William Fox-Pitt vowed to keep wearing his top hat for as long as it is permitted in the dressage phase but was spotted wearing a crash helmet at Osberton International Horse Trials in October 2016
In the new British Eventing Rules for 2017, top hats have been banned from competition and protective headwear is mandatory for all three phases, including dressage, at all levels
Previously only compulsory below Novice level, protective headwear that meets the required standard must be worn whenever mounted anywhere at a BE event; this means that for Novice level and above hunting caps or beagle hats, and for Advanced Intermediate level and above top hats, are no longer permitted when mounted at a BE event.
In July 2016 New Zealand took the step of banning top hats in eventing at national competitions but the FEI ruling for international eventing competition will still apply for both New Zealand and British riders
Brought in as a trial for lower levels in 2016, stop watches are now permitted in all classes for cross country at one day events, including BE80(T), BE90, BE100, BE105 and BE100Plus and there are various changes to Minimum Eligibility Requirements (M.E.R.s) in the 2017 Rules
A summary of the changes is available here
