Everything you need to know about body protector standards – and what’s accepted for your discipline

Body protectors are designed to absorb impact from a fall, a kick or being stepped on by a horse, and certain body protector standards are compulsory for competitions under the rules of governing bodies.

The body protector standards were originally developed by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), with the help of riding organisations, doctors, riders, manufacturers and retailers. In 2000, the new BETA standard superseded all previous standards, but it has been revised twice since – in 2009 and 2018.