures show the percentage of rotational horse falls has decreased from roughly one in every 664 starters in 2016 to one in every 1,336 in 2025. Non-rotational horse falls have also decreased – from 1.24% of starters in 2016 to 0.85% 2025.

Mr O’Connor said the reductions show “a lot of the work we are doing is working”, giving examples of frangible technology, course-design, understanding of how horses see and minimum eligibility requirements.

“We want them to continue that road, to go down even farther. That is no question. But it does say these decisions that have been made over the last 10 or 15 years are working,” he said.

The FEI sets maximum horse fall targets for each level, which it aims to be below each year. The percentage of falls came within target at all levels, with the exception of CC3*-L (at 1.56% in 2025, compared to a target of 1.5%).

Mr O’Connor explained that the targets were set 15 years ago and questioned whether they are still appropriate “or can we push a little harder now to judge ourselves in a harder way?”

In recent years, the FEI has also improved the data it has collected on where falls happen at competitions, and on concussions.

Between 2018 and 2025, unsurprisingly most falls (75.21%) were at cross-country fences. But that means around a quarter of falls in this time occurred elsewhere – 6.69% on the flat across country, 11.08% in the showjumping, 6.92% in warm-up areas and 0.1% in the dressage. In 2025, 27.8% of falls were not at cross-country fences, including 10.22% in the warm-up.

“I think that is an important thing for us to realise, not that we’re letting ourselves off the hook for the cross-country falls,” said Mr O’Connor. “The one that surprises me is that 10% of the falls are actually in the warm-ups, getting ready for the competition.”

This sparked questions – in 2018, only 4.36% of falls were in warm-up areas and Mr Buntine asked if that increase can be accounted for by better reporting. Others asked whether there is a correlation between warm-up falls and falls on the cross-country, which has not yet been analysed.

“We are now at a place where the statistics can bring these questions up,” said Mr O’Connor, explaining how the data can lead to more analysis. “We just need to keep asking what the next questions are.”

British Eventing (BE) gave H&H a detailed breakdown of British figures, in national and international classes.

In 2025, there were 1,282 falls in total (FEI and BE); 923 on the cross-country, of which 838 were at a cross-country fence and 85 on the flat across country; and 359 elsewhere (not on the cross-country).

Following her presentation on BE’s engineering innovation competition (news, 18 December) on the second day of the seminar, BE chief executive Rosie Williams brought up the number of falls away from the cross-country course.

“We are looking into why is that happening, when’s it happening, what was the weather, was the horse shod… Because we need to reduce those falls as much as possible,” she said.

Eventing safety: are concussions being reported accurately?

Concerns were raised that concussions are potentially under-reported.

The FEI changed how it accounted for concussions in 2018, giving them a separate column in its injury reporting table.

In 2025, a total of 11 serious concussions were reported in international eventing worldwide. In the explanatory notes accompanying the FEI’s risk management data, the FEI states that “22 concussions were reported, 11 combined with a serious injury and 11 with a slight injury”.

Mr O’Connor said he believes the number of concussions is “under-reported” in international eventing.

“I don’t know if that’s an accurate number, though I do believe that number will become more accurate over the years – as we have found out through the data collection process [in other eventing safety statistics], it was probably eight or nine years before we started to get really reliable data,” he said.

“Now we’ve had what we think is fairly reliable data in most things since 2013, so it does take a while and I think this is one of the places we are looking to increase the reliability of that number.”

Frangibles: ‘We have to make sure they deploy correctly’

The risk to safety and sporting fairness when frangible devices are not fitted correctly was highlighted by Mr Buntine.

“If we’re going to use these [devices], we have to make sure they deploy correctly,” he said, referring to the situation in general rather than to any specific country, as was the case throughout the seminar.

Mr Buntine showed examples of where fences have moved when hit by a horse, dissipating the force and meaning that a device has not activated. And he cited cases where measurements involved in fitting a frangible device have been incorrect, which again means it has not worked as it should.

He said it is both a safety and an integrity issue if frangible devices do not deploy correctly.

“Athletes must have confidence that the technology is correct and it works in the correct manner,” he said.

“We need to make sure these fences do work – and work when you want them to work, so they do save falls. But also that they don’t activate too soon, because we don’t want to be issuing penalties when they shouldn’t be there.

“They’re there to prevent or reduce rotational or bad falls, and that’s their role, but not to activate early. So I think as officials, if we can just keep a focus on that, it would hopefully help some of these wrong activations from happening.”

Falls not at cross-country fences: the German picture

The German federation has dug into its own data and found that most falls in its national competitions are not at cross-country fences.

“We see in our national competition an unbelievable number of 75% of all rider falls happen without even jumping the fence,” said Philine Ganders-Meyer, of the German federation. “It’s enormous, and we are still working on it. It is, in the end, [about] rider fitness and rider education.”

The German data from 2025 shows these unseats are on the flat, and in situations associated with approaching a fence. It also showed that 16 of its 30 horse falls were either on the flat (15) or “without jumping the fence, but combined with the approach” (one).

“I think there’s a couple of things maybe to look into, because it’s a surprisingly high number,” said Mr O’Connor.

To watch the full seminar, visit: https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/eventing/risk-management/seminars-2025-2026

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Sharing how to make traditional cross-country fences frangible set to improve eventing safety worldwide

Lucy Elder — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:57:49 +0000

The team behind the new age of frangible fences as seen for the first time in Britain last season are travelling the world to share their knowledge and learn new ideas.

A range of traditional-looking fences, which incorporated a frangible “parallelogram” chassis, were seen for the first time at Thoresby 2025 (news, 27 March and 3 April).

Course-designer, organiser and new chairman of the FEI risk management steering group Stuart Buntine, Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, who is behind MIM clip frangible technology, and members of Mr Buntine’s course-building team worked together on the designs. One of their main aims was to design classic-looking cross-country fences that happen to be deformable, rather than jumps that stood out as being frangible because of their “space age” appearance.

The team, which includes course-builders Will Seely and Chris Eaton, worked with 16 builders and designers from Australia and New Zealand to create deformable fences during an FEI seminar in Victoria, Australia, this month. They will repeat the seminar in Germany in February.

“Our brief was stand back, let them do and then interject where possible,” said Mr Eaton. “But in actual fact, I found that we were watching what’s going on and quizzing them as much as they’re quizzing us as to actually, ‘Is there a better way of doing that? Have you done it better? Can we educate you or can you educate us?’

“We’ve already seen a couple of different methods, and we’ve talked through the pros and cons in different ways of doing it.

“The important thing is, we’re trying to build fences that people are used to seeing out on cross-country courses that are not frangible and we can add a safety element to that fence without changing the look of it too much.

“It’s the sort of fence that you know – the average roll top, log, house – all these things can be made frangible. We want to keep moving things forward, but I think a lot of people started to get an expectation that these new safety fences were going to change what cross-country was all about [which isn’t the case].”

Mr Seely added: “The whole thing we’ve done back at home is to try to push the frangibles forward and get away from the space age look and go [towards looking] more traditional.

“If we can spread across the world and make people happier using it, because they’re producing a more traditional looking cross-country course, we’re doing good and pushing safety forwards. We just keep pushing the parameters to make things safer and better.”

Mr Buntine said this was the “first of a number of courses” planned globally.

“The whole frangible debate is an interesting one. I think I was like most people, very sceptical when it first started. I was a traditionalist at heart,” he said.

“A number of incidents have occurred over the last six or eight years whereby I’ve really started to look at it and say, the future of the sport has a dependency on us to provide sport that is safe, that takes in human safety and horse welfare.”

“I think the great thing from our point of view is the FEI’s got behind supporting the expansion of the use of frangible fences.”

He added: “We’re off to Germany in February. Then, we’d love to take our knowledge and share it around the world, but also learn from others because everybody’s got so much to learn in this game.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Riders voice support after cross-country safety innovations used for first time

Lucy Elder — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:59:02 +0000

Thoresby’s broadly frangible cross-country course was met with positive views from top riders at the Eventing Spring Carnival (report, p50).

Course-designer Stuart Buntine showcased the new era of frangible designs ahead of the event (news, 27 March), which were used for the first time in competition at Thoresby.

The new-look fences use existing MIM technology, as widely seen on frangible tables. Experts have found ways to incorporate the frangible “parallelogram” chassis into a host of different types of fences that look less “Meccano-like” and have a more traditional aesthetic. These featured alongside existing deformable and non-frangible designs.

Grantham Cup winner Tom McEwen said knowing certain fences were frangible did not change the way he rode them.

“None of us aim to have an incident, but if it’s there, it’s brilliant,” he said, also praising the course layout and how the fences were dressed, which he said helped the horses read each question.

Laura Collett, who won the other CCI4*-S section with Dacapo and was third in the Grantham Cup with London 52, echoed Tom’s thoughts.

“I had a pin on the mare [Bling] and I didn’t feel like she really did anything wrong or made a mistake, but that’s just the way it’s going to go – one day it will be that it does save a fall, and you’ll be grateful. If it saves a life, it’s worth it,” she said.

Gemma Stevens had four CCI4* places with her rides. She also picked up 11 penalties for activating a frangible device with Flash Cooley – it cost them a four-star win, but Gemma was unequivocal in her support.

“It’s brilliant. We need to be safe,” she said. “Although it’s annoying to have a pin, it is what it is, and it might have saved a fall for me, so I’m grateful.”

The full Thoresby report will be in the 3 April issue of Horse & Hound

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Cutting-edge frangible technology given ‘traditional’ make-over as new cross-country fences unveiled in Britain

Lucy Elder — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:26:31 +0000

A new age of frangible fences will feature on cross-country tracks at the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby next week (28 to 30 March) following extensive work by leading figures in safety, design and course-building.

Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, the brains behind MIM clip frangible technology, worked on the designs with event organiser and course-designer Stuart Buntine, as well as members of Mr Buntine’s course-building team, Will Seely and Chris Eaton.

Watch a video of how the frangible hay feeder fence works in the short clip below

*The fence will be properly secured to the ground at the event, the below video is for illustration purposes only

“I’ve always liked to push barriers and try new things, and I’ve always been interested in safety,” said Mr Buntine, director of organisers BEDE Events and chairman of the FEI eventing risk management steering group.

“Experience has compelled me to question, if we could make the sport safer, why would we not?”

This is how the ‘parallelogram’ looks when the MIM clip is activated. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mr Bjornetun added: “We are into a development session that will never end.”

The series of fences all work on the existing MIM technology used in frangible tables – and as seen in the deformable trakehner used at Osberton in 2024. This “parallelogram” system incorporates MIM clips and collapses when hit with force.

The team has now found ways to incorporate the frangible “chassis” into a host of different types of fence. For example, arrowheads, hay feeders roll-tops, and a more classic looking table, all designed to conceal the technology. Fences can be reset in seconds after activation, by lifting them back into place and replacing the MIM clip.

A frangible arrowhead. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A frangible rolltop. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mr Buntine told those at the launch on 18 March that one big aim has been to move away from the Meccano-like aesthetic of frangible tables, towards the look of fences historically seen on cross-country courses.

“What I wanted to do is come up with fences that people didn’t look at and say, ‘Oh, that’s a frangible, because it looks it’,” he said. “This work now is to start to make them look more traditional. They’re normal cross-country fences – but they are frangible.”

He stressed that the work around frangibles is, and always will be, a work in progress. That includes learnings in design and construction, as well as questions around “soft” activations, when a frangible device activates but does not appear to be the result of a competitor having a bad jump.

“It’s a step on the road. It’s not an end result. The more people that push barriers and expand on ideas, the better,” he said.

“We will get better. All the time, I’m talking to Mats and Dave [Vos, an engineer and expert in frangibles], saying ‘yes, but… let’s push back on what’s been accepted today – can we challenge that to get it better?’”

He added: “You’re never going to eliminate risk. Whatever we do when we gallop a horse across country, there’s always risk. We’ve got to reduce rotational falls, because that is where the big risk is.”

Other event organisers and designers also attended.

Five-star course designer Mike Etherington-Smith was among those there and spoke favourably about what he saw.

“Everybody is really happy to share ideas in our world, which is great,” he told H&H, adding that he was “really pleased” he went and has already been sharing insights from the day with other professionals around the world.

Georgie Campbell’s sister Jo Williams also spoke at the launch, as one of the two main aims of the Georgie Campbell Foundation is to enhance rider and horse safety by supporting the implementation of frangible devices to reduce the risk of rotational falls.

She explained that they are keen to establish what the current baseline is, in terms of research, usage and what is happening around the world, to form a roadmap and be clear about how money raised is going to help.

“Something I’ve seen in my professional life, is that what gets measured, gets done,” she said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Frangibles, tech and ‘€1m for 1000 fences’ – big ideas debated in eventing

Lucy Elder — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:43:55 +0000

Could different rules for different levels work when it comes to penalties for breaking a frangible device – and would “€1m for 1,000 fences” be a boost for the sport?

Those were two ideas debated by top riders, course-designers and other leading sports figures at the 2025 FEI Eventing Seminar (17–19 January).

FEI risk management steering group member Geoff Sinclair highlighted the success of fundraising for specific eventing safety projects in the US. He said the group would like to discuss something similar with the FEI, in the hope of attracting some significant backers, which would allow federations or individual events to apply for subsidies for specific fences.

“If we could reach €1m, we could probably get 1,000 frangible fences built, and that would have a very significant impact on the sport and help the events,” he said.

Course-designer and FEI risk management steering group member Stuart Buntine spoke of the ongoing work around frangibles.

“One of the challenges I’ve looked at, and kept on coming back to, is we don’t want to change what our sport looks like. We don’t want to change the fact that ultimately we want to go out there and jump cross-country fences that look like cross-country fences and are not abbreviated or abridged versions,” he said.

“I’ve been very fortunate over the last 12 months to spend a bit of time in Sweden with Mats Bjornetun [leader in frangible technology] and his team, and he’s done an amazing amount of work on enabling fences that you and I would walk past and say ‘these are just normal fences’ to be a frangible fence.”

He added: “One of the exciting things that I see is the ability now to start to roll out traditional fences that are built with a frangible mechanism. We’ve got to try to reduce, and continue to reduce, serious falls. There is no doubt that, looking at the stats and the information, frangible fences reduce that risk substantially.”

Mr Buntine said the question of 11 penalties for soft activations is “something that worries me a bit”, but discretionary awarding of those penalties would be a “can of worms”. A “soft” activation is when a frangible device breaks, but doesn’t appear to be the result of a competitor having a bad jump at fence.

“We’ve got to stop rotationals,” he said, adding that work is ongoing in this development tech, but now the price may be the occasional soft activation.

“I think that’s a price worth paying,” he said.

