‘A step back to a more positive time'

Julie Templeton on how jockeys benefit from changes in the show ring

- Alex Robinson

THE new ruling introduced by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) at the start of the year regarding compulsory body protectors for competitors in working hunter pony classes – both plaited and mountain and moorland – seems to have caused quite a stir.

I can remember back to when chin straps were made compulsory and the outcry that caused at the time. However, now we don’t think twice about the children wearing bulky riding hats that would have been laughed offthe showground 30 years ago.

That decision was based on safety and protecting against deadly head injuries; the decision regarding back protectors has been made for similar reasons.

Riding is a risky sport so minimising potential dangers and protecting against fatal injuries must remain a priority, especially for the children’s showing societies.