Show society makes U-turn on hat ruling

Sport Horse BreedingofGreat Britain(SHB (GB)) has taken a U-turn on its ruling, enforcing members to wear safety hats with a chin strap when competing.

Complaints

The decision was met with opposition from the start, prompting a Facebook page calledMy Head My Choice.

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) also cut ties with SHB (GB) after it was “inundated with complaints” from competitors.

Members of the society requested the ruling be discussed at the SHB (GB) council meeting on 19 May. There was a majority vote in favour of removing the rule and the change was implemented on 1 June.

Minimise risk

The rule regarding headwear now reads: “It is strongly recommended that competitors aged 18 or over wear skull caps or hats with safety harness in accordance with the current approved BSI or European standard, in order to minimise risk of head injury.”

It is still mandatory for competitors under the age of 18 to wear approved skull caps or hats, as well as those competing in the jumping phase of working hunter classes and ridden sport horse classes.