Olympic medal-winning eventer Tina Cook said she is “massively behind” frangible technology and reducing falls, but asked if there could be a “common sense” approach to whether a competitor is penalised or not, rather than a “flat 11 penalties”.

She added that in situations where the horse “clearly hasn’t lost his balance or left a leg” that it could be discussed with the ground jury, rather than a blanket penalty.

The forum heard how technology such as video cameras and fence sensors is progressing all the time. But although it may be possible to have that level of tech at some events, eventing is a global sport.

That led to questions about whether it would be feasible to have a rule whereby penalties for a broken frangible device could be reviewed at the top of the sport, for example four-stars, five-stars and championships.

Five-star rider David Doel said it would be “no different” to other sports such as football, where additional technology is used in reviewing penalties in the Premier League, compared to lower leagues.

Talking points

Samantha Lissington raised the point that thoroughbreds being excluded from world breeding championships is a “downfall” (news, 15 May 2023). FEI eventing committee chairman David O’Connor agreed it is “a valid point” and would look into it again.
The popularity of “tailgaiting” in the US – where people pay to park and picnic in designated areas closer to the action – was aired as a possible opportunity for events.
Creating a series out of the current five-stars was mooted as a possible way to sell the sport.

Watch the full discussion and more videos from the 2025 FEI eventing seminar

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Take a look at a new frangible trakehner to be used at British event for first time

Lucy Elder — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:59:44 +0000

New frangible trakehner fences will be in use for the first time at a British international event this week.

Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials cross-country course-designer Stuart Buntine is among a team of people in the sport that has been working with Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, who is behind the MIM safety clip system used on many cross-country fences in eventing.

The log sits on a deformable structure, designed by Mr Bjornetun, which is the same kind as the device used in frangible tables. The supporting structure for the log is created to give way and collapse forwards and down if hit with force, with the overall aim to prevent a horse from falling.

“Mats has been pushing all this forward,” Mr Buntine told H&H, crediting Mr Bjornetun for the “amazing job” he is doing in eventing safety.

Two deformable trakehners will feature on Osberton’s (3–6 October) international cross-country courses: one in the two-star classes and one in the three-star.

One of the challenges in developing frangible technology for heavier fences, such as logs, is the weight limits of the deformable devices. The big logs in these trakehners have been hollowed out to reduce their weight. This also means the fence can be “reset” easily – part of its design is that it is hinged at each end and it can be lifted back into place by two people.

“It looks absolutely like a normal trakehner, but it’s hollow,” said Mr Buntine, who is also director of BEDE Events, which organises Osberton. “What I’m really keen to do is to push the technology as far as we can, so that we can go further and further into reducing risks in the sport.”

In January, David Vos, a rider, aviation engineer and frangible device expert, spoke at the FEI eventing seminar about the latest data on serious horse falls per fence type (news, 1 February). Dr Vos, who is a member of the FEI risk management steering group – as is Mr Buntine – said that 90% of serious horse falls are at non-frangible fences.

“We need to continue developing, moving forward at a pretty healthy clip to get more frangible solutions available and a bigger pool of available sets for course-designers to use,” he said at the time.

An FEI spokesperson told H&H: “At the FEI, safety in eventing remains a top priority, and innovations such as frangible technology have played a key role in enhancing athlete and horse safety.

“The introduction and continued use of frangible devices have proven effective in significantly reducing horse falls, which helps lower the risk of injury for both horses and athletes. This technology, coupled with the application of penalties when a device is triggered, has also fostered greater awareness and encouraged more thoughtful, precise riding.”

The spokesperson said it is important to note that frangible technology is just one part of a broader risk management strategy and that although frangible technology is a “significant advancement” in eventing safety, it is not a complete solution on its own.

He added that techniques such as improved course design, the strategic use of ground lines and visual aids all contribute to reducing the number of falls and ensuring the highest level of safety possible.

“FEI course-designers undergo rigorous training to ensure they create courses that are not only challenging but also meet safety standards. They are trained to use frangible technology where it is most effective, alongside other safety innovations,” said the spokesperson, adding that the emphasis always remains on designing safe, appropriate fences from the outset.

“The FEI remains committed to constantly evaluating and updating safety technologies and protocols to ensure that we continue to minimise risks as much as possible. While some level of risk is inherent in eventing, we strive to make the sport as safe as possible through ongoing improvements.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

New data on horse falls in eventing and what the future holds for frangible fences

Lucy Elder — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:03:36 +0000

Frangible fences are having a “significant positive” effect on eventing safety – but more development is needed to take the sport even further forwards.

Leading figures discussed the latest data and where progress could be made to increase influence and retain the essence of cross-country, while breaking new ground in eventing safety.

Dr David Vos, a rider, aviation engineer, frangible device expert and risk management steering group member, told the FEI eventing seminar on 20 January that 90% of serious horse falls are happening at non-frangible fences.

“Around 8% are happening at frangible fences that were built to the old standard, and somewhere around 1% or 2% are happening at fences built to the new standard we released in 2021,” he said.

“It’s not that there is a gigantic, main driver, but if we look at the distribution, you have square spreads, rolltops, brush fences, ascending spreads and corners capturing somewhere in the order of 70% to 80% of the serious horse falls by fence type.”

Expanding the use of frangible fences

Dr Vos stressed that the sport needs to focus on upgrading old frangible fences and expanding the use of frangibles “across the field”.

“It just has to happen,” he said. ”It’s probably the only way we can make a serious difference in cutting down the horse fall rate.

“We need to continue developing, moving forward at a pretty healthy clip to get more frangible solutions available and a bigger pool of available sets for course-designers to use.

“The push needs to remain very strong because we need to get that 90% non-frangible fence number way down, so that we can talk more about how frangibles are actually performing, and we’re not overwhelmingly driven by the fact that serious horse falls are happening at non-frangible fences.”

Course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith cautioned against measuring like for like when it comes to falls at frangible and non-frangible fences, adding that falls are multifactorial and other factors need to be taken into consideration.

Dr Vos added: “The most important point here is that all these other factors are critically important. But we’re dealing with a situation where we have a mistake that has occurred and is there a way to reduce the risk of a serious horse injury or fall?”

Course-designer Stuart Buntine said that there is “much work in progress” around frangible options and solutions for fences such as heavy logs and tables, rolltops and brush fences.

“Frangible fences are having a really significant positive effect and we must continue to drive that forwards,” he said.

Competition scoring considerations

Badminton course-designer Eric Winter touched on whether frangibles and flags could have a more enhanced and refined place in competition scoring, while keen to stress this should not be a “knee-jerk” decision.

For example, focusing on flags, shifting thinking towards riders getting the best line and approach to fences being rewarded with a clean sheet. While those who didn’t set up as well as they could have and take a flag aren’t necessarily out of contention for a top spot, but do carry two or three penalties.

“We can’t just have ever-decreasing cross-country courses where everybody jumps clear and nothing happens, because that’s not a sport that we can sell in any way,” he said.

“We’re looking at horses winning competitions through small margins – and that’s a positive thing, that’s elite sport.”

He added that it is “not acceptable in any way” to see horses fall, horses are now so educated to lock onto a line and not think about stopping, so where does eventing go to keep the sport interesting?

“We can’t have cross-country courses where everybody jumps clear, but I personally think that if we start to develop a thought process around the flags, that could be a very exciting sport,” he said.

“Another question we have to ask is, what we value about the sport nowadays – what are the things we want to keep? Is it that we must jump fixed fences? We must go to battle and win? Because to me that’s not what I hold dear about the sport.

“I want the horses to be galloping in the open, meeting different types of fences. It’s very important we keep a good variety of fences, that we keep using the terrain, so that every course has its own nature to it, and it uses the nature of that site.

“But how do we do that within acceptable parameters that can allow our sport to travel forward in the next 10,15 years in a very healthy way?”

Olympic gold medallist and eventing committee chairman David O’Connor concluded: “These are the big conversations we all need to have.”

You might also be interested in:

Course builders fixing a frangible pin with blood on the fence (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

New standard for frangible cross-country fences could boost invention H&H Plus

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Eventing not yet confirmed for 2028 Olympics – with just weeks to decide on new format

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

‘You get very good feedback’: top coach’s idea to tap into riders’ expertise during competitions

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Riders to be interviewed after horse falls as part of eventing safety move

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Calls for change after frangible device costs riders top-10 results at Pau five-star

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:06:06 +0000

Frangible cross-country devices were the topic of debate after the five-star Pau Horse Trials cross-country phase on Saturday (29 October), when nine riders activated the MIMClip on fence 21B.

The riders who picked up 11 penalties at 21b, a corner on a curving stride from a log/drop into the third water complex, included dressage leader Felix Vogg (Colero). There were also three British competitors – Mollie Summerland (Charly Van Ter Heiden), Aaron Miller (KEC Deakon) and David Doel on his first horse Ferro Point.

The subject became a talking point among riders as some considered they had not hit the fence hard enough for it to warrant collapsing, though undoubtedly there were some cases where the device saved falls. Some called for the reintroduction of an appeal system, whereby the ground jury assesses whether the 11 penalties given for a broken frangible device could be removed if they feel the horse was not at risk of falling.

The activation was especially expensive for Felix Vogg, who was in the lead going into the cross-country, and finished the event in 17th place.

After the competition had finished, Felix said: “I’m totally with it that the sport has to get safer for riders and horses, and it’s good that there is progress in it. But there is not enough research at the moment – we just take a system and penalise the riders if they activate it – it doesn’t matter how many horses touched it before.

“At every event we have frustrated riders, owners and so on because of MIMclips which shouldn’t have been activated.

“So now the questions: was that fence so dangerous? Do we have such bad riders at five-star level? What are the riders doing wrong so they couldn’t jump the fence clean? Is it the wrong system? Or is it the wrong fence in the wrong place? Or maybe something else?

“Is it possible that a safety system has become a reason for worries, problems and a strategic system to influence the final result of the cross-country when it should only protect horse and rider?

“The time should be finished where riders have to look back across country to see if a fence has fallen.”

Course-designer Pierre Michelet said: “Safety is paramount, so it’s one of those things and riders have to ride with that in mind. Some incidents today with the MIMclips did prevent serious falls, whereas others were more like a fence going down in the showjumping and those riders were harshly sanctioned by the 11 penalties.”

The Pau Horse Trials cross-country proved influential but without any serious falls. Four riders finished clear inside the 11-minute optimum time from 47 starters (8.5%). These were David Doel on Galileo Nieuwmoed, who finished in eventual fourth, Karim Florent Laghouag and Triton Fontaine, who were second, Maxime Livio with Carouzo Bois Marotin (seventh) and Luc Chateau on Viens Du Mont (ninth).

In total, 21 combinations finished clear but with time-faults (44.7% of the field) and 38 of the 47 starters completed (80.9%).

What are your views about MIMClips and the penalties associated within them in FEI eventing? Let us know your thoughts by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)

‘She jumped her socks off’: Pau Horse Trials winner revealed after tense final phase

(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)

‘Normally I’m the king of screwing up one phase’: British rider finishes on Pau five-star podium

(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)

Take a leap of faith: check out the 2022 Pau five-star cross-country course

(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)

Keep up with all of the news, behind the scenes insight and the best of the action from Pau Horse Trials with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited website subscription. Sign up now. Plus enjoy our full magazine report on Pau Horse Trials in the magazine dated 3 November.

Mark Phillips on frangible penalties: ‘Riders hate it – but it’s here to stay’

Mark Phillips — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:15:45 +0000

Former Olympic team gold medallist, four-time Badminton winner and top course designer Mark Phillips shares his thoughts on the frangible penalties given at Tokyo and Bicton

HAVING been retired from five-star course-design at Luhmühlen and Burghley after my 2019 track in Lincolnshire, it was with some trepidation that I took on the five-star Burghley replacement at Bicton, which had to be put on in 11 weeks instead of 11 months!

I learnt a lot, though, from the four-star tracks in June, especially the effects of the Devon terrain. Sadly, not enough of the riders learnt that same lesson: a few were found lacking on the fitness front.

Luckily, all thought the Bicton cross-country course, which was beautifully presented by the team, asked five-star questions, even though it lacked some of the massive galloping questions seen at other five-stars.

However, the terrain more than made up for those big efforts and some definitely underestimated the cumulative effort of the questions. Also, nearly half the fences had a jumpable width of 6ft or less, which meant riders had to apply a different sort of concentration.

Part of the skill

THESE days, risk management and the ever-developing frangible technology are never far out of the news. Michael Jung breaking a MIMclip at Luhmühlen and Tokyo, both incidents denying him a top-three finish, has highlighted the issues as never before.

The 11 penalties for breaking a frangible is hated with a passion by all five-star riders and their coaches, particularly as most of the activations are from hindleg pressure, when there was no possibility of a potentially serious rotational fall. Similarly it is not supported by the traditional cross-country folk, who have always considered that a horse ought to be able to use its back legs as “air brakes”.

However, public perception and that of the governing bodies at home and abroad around the world is that the technology and the penalties are not going away. Therefore, riders have to learn how to ride these fences and to train their horses accordingly.

We had five pins break as riders jumped into the Ariat Challenge at Bicton and on each occasion, either bad riding or a horse that lacked rideability caused the activation. We have to accept that this is part of the future skill of crossing the country, even if it’s a country mile from the traditions

of yesteryear.

Special atmospheres

BICTON did an outstanding job of putting on a true five-star competition at short notice. It will never be Burghley, but hopefully the Devon venue will retain a place in the calendar where we can enjoy top-end sport in this special facility. I could not, though, help reminiscing about Burghley, where I designed for a period north of 30 years.

The new director of Burghley is due to be announced before the end of September so I thought also about outgoing director Liz Inman, who has been part of the Burghley institution for a longer period even than me. She carried on the traditions, developed by Bill Henson, that have made Burghley a favourite event for riders, owners and spectators.

The challenge for the new director will be to move the event forward without losing the atmosphere that makes it so special.

Bicton had its own special, family atmosphere. There was no doubt, though, about the quality of the competition at the top, with the leading three riders all displaying an array of championship medals and big-time wins.

In the end, Gemma Tattersall came out on top for long-time owner Chris Stone, ahead of the rapidly improving Billy Walk On and Pippa Funnell. Sadly the dream of a second five-star win for Piggy March and Vanir Kamira was not to be.

That said, it was certainly a top three that Burghley would have been proud to have on its podium.

This exclusive column can also be read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 9 September

Top event riders call for review of penalties given when frangible clips or pins break

Pippa Roome — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 18:32:41 +0000

THERE are growing calls for the FEI to re-examine the automatic 11 penalties given for breaking a frangible device across country in international eventing.

