Equestrian Australia has implemented an Eventing rule change to make the use of approved FEI frangible devices mandatory from 1 February 2018 on those fences in 1*/2*/3*/4* courses in Australia (National and FEI events) where the materials fit the specifications for use of a frangible device.
The updated National Eventing Rules state in section 547.2.4 that
“With effect from February 1st 2018, in 1*/2*/3*/4* courses whether for national or FEI competition in Australia, all fences that can be fitted with frangible devices MUST be fitted with frangible devices. These include all open corners, open oxers, verticals or near verticals with open rails, top rail on triple bars and gates where the rail dimensions and weight fits the acceptable parameters of an approved frangible device”
Equestrian Australia say that ‘This important change has been made following a series of meetings at the Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide involving the Equestrian Australia Eventing Committee, the EA National Safety Officer, members of the FEI Risk Management Steering Group (Mike Etherington-Smith and Geoff Sinclair) and the EA Chair, Judy Fasher’
‘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’
You can view the Equestrian Australia Eventing Rules, mandatory from 1 February 2018 here
