2024 rule changes

New rules are being introduced this year. Here’s what to look out for if you’re competing

Are you excited to get out competing? Before you set off, there’s been quite a few changes to the rules for competitive riding in both affiliated and unaffiliated events. These are in place to ensure both you and your pony are kept safe. Make sure you’re up to speed on the new regs that were introduced in January!

• BETA 2009 body protectors (with a purple label) are no longer permitted in competitions. You’ll need to replace your old one with a blue 2018 label if you haven’t yet. However, these rules do not apply to activities or competitions when a body protector is not a required and, if you choose to wear one anyway, the 2009 standard can continue to be worn.
• A new European helmet standard, EN1384:2023, has been formally introduced but, currently, this is being phased in gradually and will not immediately affect anyone riding competitively. However, it’s something to think about for the future.
• British Dressage, British Eventing and Eventing Ireland now allow riders to wear dark-coloured breeches or jodhpurs in competition – now you don’t have to worry about keeping those jods super-white!
• There’s been a change to the intervals between vaccination for horses and ponies receiving their first flu jabs (or restarting because they’ve missed a booster). Before, the second vaccination could be given from 21–90 days after the first, but that’s been shortened to 21–60 days. The interval between the second and third jabs has also changed from 150–215 days to 120–180 days. Check with your vet for more info.

So, what are you waiting for? Update your wardrobe and vaccinations and get on out there!