Michael Jung lost out on winning his third consecutive Olympic individual title in Tokyo by breaking a yellow MIMclip – this type of MIMclip was introduced this year and is used at fences jumped at an angle, such as corners. It breaks with less force than the traditional red MIMclip.

Olympic gold medallist Oliver Townend and 2018 Burghley winner Tim Price both finished in the top 10 at Bicton five-star last week, but lost placings because they received 11 penalties for breaking frangible pins.

While riders recognise the value of frangible devices in making eventing safer, they are questioning whether it’s right that horses are always penalised if a device breaks.

Oliver said: “We’ve trained these horses to drop the back legs on a vertical going into a coffin to jump the ditch correctly and jump out safely, and I think the FEI need to realise what the top riders want. There isn’t a five-star rider in the world that agrees with the penalties for the pins.

“The pins are a safety thing and I do believe if the ground jury decide it saved a fall, then award 11 penalties, but just to be handing these 11 penalties out to good horses that have done a very safe, correct job – it’s not cross-country any more.”

William Fox-Pitt, who has won 14 five-stars, said ahead of the Bicton cross-country: “The devices were introduced to save lives, not to give you 11 penalties, and now they are becoming a big factor in eventing that we are all concerned about. I’m really hoping we can look at what we do.”

William said he would be in favour of penalties only being awarded if the horse had broken the device by hitting the fence with a front leg.

“If you have a pin with a back leg and manage to stand up, good on you, it’s eventing. But if you have it in front, that maybe has saved your life and you should be penalised,” he said.

There is already a proposal to change the FEI eventing rules to include an addition to the wording around when 11 penalties are given. The current wording says “Activating a frangible device where the dimension of the fence is modified”, while the new proposals add after this “if one of the frangible device clips clearly breaks (hook clearly opens from the bolt)”.

An FEI spokesperson said: “In accordance with the rules revision process, the stakeholder feedback on the eventing committee proposals will be reviewed in the coming weeks before the final draft is submitted for approval at the FEI General Assembly in November.”

If approved, this change would come in for the 2022 season.

The FEI also issued an update on 30 August saying the FEI frangible device working group has agreed with MIM that the bolt should not be removed when fitting yellow MIMclip kits at all levels. This change will increase the amount of force needed to break the clips on these kits.

Both the proposed rule change and the fitting instruction alteration are relevant only to the penalties incurred for activation of MIMclips; neither affect penalties given for breaking a frangible pin.

MIMclip inventor: ‘I want to help a sport that I love’ H&H Plus

Martha Terry — Sun, 16 May 2021 08:00:11 +0000

Mats Björnetun on his trajectory from hot rods to cross-country safety devices

Under the MIMsafe brand, my company is the industry leader within the field of crash-tested dog cages, gates and universal cargo nets. We also produce MIMclips, the frangible devices which allow cross-country fences to “collapse” safely to help prevent falls. These became mandatory on 1 January 2021 on all fences to which they can be fitted at all FEI events.

Originally I was a farmer. I wasn’t interested in studying at school, but I was interested in motorcycles and hot rods, and was involved in drag-racing. Engineering and building things fascinated me.

In 1986, I started MIM Construction AB in my barn in Frändefors in Sweden, with a partner. Our aim was to solve automotive functional design problems for neighbours – and our goal was just to survive.

Four years later we were invited to Germany to visit Volkswagen, who have been clients ever since, alongside the likes of Audi and Porsche. That was so far ahead of the goals I had set that, since then, I have only had fun. If there are two different projects in view, I have always chosen the one that looks more fun.

My wife has had horses since she was young, and was interested in eventing. I had a farm, so in the mid-1990s, I said, “I can try to build a small cross-country course here.” We had some novice competitions here in 1994 and 1995, and after that I became the organiser of an event at a larger estate nearby, Baldersnäs, and from 1998 to 2002 we ran World Cup events there. I didn’t know much about horses, but I liked the world of eventing and its people.

I “retired” from organising in 2005, but somehow I ended up as event director of Malmö in 2008. That’s where I met Andy Griffiths, who was the technical delegate, and that was the beginning of MIMclips.

I saw from the beginning that we were not doing enough about safety in eventing. Because of the amount of crash-testing my company had done, I understood how to handle and absorb energy and about speed and direction; I knew we had to do more.

Through Andy, we were invited to a meeting in 2010 with lots of high-profile people from eventing, such as Mark Phillips, Mike Etherington-Smith, Hugh Thomas and David O’Connor.

Beforehand, MIMsafe had created its own crash machine, and I employed a crash expert from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. So when it came to that first meeting, we had so much knowledge that we scared everyone! That wasn’t our intention – we just wanted to show that we had a starting point.

Fully implementing something new always takes 10 years. So where we are now – that approved frangible devices must be fitted to all fences that can be constructed with them at all FEI events – is where I wanted to be in 2010. MIMsafe makes a financial loss on the MIMclip, but that is unimportant to me. I want to help a sport that I love.

The key element of the MIMclip is the hinge. When a horse hits the rail or the gate, or whatever, the energy created by the horse goes into the fence and accelerates it out of the horse’s way.

The laws of gravity mean that a free-falling object accelerates as it falls; if you drop something on your feet it hurts, but the first centimetre of the drop doesn’t hurt because it falls very slowly. The hinge on a MIMclip allows the rail to which it is fixed to fall down in a controlled arc, and stops the horse’s fall trajectory.

Eventing people are used to seeing the red MIMclip attached to fences such as oxers and gates, but we now have a yellow MIMclip, which is used for fences designed to be jumped at an angle, such as corners, and for tables.

It is triggered at 70% of the force that it takes for the red clip, and that comes with its problems. Spectators love to climb on fences while walking the course before or after the competition. How do organisers then ensure the frangible devices have not been inadvertently weakened? To solve this, we’re producing a silver clip to replace the MIMclip temporarily when the course is not being used.

We can never make cross-country 100% safe. It’s an exciting sport that involves solid fences being jumped at speed; competitors have a choice – to ride or not to ride, and they must take responsibility for themselves.

You can also read this feature in the 13 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Boost for eventing safety as $500,000 fundraising target reached

Becky Murray — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:12:56 +0000

A $500,000 (£364,937) fundraising target aiming to make eventing safer in the United States has been met in less than a year.

In March 2020 United States Equestrian (USEF) national safety officer and eventer Jonathan Holling called on the eventing community to raise the sum, with the aim of increasing the number of frangible fences on course. He added that in three years, there will be “no excuse” for any fence on course than can be frangible, not to be made frangible in “some way”.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA), USEA Foundation and a group of “passionate” stakeholders have raised the money thanks to donations from USEA members and eventing enthusiasts around the country. The first part of the challenge has been achieved and the country is well on the way to the second part and with continued fundraising, it can be achieved.

“This money has gone directly to 116 different USEA-recognised events with 151 frangible tables, 53 oxers, and 34 gate/wall fences already out on course – all built with grants distributed by the USEA Foundation,” said a USEA spokesman. “The first part of the challenge has been achieved and the country is well on the way to the second part and with continued fundraising, it can be achieved.”

Mr Holling said he was “so proud” to have been a “small part” of the fundraising effort.

“The resources, effort, and money that have been put forward to increase the safety of jumps on cross-country courses has been unbelievable. When I put this challenge out there, I had no idea how it would be received,” he said.

“The fact that during this year of turmoil, heartache, and uncertainty we have been able to raise these funds should give us all restored faith in each other. Great job everyone and thanks from the bottom of my heart for helping us make it #frangiblenow.”

The fundraising was given a boost in April when it was announced the Manton Foundation, a charitable fund that donates to projects in education, arts and culture and community preservation, would offer a matching grant for every dollar raised up to $250,000 (£182,468). At the end of last year $12,000 (£8758) was needed to meet the $500,000 target, so USEF stepped in to donate the remainder.

“The team at the USEA has done a tremendous job building up their frangible technology fund over the past year. They have created new educational resources, promoted safety, and provided needed grants to ensure organisers across the country have more readily available access to frangible pin technology on their cross-country courses,” said USEF president Tom O’Mara.

“USEF is pleased to contribute the final amount necessary to help them cross the finish line and complete this fundraising campaign.”

The USEA Foundation will continue to accept donations and distribute grants to events to build frangible jumps on all USEA-recognised courses.

“The foundation is very proud to have played a role in reaching the goal of $500,000 for the frangible technology fund,” said USEA Foundation chair Dian Pitts

“Enhanced safety in our sport is a primary focus of the USEA and the USEA Foundation. We are grateful to the Manton Foundation for their matching grant and to all of the members and supporters who have generously contributed to the fund.”

Article continued below…

MIM SAFTEY CATCH (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

US eventing community acts to improve safety after rider’s death

MIM SAFTEY CATCH (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

New rotationals falls research is a ‘vital’ safety step

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Ms Pitts added that a “special” thank you went to the members of a GoFundMe page, set up by Mr Holling, who launched the fundraiser effort last March and who asked the USEA Foundation to partner in it.

“Their continued involvement and guidance has helped develop and administer the grant program. Thank you also to USEF for believing in the program and putting the fundraising over the top,” she said.

“We are very proud to see the many frangible tables on courses throughout the country that have been built with grants from the fund.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

New rotationals falls research is a ‘vital’ safety step

Becky Murray — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:13:16 +0000

The project used a computer-generated forecasting model to gain a physics-based insight into rotational falls enabling the researchers to calculate the scenarios in which a horse would rotate or not. H&H speaks to those involved to find out more and garners reaction from the United States Eventing Association and the FEI to the findings...

New research into rotational falls in eventing has been called a ‘vital step’, as it is hoped findings could pave the way for new frangible device options.

The four-year project, carried out by University of Kentucky PhD student Shannon Wood under mechanical engineering professor Suzanne Smith, and funded by the United States Eventing Association (USEA), aimed to build on previous research on the use of frangibles in cross-country and to provide more information about rotational falls for device designers.

A statistical ensemble model (a computer-generated model similar to those used in weather forecasting) was used to create more than 10,000 scenarios using a variety of factors that could lead to a rotational fall, including different approach speeds and angles, fence types, and horse and rider positions, using measurements taken from more than 400 videos of horse and rider combinations competing or training.

Dr Smith, who has led research on frangibles since 2009, told H&H the aim was to gain a physics-based insight into rotational falls.

“The complexity of when a horse makes contact with a fence in the most dangerous way is such that it is really too difficult to have a ‘one-size fits all’ solution,” she said.

“To this point research hasn’t included the rider, and the rider has a significant contribution on what happens. You never know before it happens exactly where the rider is going to be so using a statistical ensemble looks at all the places they could be.”

Ms Wood told H&H the model allowed them to calculate the scenarios in which a horse would rotate or not.

“Most frangible devices have been created using a dummy or pendulum that simulates one situation, but in eventing there are different types of horses, distances, fence types and terrains. Horses can be jumping up or coming down to a fence, so that variety really affects the way the devices should activate,” she said.

“We created the critical contact situation where the horse was hitting the fence based on measurements from real horse and jumping positions. From those we are able to see whether these would rotate or not by calculating the overall probability of what’s happening at the fence.”

Ms Wood said the research shows there is a need for more different types of frangible devices.

“In FEI competition, course-designers and jump builders have MIM clips, the frangible pin and the reverse pin, but there are so many different possible scenarios,” she said. “The idea is to provide guidelines for designers to create more frangible options tailored to specific situations.

“Eventing is definitely moving in the right direction but it must be fine-tuned and that’s why adding more options for course-designers is so important.”

United States Eventing Association chief executive Rob Burke said the research was a “vital step” in connecting previous studies.

“With these models we can make more educated rules related to cross-country course and fence design. Through engineering and education we can further mitigate risk by implementing the findings into the field and in rider and horse training,” he said.

“We have amazing builders, designers, riders, coaches, and officials, and we aim to provide them with as many tools as possible to reduce risk. This research will help us to that end and it also provides direction and focus for the future. Reducing risk in eventing is, and will be, an ongoing effort, but through research such as this we are hopeful that risk will be continually lessened.”

A spokesman for the FEI, which announced a new frangible standard for January 2021 with regard to specific energies at which rails must activate and changes to testing (news 7 May), said the FEI risk management steering group welcomes Ms Wood’s study.

“Frangible devices are one of the important protective measures developed to reduce horse falls, particularly rotational, consequently, FEI-approved frangible devices have been compulsory on the defined fences where they can be fitted in four- and five-star competitions in 2020 and across all FEI competition levels as of 2021,” he said.

“The goal of the FEI is to encourage inventors to be creative, develop and test using this new standard. The feedback has been very positive, and we look forward to many more new and different concepts in the near future.”

The spokesman added that several manufacturers are working on having current and new devices tested to meet the new standard.

“The FEI looks forward to reviewing this new research from Kentucky and will include it in the ongoing efforts to keep learning and improving safety,” he said.

You may also be interested in…

New standard for frangible cross-country fences could boost invention H&H Plus

US eventing community acts to improve safety after rider’s death

Scientific breakthrough will inform new frangible fence technology * H&H Plus*

Fence type: not a major factor in rotational falls

Major eventing nation backs compulsory frangible fences for cross-country

New standard for frangible cross-country fences could boost invention H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Wed, 06 May 2020 11:55:43 +0000

Following news of a new standard for frangible devices and a change to the testing process, hopes are high that new inventions to help improve eventing safety could be on the way. H&H finds out more and asks experts for their views...

A new standard has been set for frangible devices following extensive research into eventing safety, with hopes this could pave the way for new inventions.

The research involved six months’ work by the FEI’s eventing frangible device working group; Dave Vos, Geoff Sinclair, Mark Phillips and Jonathan Clissold, plus the Transport Research Laboratory.

This included reviewing slow-motion footage of fences being jumped at multiple events as well as testing.

“The updated standard is more reliable and the testing easier to set up, to encourage new ideas, and will hopefully accelerate new developments for frangible devices,” said the announcement from FEI eventing committee chair David O’Connor and risk management steering group chairman Geoff Sinclair.

“It is important to note that realistic infield assessment to ensure fences don’t break too easily has been strongly debated and agreed with the frangible working group understanding the importance of balancing safety with true cross-country.”

Presentations on the research were given at the FEI eventing risk management seminar in January (news, 13 February), at which the new standard was agreed prior to the public announcement last month.

The main changes to the rules, which will come into play on 1 January 2021, are the addition of new specific energies at which rails must activate, and a change to the way devices are tested.

Instead of using a 120kg pendulum impactor, the new rule states a 40kg kettlebell pendulum is used to “better represent a ‘hanging leg’ impact scenario”. This involves a kettlebell on a rope released at a certain angle, which research has shown is more realistic than other tests in recreating the impact on a fence that can lead to a rotational fall.

