Safety Campaign

As part of its ongoing work to improve safety standards throughout the equestrian world, BETA has launched a new initiative to gather information on the use and effectiveness of a body protector.

From the information gathered the association will be able to produce statistics and case studies on incidents where body protectors have (and have not) been involved which will be vital in ensuring the continued development of body protectors and assist in promoting the use of the garments to the wider riding public. In order to assist us with our efforts we would like as many people to help us in our campaign by FILLING IN A QUESTIONNAIRE which is available on our website or in hard copy by request from the BETA office.

BETA Chief Executive Claire Williams said "Some research has been done on the effectiveness of shoulder protectors but apart from anecdotal evidence, there is very little information held on the body protectors themselves. Gathering this information will allow us to collate an accident database. It is important to highlight the important role that the garments play whenever around horses, both on top and on the ground.

To participate, please follow this link

Saddle Questionnaire

This survey is part of the Equitech project at the Centre of Engineering Excellence, which involves us working with manufacturers in the equestrian industry as well as the Walsall Equestrian Society and The British Equestrian Trade Association.

One of the aims of the project is to set up a standard for saddles to be recognised by the whole industry, and which manufacturers can be tested against and approved for. These manufacturers would then be able to mark their saddles with the standard symbol, in a similar way to the BETA 2000 body protector standard, to help consumers recognise a safe and high quality saddle.

This questionnaire intends to establish what customers value in their saddle and how much they would value a standard. We are also investigating any possible safety issues with saddles that may exist and so have included Section C on accidents riders have experienced involving saddlery.

To participate, please follow this link.