“For the pendulum change, research indicated that many somersault falls occur as a result of a forelimb strike,” states the rule. “To more closely match a typical event horse forelimb in energy and momentum, the lower mass kettlebell… was proposed.

“This has the additional advantages that it is low-cost and easy to build. This should help enable the development of prototype fences because fence manufacturers will be able to easily make a kettlebell pendulum at low cost and trial new ideas.”

Course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith, who was involved in the creation of the new standard, told H&H this is good news for the sport.

“We asked a couple of years ago whether it was time for a review; not that there was anything wrong with the previous standard, rather it is best practice,” he said, adding that it was “fantastic” to have engineer Mr Vos on board.

“He events and he gets it — he bridges the gap where science meets eventing.”

Mr Etherington-Smith said while frangible technology, fence build and course design are important, they are only some of the factors involved in cross-country safety.

“We are never going to eliminate all falls, it is a risk sport,” he said.

He added that correct training, which maintains horses’ ability to think for themselves, and combinations ensuring that they are properly prepared for the level and event they are entering, remain vital to eventing safety.

Mr Clissold, British Eventing’s national safety officer, told H&H the new standard is “very positive”.

“The sport carries a risk and you will never take that away completely, the main thing is managing that risk,” he said.

“I think the biggest problem now is with no eventing, we have no chance to test [this new standard] out in the field.

“I’m hoping now we have more time on our hands, someone may come up with another frangible device.”

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Fewer eventing horse falls in 2019, but more work needed H&H Plus

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Scientific breakthrough will inform new frangible fence technology * H&H Plus*

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Why horse and rider training is key to safer cross-country H&H Plus

The best way to train horses and riders to be as safe as possible when competing in cross-country was a

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Collapsible cross-country table trialled in Britain for first time

‘Anything we can do to make [eventing] safer to me we have to look at doing, while staying within the

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

US eventing community acts to improve safety after rider’s death

Mary King: The importance of the ‘coffin canter’

Mary King — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:00:50 +0000

H&H’s eventing columnist on allowing a horse to feel his way through an old-style fence

My past two weekends have been spent at Tattersalls and Bramham and, interestingly, Ian Stark’s good old-fashioned coffins were the bogey four-star fences at both events.

At Bramham, he had resited the complex — it was influential in previous years as well — but several riders didn’t ride it very well. Perhaps this is because we seldom see this question at a one-day event nowadays.

The approach, the “coffin canter”, requires the horse to be in a condensed stride yet still going forward. A lot of people seemed to be riding backwards and lacking commitment, while others were too free.

A theme of recent courses has tended to be on turning lines and perhaps riders have been concentrating on practising these, which are more a test of precision than the art of allowing a horse to feel his way.

I also wonder if the idea of picking their way — or “hunting” — through a fence like a coffin, popping lightly over the ditch element and adjusting in front of the uphill rail out, goes against the grain for the more careful, Continental-type horses that we see in the sport now.

Frangible rail penalties

The other big talking point at Bramham was the rise in penalties incurred for knocking down a frangible rail: 10 in the CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) and four among the under-25s. This is higher than in previous seasons and, of course, the ruling has been changed so that you can’t object to the penalty.

This rise seems to be due to wider use of the Swedish-produced MIM clip, which is more likely to release under horizontal pressure, as opposed to the frangible pin, which is chiefly effective under a vertical force. A clout with a hindleg, as at Badminton for Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser, is now likely to result in a penalty.

It’s hard to argue against a device that’s designed to prevent a rotational fall, but hitting a fence with a hindleg usually causes nothing more serious than a stumble.

Riders were complaining about the penalties, but with eventing safety in the spotlight due to the ongoing inquests into the deaths of two young riders in Australia, the MIM clip is likely to be here to stay.

Worryingly, there were only four clear cross-country rounds in the under-25s, but two performances stood out. Cathal Daniels has, at 22, already won a world team silver medal and made light work of winning — he’s a star in the making for Ireland — and Yas Ingham, the best Brit, did a lovely job on her new ride, Sandman 7.

Jung is back

While at Bramham, news came through from Germany, where Michael Jung, who has been suspiciously quiet — 2018 was the first championships he’s missed in a decade — had an easy win in Wiesbaden’s ERM leg. He’s back! But the disappointment was the small field of 15, which isn’t healthy for the momentum of this series, now in its fourth season.

Badminton director

News also came from Badminton of a new director after 30 years. Jane Tuckwell is the nicest person and has been there since Frank Weldon’s day in the 1980s. She knows exactly how everything works, so this is a lovely continuity. It’s also great that Mike and Angela Tucker’s son, Andrew, will be her commercial director. If only Mike was here to see it.

Ref Horse & Hound; 13 June 2019

Collapsible cross-country table trialled in Britain for first time

Lucy Elder — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 17:25:17 +0000

A table fence designed to collapse to prevent serious horse falls has been trialled in Britain for the first time.

The MIM clip table has been used in competitions abroad, but was jumped for the first time at a British event at Belton last week (29 to 31 March).

Three varying sizes of the jump, which came at fence five (or fence 5a) were used across the novice, intermediate, CCI3*-S, advanced and CCI4*-S sections (previously CIC2* and CIC3*).

“I had to get permission from British Eventing to use them,” course designer and organiser Stuart Buntine told H&H.

“I am just so pro us testing and trying and finding solutions to potential issues. They are not going to solve every issue and as we know devices go at certain times and don’t go at others, nothing is going to [activate] every time.

“I just wanted to get them out there and try them.”

Video below shows the table in action at a German event

As posted by the German Federation. This video speaks for it self!!The course is traditionally characterized by its nature-like fixed obstacles. For several years, various safety materials and accessories have been either in use or in trial, causing a discarding or deformation of the obstacle. These include, in particular, the MIM clip developed in Sweden and the security pins mainly used in the United Kingdom. The costs for these MiM systems have been fully borne by the Stiftung Deutscher Spitzenpferdesport Foundation since 2015. By mid-2018, 145 event and training venues had been equipped with 550 MiM systems.So far, the MIM system has mainly been used for steep jumps and open oxers. Less common is the patent for corner and table jumps. An MIM table located in the DOKR area was first triggered during a test in the spring of 2018. A video (see video) proves the effectiveness of the system, an otherwise very likely fall was avoided…………………..Posted by David Morton on Tuesday, July 10, 2018

The fence is designed to collapse on impact when hit by a horse, with the aim of reducing the risk of serious and rotational falls.

The table jumped well and was not activated, although the 5b corner element of the following fence proved highly influential in terms of run-outs in the top classes.

Stuart added the great thing about using this type of fence at an event such as Belton, which has hundreds of runners across different levels, is that it has now been jumped close to 850 times in just three days.

“We’ve just got to work with new technologies, I’m a great believer in that,” he said.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Watch how MIM clip table prevents serious cross-country fall

A video shows how effective MIM clips can be in saving horses and riders from serious injuries when things don’t

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘The time has come’: Badminton backs calls for mandatory frangibles

The four-star is supporting a campaign to make the use of frangible technology compulsory at international events

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Stuart referred to the frangible wishing well-style fence at the water complex at Oasby, which was activated dozens of times and eventually removed, as an example of trial and error.

“We just need to be out there trialling and testing,” he said, adding he will use the MIM clip tables again, including at Osberton.

“Unless we try things, we don’t know what’s going to work and what isn’t going to work and anything we can do to make [eventing] safer to me we have to look at doing, while staying within the integrity of the sport.”

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday (4 April), for the full report from Belton

Watch how MIM clip table prevents serious cross-country fall

Pippa Roome — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 11:25:48 +0000

A dramatic video released by the German equestrian federation shows a table fitted with MIM clips collapsing when a horse and rider hit it.

In the video below (please be patient to give the video time to load), the combination misjudge their take-off point and the horse takes a half stride towards the fence, taking off too close to the leading edge of the table. The horse hits the fence on the way up, but a potentially serious fall is prevented when the table collapses on impact and the horse and rider are able to gallop away without serious injury.

As posted by the German Federation. This video speaks for it self!!The course is traditionally characterized by its nature-like fixed obstacles. For several years, various safety materials and accessories have been either in use or in trial, causing a discarding or deformation of the obstacle. These include, in particular, the MIM clip developed in Sweden and the security pins mainly used in the United Kingdom. The costs for these MiM systems have been fully borne by the Stiftung Deutscher Spitzenpferdesport Foundation since 2015. By mid-2018, 145 event and training venues had been equipped with 550 MiM systems.So far, the MIM system has mainly been used for steep jumps and open oxers. Less common is the patent for corner and table jumps. An MIM table located in the DOKR area was first triggered during a test in the spring of 2018. A video (see video) proves the effectiveness of the system, an otherwise very likely fall was avoided…………………..Posted by David Morton on Tuesday, July 10, 2018

MIM clips are the brainchild of Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, who first became interested in eventing when he became an event organiser in 1994. He then used his professional expertise from supplying the global car industry with crash-tested equipment to develop the system.

The MIM clip allows fences to collapse under both forward and upward pressure and are designed to prevent rotational falls, which are the sort which most commonly lead to rider fatalities. The clip has an indicator which shows when it needs replacing.

MIM clips gained FEI approval in 2012 and can be used on many different kinds of fences, including tables, gates, arrowheads and post and rails. The FEI offers instruction manuals and videos for fitting them on its website.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘The time has come’: Badminton backs calls for mandatory frangibles

The four-star is supporting a campaign to make the use of frangible technology compulsory at international events

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

New British Eventing rule to eliminate riders after falls

The rule will apply from the start of the 2018 season

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ground-breaking eventing safety system to be trialled in Britain

British Eventing's Chris Farr described the system as “one of the most important developments in risk management in the sport,

The British-designed frangible pin system, which has been in use since 2002, can only be used on post and rail-style fences and is used in both a front-facing and a rear-facing design. The front-facing pin is more effective with vertical forces, while the rear-facing pin and MIM clip are more likely to break under horizontal pressure, so cross-country course-designers have to choose the most appropriate device for different fences and situations. MIM clips have been in use in Britain since 2016.

No frangible device is guaranteed to break and save a fall, but this video shows how effective they can be in preventing serious horse and rider injuries and even fatalities.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Major eventing nation backs compulsory frangible fences for cross-country

Rachael Turner — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:29:15 +0000

Equestrian Australia (EA) has introduced a new eventing rule making the use of frangible devices on cross-country fences compulsory.

The rule will come into play in February next year. From then on, frangible devices are mandatory on fences in one- to four-star courses in Australia “where the materials fit the specifications for use of a frangible device”.

The rule will apply to national and FEI events across the country.

“This important change has been made following a series of meetings at the Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide involving the EA eventing committee, the EA national safety officer, members of the FEI risk management steering group and the EA chair, Judy Fasher,” said an EA spokesman.

“The initiative to introduce frangible pins was originally implemented with financial support from the Equestrian Australia Making Eventing Safer Fund, supported by Terry Snow, and the Olivia Inglis Foundation.

“This new rule about the mandatory use of frangible devices will further continue the important work already carried out in promoting the safety of both horses and riders.

“The implementation of this rule change is supported by an explanatory memorandum for officials and organising committees with an officials’ education programme to be rolled out in February and March 2018.”

The news comes after the FEI confirmed it will not be enforcing a global rule for mandatory frangibles until more evidence is available.

“While rotational horse falls have decreased dramatically, there is evidence — as highlighted in the Barnett report [which examined data from cross-country horse falls at FEI events from 2010 to 2014] — that the number of horse falls in general is higher at fences fitted with frangible technology,” said an FEI spokesman.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Emily King’s 14 top tips for cross-country course walking

Find out how to make the most of your time checking out the cross-country course

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

19 signs you’re an incurable eventing nut

Are you so crazy about eventing it fills every area of your life? Read on to find out if you’re

“Although clearly it could be the question rather than the frangible technology that is causing these falls, more information and data is needed to understand this horse fall rate.

“We need to have a better understanding of this evidence, and where it fits into the overall picture, before we can consider making the use of frangible technology mandatory.”

For more information and reaction to the FEI’s decision, don’t miss this week’s H&H magazine, out Thursday 14 December.

‘The time has come’: Badminton backs calls for mandatory frangibles

Rachael Turner — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 11:55:00 +0000

Badminton Horse Trials is backing calls for compulsory use of frangible fences.

Last week (18 October), the United States Eventing Association’s (USEA) issued a statement urging the FEI to make the use of frangible technology compulsory at international events.

The organisation’s cross-country safety sub-committee “strongly recommended” the FEI rules that all open rail fences, gates, oxers and oxer corners must be built using reverse frangible technology.

“The time has come to take a stronger stance on the usage of frangible technology,” a USEA spokesman said.”We as the leaders of the sport have the moral obligation to say that the time for use of all currently available safety technology is now.”

Badminton Horse Trials this week (25 October) backed the call.

Badminton final scores

“At Badminton we have always been very supportive of the development of frangible technology,” it said. “We have used this technology to reduce the risks to horses and riders, while acknowledging that acceptable risk is an integral part of eventing and it will never be possible, or indeed desirable, to make the sport completely ‘safe’.

“The time has come for the FEI to make the use of suitable frangible technology compulsory in respect of those types of fences that are susceptible to its introduction, rather than simply recommended.”

A spokesman for the FEI reiterated its statement given to H&H on 19 October.

“The global use of frangible technology is one of our goals in risk management, and the FEI is working with national federations around the world on the implementation of this technology,” she said. “Eventing takes place at international level in around 40 countries with many more hosting national level events and not all of these countries have the immediate resources and knowledge to support the correct implementation of frangible technology.

“It is the FEI’s role to provide the necessary educational and logistical support to national federations to enable them to source approved devices, ensure their correct use and ultimately decide when the time is right to make their use compulsory so that frangible technology is used effectively worldwide.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

US proposes ‘extraordinary’ cross-country rule change

The United States Eventing Association believes its proposed

frangible pin (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘The time is now’: calls to make frangible cross-country fences compulsory

The United States Eventing Association is calling for

Badminton features “collapsible fence”

The new frangible fences, which are designed to

“It is important to note that frangible devices are one element in a wide spectrum of risk management initiatives and, while they are clearly an important component, they will not in themselves eliminate all risk from the sport.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

‘The time is now’: calls to make frangible cross-country fences compulsory

Rachael Turner — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 17:13:10 +0000

“The time is now” for mandatory use of frangible devices in cross-country fences, according to the United States Eventing Association (USEA).

In a statement released yesterday (18 October), the association called on the FEI to make a rule that frangibles must be used on certain fences.

“The time has come to take a stronger stance on the usage of frangible technology in the sport of eventing,” said a USEA spokesman.

“We as the leaders of the sport have the moral obligation to say that the time for use of all currently available safety technology is now.

“With that in mind, the USEA cross-country safety sub-committee strongly recommends that the FEI mandates rather than strongly recommends that all open rail fences, gates, oxers and oxer corners must be built using reverse frangible technology. The time is now.”

MIM Clip (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A spokesman for the FEI told H&H that the global use of frangible technology is one of its “goals in risk management”, and it is working with national federations around the world on the implementation of this technology.

“Frangible technology is being used extensively in many countries, and there are around 3,500 of these devices currently in use globally at international level, not including those used at national events,” she said.

“Eventing takes place at international level in around 40 countries worldwide with many more hosting national level events and not all of these countries have the immediate resources and knowledge to support the correct implementation of frangible technology.

“It is the FEI’s role to provide the necessary educational and logistical support to national federations to enable them to source approved devices, ensure their correct use and ultimately decide when the time is right to make their use compulsory so that frangible technology is used effectively worldwide.

“It is important to note that frangible devices are one element in a wide spectrum of risk management initiatives and, while they are clearly an important component, they will not in themselves eliminate all risk from the sport.”

A large-scale international cross-country safety study is currently being conducted on behalf of USEA and it is hoped the findings will help inform safer fence designs.

The research project started in 2016 and is expected to continue until next summer.

“The study is focused on developing computer simulations of horse-fence contact that will enable us to understand design requirements for new deformable and frangible devices,” said Dr Suzanne Weaver Smith, who is carrying out the research with a team at the University of Kentucky.

“The simulations will enable designers to develop new devices with information on what direction, how far, and how fast [the devices] must operate.

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

European champion goes back to her roots at Pony Club competition

The gold medal-winner took a youngster to her

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

How do you know when you’ve worked your horse too hard?

Make sure you can recognise the signs of

“One of the challenges in the past has been not having this information. To accomplish this requires bringing together many different prior studies with new data.

“Having better information for device designers, course-designers, course-builders and others will enable the best design and use of frangible and deformable solutions.

“It’s a large effort, but we have made excellent progress and are on track to achieve our goals.”

For a full exploration of frangibles, their use and future technology, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out today (19 October)

BE gives go ahead to use alternative frangible device

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 14:55:30 +0000

A safety device new to the UK is to be used on British Eventing (BE) cross-country courses this season.

The MIM clip — a type of frangible device — underwent testing at Badminton on 4 November.

The deformable technology, the brainchild of Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, has already been widely used internationally, but despite being tested and gaining FEI approval in 2012 it has taken until now for BE to follow suit.

After the testing Mr Bjornetun told H&H he was “delighted” that BE had embraced his invention.

These tests were independently verified by a safety consultant and test expert from Transport Research Laboratory.

While the frangible pin, which has been used on British courses since 2002, is only effective on post and rail obstacles, the MIM clip allows other jumps, such tables, gates and arrowheads, to collapse when hit with the sort of force that might otherwise cause a rotational fall — the type which most commonly causes a rider fatality.

“The MIM Clip can be used across a variety of fence types, including post and rail and walls, however following recommendations from the relevant parties further research and training is to be carried out into their use on table constructions,” said BE national safety officer Jonathan Clissold.

He added that the clip will be reviewed in November to ensure it “didn’t cause any unforeseen issues”.

Related articles:

As with the frangible pin the MIM post and rail and wall kits will be supplied by BE to organisers free of charge.

BE’s David Holmes added: “We are delighted that the MIM system meets the BE standard and that we can add this to the other safety devices available.

“As ever, the safety of horse and rider is paramount within the sport and the use of the MIM system will only help.

British Eventing tests alternative frangible device for cross-country fences H&H VIP

Ellie Hughes — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 10:55:18 +0000

British Eventing (BE) course-designers might have another tool in their safety armoury from next season with news that the MIM clip — a type of frangible device — underwent testing at Badminton on

4 November.

The deformable technology, the brainchild of Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, has already been widely used internationally, but despite being tested and gaining FEI approval in 2012 it has taken until now for BE to follow suit.

Mr Bjornetun, told H&H he was “delighted” that BE had embraced his invention and looked forward to “working closely” with the governing body in the future.

“It paves the way for the technology to be used on all sorts of different fences,” he said.

While the frangible pin, which has been used on British courses since 2002, is only effective on post and rail obstacles, the MIM clip allows other jumps, such tables, gates and arrowheads, to collapse when hit with the sort of force that might otherwise cause a rotational fall — the type which most commonly causes a rider fatality.

The clip’s design also means that a fence can be rebuilt in a matter of seconds, reducing the need for lengthy hold-ups.

BE’s safety officer Jonathan Clissold told H&H: “Tests were carried out on three types of fences fitted with MIM clips using the BE test pendulum and a full report will be submitted to the risk management committee, which will then make a recommendation about their use on BE courses.”

Burghley and Luhmühlen course-designer Mark Phillips is an advocator of MIM technology. He used a safety clip on the back of a triple brush fence at the German CCI4* earlier this year.

“It’s about being able to use the right [frangible] device in the right place,” he said at the time.

More falls at four-stars and championships: event riders react to falls analysis

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 11:05:49 +0000

Cross-country falls are more likely to occur at four-star and championship events, and to involve less experienced riders, according to recent statistics.

An eventing audit report was undertaken by Charles Barnett, formerly of Aintree and Ascot racecourses, and findings were presented at the FEI general assembly last week (13 November).

The data analysed was from 1,180 falls from 76,638 cross-country starts between July 2010 and December 2014.

The information was taken from horse registrations, rider registrations, technical delegates and fence judges.

“The idea was to track trends and to make suggestions about gathering data,” said Charles.

“There is no single, easy fix to prevent falls. There are a number of factors that can help reduce falls and we will make some recommendations [see below].

“Eventing is a risk sport. We will never be able to eradicate accidents, so we must have a robust plan to deal with the view from the public if they do occur.”

The number of falls is greater at a higher level, and they generally feature less experience riders.

“Better riders are half as likely to fall as non-categorised riders,” said Charles. “Are we allowing riders who are not proficient enough to take part in three- and four-star events?” he asked.

“You are 3.5% more likely to see a fall at four-star or championships than at one-star. Is it because the competition tougher at championships so riders go to the limit? Or is it the effect of riding on a team?”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘Surprise’ of frangible result

Types of fences were also discussed — with open corners causing fewer falls than closed, while falls were greater when the obstacle involved water. Downhill jumps were also problematic.

However, footing was one area that was not looked at.

Analysis also showed that there was an increased risk of a fall at fences with frangible pins.

“Frangibles were designed to reduce falls, so the fact they threw up more was surprising, but this needs looking into further. It seems odd to us that breakable fences had more falls,” said Charles.

British Eventing (BE)’s Jonathan Clissold told H&H: “Of the 105 falls at frangible elements, 4% were somersault falls.

“This is considerably fewer than the 11% that occurred at non-frangible fences, which suggests that frangible fences are providing some safety benefit to riders.

“However, due to the small sample size of falls at frangible elements, caution should be taken when interpreting this result.”

New Zealand eventer Bruce Haskell added: “If there’s been a fall but the frangible prevented rotation and saved someone’s life then it’s done its job.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Putting action in place

Eventing committee chair and course-designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa said it is “important to have an outside view”.

“Many of the conclusions are not surprising, but confirm the commitment to limiting the risk. Many suggestions we are already implementing and many more we will take on board for the future,” he added.

However, Bruce Haskell warned that you need to be “very careful” when interpreting statistics.

“I’m concerned it doesn’t take into account lesser nations,” he said. “However, having concrete results will make course-designers more aware and should make the sport safer — if it impacts how they design courses and, in turn, how courses are tackled by riders.”

Charles Barnett added that more analysis was to be undertaken.

Recommendations from Charles Barnett

There is a strong argument to restrict the top events to the best riders
Standardise entry requirements around the world to make analysis easier
Consider having another category of rider, or a rider licence to have greater control of competition and testing

Eventing safety takes a step forward at Luhmühlen

Pippa Roome — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 06:25:24 +0000

Mark Phillips took eventing safety another step further at Luhmühlen last weekend (18-21) when he used MIM Clips to allow the back part of triple brush arrowheads to break away.

The course-designer and H&H columnist had the idea after a couple of nasty accidents at this sort of fence including the fatal fall of France’s Bruno Bouvier in Portugal in 2013.

“If a horse takes off a stride early they will come down on the back of a triple brush arrowhead,” said Mark. “I don’t think this will stop them falling, but it should stop a rotational fall [the type which most commonly causes a rider fatality] — the horse would go to the ground on its nose instead.

“Statistically triple brush arrowheads are one of the safer types of fence, unless horses leave a stride out, when they are actually quite dangerous.”

Two triple brush arrowheads in combinations had the clips in Luhmühlen, as well as the wide brush fence in the arena. MIM Clips, a Swedish invention, are not approved for use at British Eventing fixtures, but Mark wants them to be allowed, as he believes they are better than frangible pins in some situations.

Mark added: “It’s about using the right [frangible] device in the right place. However, you can’t justify a fence by making it frangible, that’s just an insurance policy — you’ve got to feel comfortable with the type of fence in a place.”

There was intense pressure to have a cross-country day without any horse or rider fatalities at Luhmühlen after the death of German rider Benjamin Winter here last year and of French horse P’tite Bombe after a fall in 2013. Both incidents inflamed the German media, which can be hostile to eventing and its safety issues.

The result was just what was needed, with only one fall in the CCI4* and no serious injuries — every horse which completed the cross-country passed Sunday’s horse inspection. But the cross-country still exerted an influence, with 25 finishers from 35 starters. There were also no falls in the supporting CIC3*.

Event director Julia Otto said: “It’s been an emotional weekend for the organisation, but we’re all so relieved and happy everything went so well on cross-country day.”

Mark Phillips: High Kingdom needed general anaesthetic to treat Kentucky injury [H&H VIP]

Mark Phillips — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:55:07 +0000

I travelled to Kentucky last weekend, principally to see my daughter Zara ride High Kingdom (pictured above competing at Bramham), but also to keep up to speed with four-star course-design.

I was mortified to learn, while waiting for my connection in Detroit on the Friday night, that Zara had been unable to do her dressage as “Trevor” had kicked his stable wall while having acupuncture and needed four staples in a back fetlock.

Imagine my dismay when I arrived to discover he had had to go to hospital to have his joint flushed under general anaesthetic. He stayed there over the weekend and at the time of writing was due to travel home with the other European horses on Monday.

I walked the cross-country at 6.15am the next day on perfect footing. The track was a credit to Mick Costello’s build team as snow and floods left them a mountain of work to do in the closing weeks. I liked Derek di Grazia’s course: lots of angles and let-up fences, big but not too technical, especially in the final four minutes.

The shortened three-minute intervals to hurry the competition through before the weather came in created problems for cross-country control and the TV coverage, as there were always three horses on course and sometimes four.

It all looked too simple as four of the first 13 starters went inside the time, but by 11am conditions were changing and the softer ground made beating the clock increasingly hard.

Aside from the top guys, Bill Levett was superb after a sticky moment in the first water. He was one of those held on course, although only for a few moments after Will Faudree’s Andromaque broke a frangible pin. Will would have contested his 11 penalties had the mare finished sound. She now retires to stud.

Francis Whittington demolished a fixed corner, so got off with no penalties as they are only for frangibles. He did a great job just to get round as Easy Target did not enjoy the conditions. But he paid the penalty when the horse was too sore behind to showjump.

The new frangible rule did work for some, when riders had penalties removed after the MIMs clip on the footbridge went.

William Fox-Pitt was masterful — his time-penalties gave others breathing room, but he left nothing in the tank.

The Americans had a mixed day, but the pressure is off now they only have to beat Brazil and Mexico at the Pan Ams to claim their Rio ticket.

Up the requirements

Reflecting on this weekend I was glad Luhmühlen has strengthened its qualifications so category C and D riders (the least experienced) have to hold a second CCI3* result. This seems sensible as at Kentucky we saw a significant proportion of pairs who probably should not have been there. We need to strengthen the requirements further for four-stars as they are not for everyone.

I designed at Belton the weekend before Kentucky. It worked running the 115-runner Grantham Cup in the middle of the day so the massive crowd could see many Badminton horses. This was in sharp contrast to Weston the week before where advanced horses were still running as the clock closed in on 7pm.

I’ve been confused by the discussions about medical armbands. The responsibility is now on riders with medical conditions to show that for the paramedics. If you are healthy you display nothing. This must be better than the old system of out-of-date cards and riders borrowing each other’s cards to comply with the rules.

Ref: H&H 30 April, 2015

Simon Grieve’s eventing blog: ‘fired like a torpedo’

Simon Grieve — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:08:36 +0000

“Don’t get bucked off,” joked Polly (Taylor, owner of Freddie) as I teetered on the top of a non-competing young horse (that shall remain nameless) who I’d brought to school at Norton Disney Horse Trials. “I’ll try,” I laughed. His back was up, but I was not concerned — yet.

However, the classic moment came two minutes later as, with his back still up, I thought, “Maybe I should have lunged this?” Cue the little tinker rodeoing comprehensively across the lorry park. “Yup, definitely should have!” And then the sudden realisation: “I’m in a bloody dressage saddle and he’s not stopping — this could get messy,” followed by a torpedo like motion as the little darling fired me into the floor. “Loose horse,” I pathetically called, rolling around in a rather large pile of equine excrement where someone had obviously emptied their skip.

Eventing pals were quickly to my aid with Jonesy (Richard Jones) proudly pointing out, “My friend, that is called getting BURIED!” I had dislocated and then relocated my thumb, but otherwise all was well.

Pride comes before a fall

I’d had a brilliant Burnham Market the week previously and that morning at Norton, Freddie (Mr Fahrenheit III) had jumped double clear for third, with a sexy 27 dressage and Lulu (Louella Z) had jumped a superb double clear with a 29 in her first BE100 after an intensive week of skinny fence practice.

So I was feeling, I thought understandably, rather pleased with myself. But that torpedo moment is one of many, common to all riders, that are a horse’s way of reminding us, “don’t get cocky sunshine, we can easily make you look really silly — any time, any place!” It’s what makes equestrians such grounded people and I think why I like so many of them.

So, with my hand strapped up, Hugo (Woodland Rock) rounded off the weekend with a win. He did a really sweet test and was what can only be described as incredibly fun in both jumping phases.

Hugo is a homebred gelding owned by the wonderful Christine (Sloman), who is eventing’s most erratic time keeper. At Lincoln, I was standing at the showjumping, next to go, class about to close, on my phone with Christine on the other end exclaiming:”I’m literally 30sec away darling, just driving in — hang on!”

It’s very entertaining and adds an extra dimension of the unknown to a day’s eventing — will Christine make it or won’t she? She’s an absolute diamond, a fantastic support (with her husband Roger) and was there a comfortable 10min before our showjumping at Norton Disney.

The next day I went for dressage training where all went well, so I was hopeful Belton weekend would be a hit.

Continued below…

Belton Horse Trials

I was really pleased with how all four went in their dressage tests at Belton, although one or two of the marks didn’t quite reflect how I felt it had gone — but let’s be honest, sometimes that’s dressage!

Jumping wise in the CIC**, Splash (Drumbilla Metro) jumped an outstanding double clear. He was just effortless and a pleasure. King (Traveller Royale) had the very last fence down, but flew round the cross-country making it all feel very easy and both finished in the top third.

Chatty (The Loudest Whisper) has always been a proper girl, and either she goes or she doesn’t. The Feng Shui was clearly all wrong to her mind at Belton, so she dug her heels in at fence seven in the intermediate and we ended up walking home. Disappointing, but I’m sure she’ll go well again soon when she thinks the karma is right.

Chapman contested the CIC*** and jumped the most fantastic double clear. He really is a class act, but sadly we broke a frangible pin but bouncing, rather than taking a stride, at the Lycetts Leap after the ditch. Therefore we were awarded 11 penalties, which rather put us out of the reckoning.

It’s questionable as to whether he would have fallen had the pin not been there, but there was a chance he would have. It’s a relief that the safety element of our sport is so paramount. Thankfully it is still a qualifying result thanks to the efforts of the Event Riders Association.

In January ERA argued, successfully, against the FEI’s decision to make breaking a pin a mandatory 21 penalties and therefore not a qualifying result. ERA is a brilliant organisation and it’s fantastic that we as riders have a voice. Thanks to that Chappers and I are qualified for a CCI*** — exciting!

Horses are such levellers, but I feel so lucky to have some really good ones to enjoy at the moment and am loving every second of competing them. Roll on the next competition.

Simon

Mark Phillips: ‘competitions are won or lost by fractions’ [H&H VIP]

Mark Phillips — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 07:55:49 +0000

All credit to International Event Riders Association president Bruce Haskell and FEI rider representative Daisy Berkeley for coordinating the widespread misgivings over the new frangible fence rule. Everyone is happy to see the 21 penalties go, but I believe 11 faults is still a big hit. These days so many of the big competitions are won or lost by fractions.

The new rule says penalties can be removed “only if an unexpected activation occurred through a light tap”. In the vast majority of events, that puts a huge onus of responsibility on the fence judges, who are volunteers, not experts. Also, we all know that if three people see the same road accident from three different angles, you’ll get three different reports.

I’d like to have seen a smaller penalty for breaking a frangible fence, but with review only at championships, four-stars and the larger three-stars, where we can use video replay. Then the ground jury can make an informed decision based on a slow-motion review. Is this not the direction most sports are going?

Even then organisers will not be happy if the video review goes on into the evening, delaying the results. Somehow we need to review the video while the competition is still running so there is not a mountainous backlog at the end of the day.

Wind and shine

The weekend before Easter I was in Texas, where I designed the advanced course, and the event ran with spring sunshine, a cool breeze and perfect footing.

How sad that the second day of Gatcombe had to be cancelled due to gale-force winds and driving rain, as well as other recent British fixtures. The following Tuesday I was at Luhmühlen, where again they had huge winds, rain and waterlogged ground. The next day at Belton we had to survive the bitter wind too.

It was not a great hardship therefore to find myself back in Miami at Easter for the Global Champions Tour on the beach. It may have been 85°F, but the cool breeze made this a wonderful venue.

Sadly my commitments in the US prevented me from getting to Richard Meade’s memorial service, but fellow Munich Olympic team member Mary Low (née Gordon-Watson) represented me. How great a tribute to Richard that so many people made the trip to Bath.

Looking forward

Now we can look forward to the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* later this month. They have record entries, thanks in part to the likes of Michael Jung, William Fox-Pitt, my daughter Zara, Nicola Wilson, Andreas Dibowski, Francis Whittington and Tim Price making the trip across the pond. The notable absentee is Andrew Nicholson, who is not going for the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam.

They have had atrocious weather in Lexington though, and when I was there at the end of March there was still a huge amount of work to do on the course. Course-builder Mick Costello and his team will have a busy month of final preparations.

Conversely the Badminton entry — or should I say waiting list — is down this year, so it looks as though for the first time in a while all those entered will get in. That will not make course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa’s job any easier as it may mean more less experienced combinations, although it’s also possible some of those were scared off entering.

Having said that, it is still a star-studded field, and running a week later in May should mean better weather and conditions under foot. Also, those returning from Lexington will have another week to prepare.

Before all that we can look forward to Belton next week, where organiser Stuart Buntine reports an increase in entries, sponsorship and tradestands. Sunday has more than seven hours of advanced cross-country over a course that I’ve reversed for the first time in years. A new start and finish area will also give more space for car parking and other activities. It will be a great chance to see many horses destined for Badminton going through their final preparations.

Ref: H&H 7 April, 2015

Frangible pin rule changed after eventers’ successful protest

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:33:15 +0000

A reduction in the number of penalties awarded for breaking a frangible pin has been issued by the FEI, following complaints from riders.

Earlier this month (10 March) members of the International Event Riders Association (ERA) and key industry figures met with the FEI. They argued against the new 2015 rule in which 21 penalties are automatically given to any rider breaking a frangible obstacle or device unless “clear mechanical failure has produced an unexpected activation of the mechanism”.

At the time a spokesman for the FEI said: “The need to clarify this rule has been raised by athletes and officials to ensure its consistent interpretation and application.”

ERA international was “openly opposed to the revision”, which it claims “effectively removes the ground jury of an FEI event from the decision making process”.

The group also argued that the rule “penalised safety”. Riders had concerns that the rule would lead to course-designers using fewer frangible pins at events.

However, yesterday (Monday 30 March) the FEI announced that the ruling had been changed from 21 to 11 penalties.

The new 11 penalty ruling comes in today (Tuesday 31 March).

“The modification is made in the interest of risk management programme, following meetings with eventing riders and three- and four- star eventing course-designers who expressed concern that the current rules would restrict the use of frangible devices,” read a statement from the FEI.

The wording has also changed from “breaking a frangible obstacle” to “activating a frangible device”.

The rule now reads: “Each athlete activating a frangible device will be awarded 11 penalties, whether the activation occurs as expected (i.e. activation by significant pressure exerted by the horse on the fence). In the case of unexpected activation (i.e. activation by an insignificant contact) the ground jury will be called to evaluate the possible removal of the penalty.

“In evaluating the possible removal of the penalty, ground juries are not called to investigate if the horse would have fallen or not if the contact was with the front or hind legs, or if the rider was riding dangerously or not, but only if an unexpected activation occurred through a light tap. This is the only case where penalties can be removed.

“There will be no appeal against a decision of the ground jury arising from the field of play, where the decision is based on factual observation of the performance during a competition.

“In this case a detailed report explaining the reasons for removing the penalty must be produced by the course-designer/technical delegate and, signed by the president of the ground jury, must be returned to the FEI.”

Earlier this year, British Eventing (BE) told H&H it has “no plans” to implement penalties for breaking frangible pins, despite the FEI strengthening its stance.

Changes to frangible pin rule expected following protest

Sophia Heath — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 09:55:14 +0000

A change to the number of penalties awarded for breaking a frangible pin is expected following a protest by the International Event Riders Association (ERA).

In the FEI’s 2015 eventing rule clarifications, it states that 21 penalties will be given automatically to any competitor breaking a frangible obstacle or device unless “clear mechanical failure has produced an unexpected activation of the mechanism”.

ERA argue that it is wrong to “penalise safety” and as a result a meeting was called by the FEI in London earlier this month (10 March).

The meeting was attended by a select group of event riders as well as other influential industry players — including British Eventing chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner, course-designer and Olympic rider Ian Stark and trainer and course-designer Eric Winter.

The outcome has not been announced, but ERA president Bruce Haskell said he was “pleased”.

“There was common agreement that the old rule didn’t work and that the new rule wasn’t going to work,” he said.

“What I hope we are going to see is a reduced number of penalties so it will be less influential and won’t affect a rider’s Olympic qualification.

“We also want the FEI to change the phrase ‘clear mechanical failure’ as it only serves to confuse the situation.”

The FEI will now discuss the suggestions made and a decision is hoped for by the end of this month.

“I feel as a group we have demonstrated that, even if we don’t agree, we can always work with the other stake holders to bring the sport forwards,” added Bruce.

For Mark Todd’s views see his comment in 26 March issue of H&H, or read online here.

Mark Todd: riders need to speak up, not grumble later [H&H VIP]

Mark Todd — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 08:39:30 +0000

I must admit my winter has been great — because I spent most of my time in summer. For the first time in ages, I spent five weeks in New Zealand, where they enjoyed one of the best summers for years. My wife Carolyn and I had a lovely time with no horses — very spoiling.

The girls and boys at home did an amazing job with the horses, and they were all ready to go when I returned.

My first outing, at Tweseldown, was a disaster — perhaps the horses and I were a bit rusty — but I’ve never seen Tweseldown looking so good. The weather helped; there was no slopping around in the mud. The showjumping arenas looked fantastic, and the new cross-country course, which uses a lot of the old racecourse, was great. It felt like a whole new event.

The following day we went to Oasby, where they’ve done a really good job, too. It’s an event I enjoy. It is well run by Stuart and Anna Buntine’s BEDE Events, who are so far the only organisers to use live scoring, which owners love.

Leonidas II posted my first victory of the season in an open intermediate section, finishing on his good dressage score, which was a great start.

In the old days, first events of the season were usually straightforward and gave you a good, jolly run. It seems as though they have been beefed up. I guess this is partly because apparently the powers that be have said that, given that they count as qualifiers for three-day events, all events must be up to the level, and partly because we as riders request new, interesting courses — and events do everything they can to attract us.

The going at both Tweseldown and Oasby was perfect. They even had to spike the dressage warm-up at Oasby — well done to the organisers for going to the effort of doing that.

A couple of days later I went to Poplar Park for the first time in years. I’m told it has been running for 37 years — Nigel Taylor and I said we were probably there at the first one! Again, the cross-country course was good and, like Oasby, caused problems.

I had to cram these events in quickly because I then flew to Brazil to help their eventers prepare for and compete at a two- and three-star competition last weekend. The Brazilians are aiming towards the Pan American Games in Toronto this year, which will be an important step for them towards the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Speak up, don’t grumble

While we were all basking in the sun — or sheltering from the wind and rain — this winter, the FEI slipped in a new rule awarding a compulsory 21 penalties for anyone breaking a frangible pin at an FEI event.

These rule changes seem to appear quietly and then we only have a small amount of time to respond. No one wanted it, and full credit to Bruce Haskell, chairman of Event Riders Association (ERA) International, and FEI rider representative Daisy Berkeley.

They quickly rallied riders, owners and other stakeholders to get support for altering the rule change.

There was a meeting in London with the FEI, who were happy to listen to the concerns, and it looks like the change won’t be implemented in its present incarnation.

With modern communications, we had support from every corner of the eventing world. It shows what a truly global sport it is, and because of that we were able to help affect this change. We have a voice — but if riders want to have a say in their sport, they must get behind ERA International, and behind Daisy in her FEI role, and not just sit back and grumble when it is too late.

H&H 26 March 2015

Changes to the frangible pin rule spark opposition

Sophia Heath — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 17:10:35 +0000

A meeting has been called by the FEI after a protest by the International Event Riders Association (ERA Int) against changes to the frangible pin rule.

In the FEI’s 2015 eventing rule clarifications it states that 21 penalties will be given automatically to any competitor breaking a frangible obstacle or device unless “clear mechanical failure has produced an unexpected activation of the mechanism”.

“The need to clarify this rule has been raised by athletes and officials to ensure its consistent interpretation and application,” an FEI spokesman said.

However, ERA international is “openly opposed to the revision”, which it claims “effectively removes the ground jury of an FEI event from the decision making process”.

“This is a complex issue and while we respect the intention of the FEI to have rapid and clear decisions made at the event, we are highly concerned with the implications of this rule change,” a letter from ERA president Bruce Haskell to riders read.

ERA Int has been invited to attend a meeting with the FEI eventing committee to discuss the worries in London next week (10 March).

In its letter ERA Int has set out eight reasons why the organisation is against the change, which it argues will “impact every level” of the sport.

One of ERA’s primary concerns is that the rule change could make the sport less safe.

“Many top cross-country course designers have already commented ‘off record’ that they are less likely to use ‘deformable devices’,” the letter states.

“Designers have said they will now consider using fewer devices based on the possible effect a breakage has on the outcome of a competition.

“This change in the way designers view device use could seriously change the safety in our sport.”

ERA is proposing that 25 penalties for dangerous riding should be integrated into decisions about pins rather than punishing every pin break.

“We ask all of you to list your support for ERA Int by demonstrating your resistance to this rule change. We need to have the voice of our collective numbers heard regardless of level, nationality, age or experience,” the statement adds.

For more information about how to give your opinion visit: www.eventingriders.com

BE has ‘no plans’ to penalise breaking a frangible pin [H&H VIP]

Sophia Heath — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 07:25:29 +0000

British Eventing (BE) has told H&H it has “no plans” to implement penalties for breaking frangible pins, despite the FEI strengthening its stance.

In the FEI’s 2015 eventing rule clarifications it states that 21 penalties will be given automatically to any competitor breaking a frangible obstacle or device unless “clear mechanical failure has produced an unexpected activation of the mechanism”.

“The need to clarify this rule has been raised by athletes and officials to ensure its consistent interpretation and application,” an FEI spokesman explained.

“The clarification ensures that 21 penalties will be given automatically should a device be activated. However, the rule also allows officials the possibility to remove these penalties in cases of a clear failure of the device.”

The new ruling has been met with concern from the eventing community.

Ian Stark believes that 25 penalties for bad or dangerous riding should be used when necessary, rather than automatically penalising a pin break.

“It is a step backwards and a cop-out,” he added. “We are trying to make the sport safer and yet we are punishing people for a device that is making it safer.”

BE has confirmed to H&H that is has no intention of following the FEI’s ruling.

“We do not give any penalties for breaking frangible pins and nor are there any plans to,” said a spokesman.

BE has now also established a standard that all frangible and deformable fences need to meet if they are to be used on its cross-country courses.

The new standard means that the MIM clip — which is popular in America — could start to be used at British events.

“The deformable fence standard has been sent to the team at MIM so that they are able to test the MIM Clip,” said a spokesman for BE.

“Once this device has passed the BE standard, and the results ratified, BE will be in a position to welcome the addition of the MIM Clip as a safety device that can be used in this country.”

Ref: H&H 25 February, 2015

Calls for further research into frangible fences

Ellie Hughes — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:55:37 +0000

A grassroots eventer and British Eventing (BE) fence judge has contacted H&H in support of the need for continued research into frangible fences after a fall at the Badminton Grassroots championships left her with several shattered bones in her arm.

Kathy Emery fell from her horse, Wizard IX, at the “out” part of a rail-ditch-rail combination during the BE100 Championship in May.

She said the frangible pin at the front of the fence failed to break when her horse hit it.

“I thought it seemed strange that the pin was fitted on the take-off side of the jump with solid posts behind the rail. Then, a month later, I saw pictures of Mary King at Bramham and noticed that the pins were fitted on the landing side,” she said. “My question is, why is this type of fence not always pinned on the landing side [reverse pinning] to offer greater protection from a rotational fall?”

Mrs Emery voiced her concerns to BE.

Safety officer Jonathan Clissold explained that the mechanics of a fall are complex and pointed out a horse can have a rotational fall without necessarily touching a fence.

“The frangible pin mechanism will only be triggered if a horse hits it with a force of more than 7.5kN [kilonewtons] — the threshold research has shown could be associated with a rotational fall — but there is no guarantee the pin will break every time,” he said.

The problem with reverse pinning, added Jonathan, is that “unless a rail is held tight up against the post it could slide down the pin, increasing the leverage and allowing the pin to break at very low vertical loads.”

But Andy Griffiths, international technical delegate, believes reverse pinning would be “100% more effective in this situation”.

He has called for the FEI to prioritise putting in place a universal standard so that a greater variety of frangible technologies can be utilised.

“There is an issue with reverse pins that means they can be triggered at low loads without the horse necessarily being in danger of falling,” he said.

“This causes hold-ups while they are replaced. Other technologies have been developed that are more effective, but until they can be certified and meet a pre-determined universal standard, their use is limited.”

Ref: H&H Thursday 4 December, 2014

New research brings fresh thoughts on frangible pins [H&H VIP]

Ellie Hughes — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 07:55:03 +0000

Could we be using the wrong type of frangible pins on cross-country fences?

A new paper produced by a Swedish engineer suggests that the answer is yes.

Anders Flogård, the designer of the MIM safety pin and clip, has produced a document with diagrams that show how the physical forces that come into effect when a horse hits a fence while travelling forward and upward — as they would be in the take-off phase of a jump — are such that a reverse clip or pin on the back of a fence is far more likely to prevent a rotational fall than a traditional pin, which Anders believes may even accentuate the mistake.

The paper explains that when a rotational fall occurs, the forces on the horse are first horizontal and then vertical.

A traditional frangible pin positioned at the front of a fence is unable to move horizontally on impact as the upright posts prevent it from doing so. If the vertical — but not the horizontal force — is taken away as the pin is triggered, the distance between the rotational centre and the horse’s centre of gravity is reduced, which increases the rotational speed.

But with reverse frangible technology the fence is able to be driven forwards in the same direction as the horse. As the horse’s legs are never completely trapped the rotational speed is reduced. This means the horse will have a chance of recovering and staying on its feet.

Andy Griffiths, chairman of the International Event Officials Club (IEOC), said that the paper had been circulated to all members of the IEOC and had garnered “positive feedback”.

The issue, he said, is that the FEI is failing to act on new research such as this.

“The FEI needs to take the lead in safety research. It should not be left to national federations to try and persuade their umbrella organisation to be proactive,” he stated.

Course-designer Eric Winter, whose tracks include Blenheim and Hartpury, said that although reverse frangible technology is proving to be superior to traditional methods of pinning, much depends on the type of fence.

“There is no doubt that frangible pins have saved lives,” he told H&H. “But a method of pinning that is suitable for one type of obstacle might be inappropriate for another.

“It is vitally important that we keep looking at new ways to make the sport safer but, equally, there has to be sufficient expertise on the ground to implement new technologies.

“Education of officials and course-designers at all levels is therefore crucial.”

Cost is another prohibiting factor, said Eric.

“The sport simply hasn’t the budget to be spending vast sums of money on research and testing. It is not Formula 1,” he said.

The FEI’s Catrin Norinder said: “The FEI will review all new studies and research that will help the development of the risk management of eventing, together with the national federations.”

This news story was first published in H&H magazine (16 October 2014).

FEI to clarify frangible pin penalties [H&H VIP]

Sophia Heath — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 07:55:57 +0000

The FEI is to discuss clarifying rules on when penalties are awarded for breaking frangible pins, after confusion at Burghley Horse Trials last month (4-7 September).

As the rule stands, 21 penalties are awarded if the ground jury decide that the athlete and horse “clearly did not answer the jumping question set by the course designer”.

At Burghley only two riders — Sarah Bullimore on Valentino V and the USA’s Marilyn Little (pictured) riding RF Demeter — were awarded 21 penalties, despite numerous pins being broken.

Marilyn broke the pin at the final corner of the Malting’s Bounce combination and US eventing team coach David O’Connor immediately appealed the decision.

“I don’t think it is [21 penalties],” David said after her round. “We will argue that it isn’t because the horse cleared it up front and then actually broke it behind, which is one of those things. I don’t think the mare would have fallen, so it’s not a done deal.”

Despite the appeal the penalties were still given, which resulted in Marilyn dropping 10 places to finish 20th.

Some eventing fans have suggested that all pin penalties should be removed and that the ground jury could instead give 25pens for dangerous riding if they deem it necessary.

However, the FEI maintains that it is essential that penalties remain in place.

“When the mechanism works to its full potential and prevents the rider from falling, it would be unfair and counterproductive not to penalise the rider and horse for that mistake,” said FEI eventing director Catrin Norinder.

“It would also be contrary to the current FEI vision of cross-country and the FEI eventing risk management policy if a rider was not penalised after having activated a frangible deformable fence, and could still gain a qualifying result.”

Olympian Ian Stark is concerned that the current system makes it difficult for fans to understand.

“I think that it makes matters very complicated,” Ian told H&H.

“We were all confused — never mind the spectators that don’t know the system.

“I don’t know the answer but I think it needs looking at again. At the moment it is a very grey area and the rule needs to be worded definitively.”

The FEI told H&H that the topic would be on the agenda for the FEI eventing committee later this month, and that a “clarification” would be issued after that.

This news story was originally published in Horse & Hound magazine on Thursday 2 October, 2014

Emily King on the mend after horror fall

Sophia Heath — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 10:17:16 +0000

Eventer Emily King is recovering after her fall at the Junior European Championships at Bishop Burton this weekend (16 August).

Emily credited the frangible pins for saving her from injury after her ride Brookleigh (Brook) fell at the elephant trap going into the woods.

“I am hugely grateful to the frangible pin system, which without doubt took the main blow off my fall and saved my life.” said Emily.

“I’m also hugely thankful to the amazing medical crew, who instantly came to my rescue.

“Thank God Brook is absolutely fine, which is incredible news. I am a bit squished, but feel amazingly well and just can’t wait to get back riding again.

“I was very lucky and live to fight another day.”

The 18-year-old was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured pelvis, but was released the following day with torn muscles and severe bruising.

Emily and Brookleigh, who was previously ridden by Clayton Fredericks, had enjoyed a successful season before the fall — including finishing seventh in the CIC3* at Barbury (3 July).

Emily’s mother Mary made a winning return to competition last week (12 August) after serving a two-month ban for “dangerous riding” after being handed two yellow cards for the same offence in a year.

Should more cross-country fences collapse on impact? [H&H VIP]

Ellie Hughes — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 08:00:15 +0000

A leading figure in eventing safety has called for the sport to take a more proactive approach in approving and implementing new deformable cross-country fence technology.

The recent deaths of Benjamin Winter at Luhmühlen and Jordan McDonald at Nunney (14 June) reignited the discussion as to whether more cross-country fences should be collapsible.

HorseandHound.co.uk published a sequence of photographs (one pictured top, taken by Richard Marwood/rfmequinephotos.com) showing Mary King escaping a potentially serious fall at Bramham last month (5-8 June) when a frangible pin was triggered, which has fuelled the debate further.

Andy Griffiths, chairman of the International Event Officials Club, says that although steps have been made to reduce and eliminate the risk of rotational falls in the past few years, the sport’s governing bodies, especially the FEI, need to make the process of testing and approving new technology more user-friendly.

“When we have the technology to make a variety of fences collapsible it seems ludicrous that it is not being used more widely,” he said.

He is also calling for the FEI to follow British Eventing (BE) and the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) lead and make the use of approved frangible technology compulsory on post-and-rails-type fences at international events.

Types of pins and clips

Currently, the BE frangible pin and the MIM safety clip and pin, manufactured by the Swedish company New Era, are the two leading technologies. The frangible pin works only on post-and-rails type fences, but the MIM clip (pictured below right) can be used on other obstacles, including tables.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Its inventor, Mats Bjornetun, told H&H: “The clip is different [from the pin] in that it responds to the horizontal impact of a load hitting a fence, which is what happens in a rotational fall. The fence can also be rebuilt in a matter of seconds, which would mean minimal hold-ups on the course.”

The MIM clip has been widely used by course-designers on all sorts of different fences in national competitions in America and Australia. But although the technology is used on FEI courses for post-and-rail-type fences — it was employed in Aachen last weekend — it has not yet been approved for table fences or other such solid obstacles because it has not met the FEI standard for the minimum strength of frangible/deformable cross-country fences introduced last year. Neither has it been approved for use in the UK in any form because it does not meet BE’s own standards, which require it to collapse under a prescribed vertical force.

BE’s safety officer Jonathan Clissold said BE has supplied New Era with its requirements. “So far the company has declined to put its products forward for BE testing,” he said. Similarly, the FEI says that a request for certification has not been submitted by the company for the use of its products on structures such as tables.

The barrier, said Andy Griffiths, is expense. “It typically costs around £10,000 to test a new mechanism. The money has to come from somewhere,” he said. “So far New Era has funded its own research, but that cannot carry on indefinitely.”

Should all fences be collapsible?

The question many in the sport are asking is whether a solid obstacle should give way when a horse hits it.

Various attempts have been made in the past 15 years to design solid fences that collapse or crumble on heavy impact. In 1999, a polypropylene log that could be moulded and shaped to mimic different types of material, but crumble when hit with serious force, was trialled. Neither this, nor its more technologically advanced successors, has really taken off, and now cannot be used under the new FEI testing criteria.

A foam log called the Prolog was trialled at Glanusk, Wales in 2010. It broke three times — possibly preventing a rotational fall on one occasion — but took about 20min to rebuild. A similar obstacle was used in Kentucky. William Fox-Pitt remembers jumping it in 2010. “For some reason it didn’t jump at all well. I’m not sure why; it looked quite unnatural — maybe horses didn’t read or respect it properly,” he said. Nevertheless, William cautiously welcomes the development of similar concepts. “Anything that might improve safety should be encouraged, but there is a fine line between embracing new technology and changing the nature of the sport,” he said.

Bruce Haskell, chairman of the Event Riders’ Association (ERA), agrees. “Fences such as logs and tables [where Jordan and Benjamin fell] are jumped successfully hundreds of thousands of times every year,” he said. “We need to be careful to be proactive rather than reactive [to recent events]. We need to be looking at how we can make the sport safer from every angle.”

BE’s Jonathan Clissold said: “The solution has to be a combination of factors, including better education of course-designers and riders.”

FEI should lead the way

Bruce and William both agree with Andy Griffiths that making the use of deformable technology compulsory at FEI competitions should be high on the sport’s safety agenda. William said he believed it was “something than needed looking into”.

Andy Griffiths wrote an open letter to the FEI last year asking: “If the two leading countries [Great Britain and America] in the eventing world are implementing this rule [that makes frangible technology on post-and-rails type fences compulsory] then should the FEI not be doing the same and leading the way?”

The FEI replied that it “is of the view that all types of traditional fixed cross-country fences can still be jumped within an accepted and acceptable level of risk”.

Catrin Norinder, FEI director of eventing, added: “The FEI is continuing investment in its eventing risk management policy and action plan, which covers every aspect of competing. “There are a number of national federations currently undertaking studies on wider research into devices.”

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on 24 July 2014

BE’s frangible pins pass rigorous tests

Horse & Hound — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:16:45 +0000

Frangible pins currently used for British Eventing (BE) competitions have been approved by horse sport’s governing body, the FEI, for use in international events.

A new rule, which came into force on 1 January 2013, required all frangible technology to undergo rigorous testing using a custom built pendulum.

The tests resulted in BE’s traditional short front and reverse fitting pins meeting the new specification. The Swedish MIM Clip and Newera Pin have also recently been passed.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (4 April 2013)

Cross-country penalties no longer automatic if frangible pin breaks

Horse & Hound — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:28:01 +0000

Riders will no longer receive 21 penalties for breaking a frangible pin on a cross-country course, the governing body for horse sport has announced.

Following an appeal by riders and British Eventing to the FEI’s eventing committee , the FEI bureau has changed the rule to allow the ground jury of an event to decide if penalties should be awarded.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (21 June 2012)

Frangible pins rule to be reviewed by FEI eventing committee

Charlotte White — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:56:15 +0000

The FEI eventing committee is considering recommending that riders do not automatically receive 21 cross-country penalties for breaking a frangible pin.

Last week, riders petitioned the committee, calling for a change to the rule.

It is now considering an amendment, which suggests that penalties are only added if the ground jury feels that a horse would have fallen or stopped had the pin not broken.

If agreed, it will be put forward for consideration by the FEI bureau on 8 June.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (24 May 2012)

Eventers call for broken frangible pin rule to be scrapped

Charlotte White — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:34:39 +0000

Hundreds of eventers are calling for the scrapping of a rule that imposes penalties for breaking a frangible pin in international horse sport.

Frangible pins are fitted to some cross-country jumps and break if the fence is hit with a certain amount of force. They are designed to reduce incidences of horses somersaulting and landing on riders.

A request for riders’ views on the rule has amassed almost 300 responses and a proposed amendment will be submitted to the FEI this week.

It suggests that if a competitor breaks a pin without falling, the rider continues penalty-free. Then there is an enquiry by the ground jury and technical delegate who assess the video footage.

They must prove the horse and rider would have received a fault had the pin not broken – for example, a fall or stop – for the 21 penalties to be awarded.

Event Riders Association chairman Francis Whittington said: “The FEI has in place a rule giving 21 penalties for breaking a frangible pin. It is the feeling of many riders competing in FEI eventing competitions, from CIC* to CCI****, that this rule should be removed.”

Fellow eventer Stuart Higgins, who rides at two-star, added: “It is only fair to penalise riders when they break a pin if the pins are changed every time a horse taps a fence.”

Mike Etherington-Smith, chief executive of British Eventing, said the organisation has always opposed penalty points for breaking pins.

“There is a mechanism to deal with occasions when fences are broken due to irresponsible riding,” he said.

“The rule as written discourages the use of pins and gives course-designers a moral dilemma, when they should be encouraged to use frangible devices wherever appropriate.”

An FEI spokesman said the issue would be discussed at a meeting of the eventing committee this week.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (17 May 2012)

Frangible pins will be free to horse trials organisers

Horse & Hound — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:05:55 +0000

Frangible pins will be free to event organisers this year.

The move is part of British Eventing’s (BE) commitment to advancing safety“.

BE’s Jonathan Chapman said: “BE has dedicated much resource to safety research in terms of engineering the pins and is continually reviewing cross-country fence fall data to monitor areas of improvement.

“We continually strive to lead the way in safety for our members in this country and our colleagues around the world.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H(23 February 2012)

Eventing safety changes to be made this season

Pippa Roome — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:07:33 +0000

Frangible pins on cross-country fences will be fitted in a different way from the beginning of this eventing season, British national safety officer Jonathan Clissold revealed at the International Eventing Forum at Hartpury on 8 February.

The arrangement involves pinned rails being fixed on the landing side of supporting posts, rather than the take-off side.

Course-designers are also considering using thinner rails to make jumps command more respect from horses and riders.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (18 February, ’10)

British Eventing unveils safety manifesto

Charlotte White — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:03:11 +0000

British Eventing (BE) has launched a 16-point action plan to improve safety and gauge whether the sport has become too dangerous.

There have been four eventing fatalities in Britain and 17 internationally since 2006.

“We have to ask ourselves some fairly major questions,” BE chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith told H&H.

“[For example] are we happy to continue as it is with current levels of injury? I am being deliberately provocative, but we are on a mission to improve safety. Doing nothing is not an option.”

As well as investigating new materials and jumps that collapse on impact to reduce the severity of falls, BE is considering rider licensing and raising the minimum qualification requirements to move up the levels of competition.

“For reasons we do not really understand, the risk of having a fall is higher for riders taking part in FEI [International Equestrian Federation] competitions, even at one- and two-star,” said national eventing safety officer Jonathan Clissold.

“No decisions have been taken, but we are asking whether riders should have more miles on the clock in national competitions before they move to international ones.”

Rider licences could carry information about experience, previous accidents and any disciplinary issues (news, 29 January).

New safety initiatives, including a second-generation frangible pin and an alternative to rope fixings, are being tested for BE and, if successful, will be introduced next season.

BE also wants feedback from other people involved in eventing and have been canvassing opinion at four regional safety road shows this month (news, 2 July).

It also plans to run a national safety summit for course-designers at the end of the season and is holding forums with competitors throughout the summer.

“We are changing the image of BE,” said Mr Etherington-Smith. “We have been unfairly accused of not sharing information in the past, but we do need to communicate more.”

BE’s actions have been praised by Nick Gauntlet, who sits on the Event Riders Association’s British sub-committee.

He said: “I think BE is doing an incredible job and working very hard to find out everybody’s thoughts on safety.

“Yes, eventing can be dangerous, but its initiatives mean it is getting safer.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (23 July, ’09)

Eventers no longer eliminated for breaking a frangible pin

Pippa Roome — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:19:34 +0000

Eventers will now receive 25 penalties for breaking a frangible pin (pictured) during a cross-country round at International Equestrian Federation (FEI) events.

Since January this year riders have been eliminated for breaking a pin, but this rule change was confirmed for implentation from 15 April at the FEI bureau meeting on 1 April.

British Eventing (BE) was among the national federations to send comments to the FEI on the proposed rule changes before the meeting.

“We’re completely against 25 penalties for breaking a pin, as we were elimination. You cannot penalise people for something they can’t control — we have data to support the fact that pins weaken,” BE chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith told H&H.

In another rule change discussed at the meeting, riders will be eliminated for cross-country falls on the flat from 1 July this year.

BE had concerns with this because of the potential difficulty of policing the rule, as there are areas on some courses which cannot be seen by any officials.

The FEI acknowledged this problem in the document released after the meeting, but said it was the riders’ responsibility to admit to a fall.

The document states: “The comment made by several NFs [national federations] in regard to the difficulty to determine if a fall has taken place between fences — it has been established that riders need to take the responsibility of such a fall.”

Read the FEI document about the changes

British Eventing fights new frangible pin rules

Horse & Hound — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:09:25 +0000

PENALTIES for breaking a frangible pin and elimination for falls on the flat were among proposed eventing rule changes discussed at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) bureau meeting this week (31 March-1 April).

Since January 2009, riders have been eliminated for breaking a frangible pin but, if this amendment is approved, from 15 April competitors will get 25 penalties instead.

But British Eventing (BE) chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith said: “We’re completely against 25 penalties for breaking a pin, as we were elimination. You cannot penalise people for something they can’t control — we have data to support the fact that pins weaken.”

BE research, presented at the FEI safety conference at Hartpury College, showed pins are weakened by successive hits (news, 29 January).

BE has sent comments to the FEI on the changes.

H&H columnist Mark Phillips wrote recently: “To penalise for [breaking a pin weakened by a previous competitor] would be blatantly unfair… I hope not too many people lose their qualifications by breaking a pin, and pray no one unfairly loses their chance of a big prize.”

An FEI spokesman said: “These changes are only a proposal which will be submitted to the bureau for them to review.

“We are considering significant feedback from the national federations.”

Read this news story in full, including response to proposals to extend the one-fall-and-you’re-out rule and changes to qualifying rules at 4-star level, in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 April, ’09)

Eventing safety officers say scrap elimination for breaking a frangible pin

Charlotte White — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:20:37 +0000

Eventing safety experts are calling on the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to ditch an “unfair” new rule that would eliminate a rider for breaking a frangible pin in the cross-country phase.

The FEI announced the ruling on 8 January.

A frangible pin is a safety fastening which releases a pole when hit with extreme force, lessening the chances of a horse somersaulting onto its rider on named cross-country fences at international events.

But national safety officers from countries around the world, meeting for the first time at Hartpury College last weekend (24-25 January), decided to oppose the rule after learning from British Eventing (BE) and engineering consultancy Competitive Measure that pins are weakened by successive hits.

Frangible pins are used in international competition, but only by Britain, Ireland, Australia and Holland in national events.

“Automatic elimination for breakage of the pin [in FEI competitions] is unfair if, as this research has shown, they get progressively weaker as the competition goes on,” Australian delegate Bob Powles said at the conference.

His view was echoed by British team coach and member of the FEI eventing safety sub-committee Yogi Breisner and British eventing safety officer Jonathan Clissold.

When frangible pins were introduced in 2003, riders incurred 70 penalties (the same as a horse fall) for breaking them. In 2004, this was changed to an elimination, but scrapped halfway through the season as there were concerns about pins weakening.

“To reintroduce this rule would lead to a situation where connections of riders would request pins to be replaced before their rider set off,” said Mr Clissold.

Mr Breisner added it would encourage “a halfway house between eventing and show jumping, changing the character of our sport.”

But delegates were not unanimous in their views.

Italian safety committee member Guiseppe della Chiesa said: “We want horses to go over fences, not through them, surely. If a horse hits a fence hard enough to break the pin the rider should be eliminated.”

Competitive Measure tested a frangible pin on a post-and-rail fence during three days of competition at Badminton and Burghley last year (news, 14 February 2008). The fence was jumped 144 times and hit 147 times (some horses caught it with their fore and back legs).

The highest impact measured was 1.8tonnes of pressure — a hit with the back legs.

BE and the University of Bristol are working on a second generation of pin that will not fracture before it breaks, Mr Clissold told H&H.

And results of field and laboratory research on frangible pins by the University of Kentucky should be released in April, said president of the US Equestrian Federation David O’Connor.

The conference also discussed ongoing advances in other frangible fences that break on dangerous impact. The Dutch federation uses cardboard poles at national and FEI events and the US is investigating the possible use of polystyrene poles, snap straps, which would release logs on impact, and hanging gates on pins.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (29 January, ’08)

Safer cross-country fences by 2006

Horse & Hound — Thu, 20 Feb 2003 00:00:00 +0000

British Eventing has announced that all cross-country fences must be built using frangible pins by 2006 following successful trials at 13 BE events and 14 FEI events, including Badminton, Burghley and WEG in 2002.

The frangible fence system has been hailed as a breakthrough in fence design, reducing the risk of a rider being crushed in a rotating or somersault fall. Twice during the trials — at Weston Park and Boekelo — pins broke and serious injury to horse and rider was avoided.

All new fences built after 1 March this year must have the pins installed, with all fences on intermediate and advanced tracks fulfilling the new design by the beginning of the 2005 season. The pins must be installed on all fences at every level before the start of the 2006 season.

“Intermediate and advanced fences are our priority, as statistics show there is a higher chance of a horse fall at these levels,” says BE’s sport and technical manager, Tim Hadaway.

Tim says the response from event organisers to the new system has been good, despite the pins costing around £30 per pair.

“The issue of cost is at the forefront of our minds, and this is why I have developed a slow roll-out plan. At present, the pins need only be used on certain fences, and organisers can use portable fences to avoid costs if necessary.

“People have seen the merit in the system and have given good support to getting it into the field, reducing the risk of a rotational fall.”

Latest from Horse & Hound in Frangible-devices

‘It shouldn’t be a given that riders will go clear when stepping up to four-star’, says Andrew Nicholson

Frangible questions

Putting ideas into action

You might also enjoy reading:

Falls, frangibles and concussion in the eventing safety spotlight

Eventing safety: are concussions being reported accurately?

Frangibles: ‘We have to make sure they deploy correctly’

Falls not at cross-country fences: the German picture

You may also be interested in:

Sharing how to make traditional cross-country fences frangible set to improve eventing safety worldwide

You may also be interested in:

Riders voice support after cross-country safety innovations used for first time

You may also be interested in:

Cutting-edge frangible technology given ‘traditional’ make-over as new cross-country fences unveiled in Britain

Watch a video of how the frangible hay feeder fence works in the short clip below

You may also be interested in:

Frangibles, tech and ‘€1m for 1000 fences’ – big ideas debated in eventing

Talking points

You may also be interested in:

Take a look at a new frangible trakehner to be used at British event for first time

You may also be interested in:

New data on horse falls in eventing and what the future holds for frangible fences

Expanding the use of frangible fences

Competition scoring considerations

Badminton course-designer Eric Winter touched on whether frangibles and flags could have a more enhanced and refined place in competition scoring, while keen to stress this should not be a “knee-jerk” decision.

“We can’t just have ever-decreasing cross-country courses where everybody jumps clear and nothing happens, because that’s not a sport that we can sell in any way,” he said.

“We’re looking at horses winning competitions through small margins – and that’s a positive thing, that’s elite sport.”

He added that it is “not acceptable in any way” to see horses fall, horses are now so educated to lock onto a line and not think about stopping, so where does eventing go to keep the sport interesting?

“We can’t have cross-country courses where everybody jumps clear, but I personally think that if we start to develop a thought process around the flags, that could be a very exciting sport,” he said.

“Another question we have to ask is, what we value about the sport nowadays – what are the things we want to keep? Is it that we must jump fixed fences? We must go to battle and win? Because to me that’s not what I hold dear about the sport.

“I want the horses to be galloping in the open, meeting different types of fences. It’s very important we keep a good variety of fences, that we keep using the terrain, so that every course has its own nature to it, and it uses the nature of that site.

“But how do we do that within acceptable parameters that can allow our sport to travel forward in the next 10,15 years in a very healthy way?”

Olympic gold medallist and eventing committee chairman David O’Connor concluded: “These are the big conversations we all need to have.”

You might also be interested in:

Calls for change after frangible device costs riders top-10 results at Pau five-star

You might also be interested in:

Mark Phillips on frangible penalties: ‘Riders hate it – but it’s here to stay’

Part of the skill

Special atmospheres

You might also be interested in:

Top event riders call for review of penalties given when frangible clips or pins break

While riders recognise the value of frangible devices in making eventing safer, they are questioning whether it’s right that horses are always penalised if a device breaks.

“The pins are a safety thing and I do believe if the ground jury decide it saved a fall, then award 11 penalties, but just to be handing these 11 penalties out to good horses that have done a very safe, correct job – it’s not cross-country any more.”

William said he would be in favour of penalties only being awarded if the horse had broken the device by hitting the fence with a front leg.

“If you have a pin with a back leg and manage to stand up, good on you, it’s eventing. But if you have it in front, that maybe has saved your life and you should be penalised,” he said.

An FEI spokesperson said: “In accordance with the rules revision process, the stakeholder feedback on the eventing committee proposals will be reviewed in the coming weeks before the final draft is submitted for approval at the FEI General Assembly in November.”

If approved, this change would come in for the 2022 season.

The FEI also issued an update on 30 August saying the FEI frangible device working group has agreed with MIM that the bolt should not be removed when fitting yellow MIMclip kits at all levels. This change will increase the amount of force needed to break the clips on these kits.

This update was “not directly related to the Olympic Games but to new information and best practice analysis”, said the FEI spokesperson.

Both the proposed rule change and the fitting instruction alteration are relevant only to the penalties incurred for activation of MIMclips; neither affect penalties given for breaking a frangible pin.

You might also be interested in:

MIMclip inventor: ‘I want to help a sport that I love’ *H&H Plus*

You might also be interested in…

Boost for eventing safety as $500,000 fundraising target reached

New rotationals falls research is a ‘vital’ safety step

New standard for frangible cross-country fences could boost invention *H&H Plus*

Mary King: The importance of the ‘coffin canter’

Frangible rail penalties

Jung is back

Badminton director

Collapsible cross-country table trialled in Britain for first time

You might also be interested in:

Watch how MIM clip table prevents serious cross-country fall

You might also be interested in:

Major eventing nation backs compulsory frangible fences for cross-country

‘The time has come’: Badminton backs calls for mandatory frangibles

Badminton final scores

‘The time is now’: calls to make frangible cross-country fences compulsory

BE gives go ahead to use alternative frangible device

British Eventing tests alternative frangible device for cross-country fences *H&H VIP*

More falls at four-stars and championships: event riders react to falls analysis

‘Surprise’ of frangible result

Putting action in place

MIMclip inventor: ‘I want to help a sport that I love’ H&H Plus

New standard for frangible cross-country fences could boost invention H&H Plus

British Eventing tests alternative frangible device for cross-country fences H&H VIP