New frangible pin ruling amended
The FEI has agreed to a reduction in the number of penalties awarded for breaking a frangible pin following complaints from riders.
In March, members of the ERA (International Event Rider’s Association) and 3* and 4* course designers met with the FEI. They argued against the new 2015 rule in which 21 penalties were to be given to any rider breaking a frangible obstacle or device unless “clear mechanical failure has produced an unexpected activation of the mechanism”.
Riders voiced concerns that the new ruling would lead to course-designers using fewer frangible pins at events, thereby compromising safety in the sport.
Eventing Ireland has amended its rule to come in line with the FEI as follows:
Activating a frangible device 11 penalties
From Eventing Ireland:
* Explanatory note and procedure for the implementation of the penalty for “Activating a frangible obstacle/device”.
Each Athlete activating a frangible device will be awarded 11 penalties whenever the activation occurs as expected (ie. activation by significant pressure exerted by the horse on the fence). In the case of unexpected activation (ie. activation by an insignificant contact), the Society Steward will be called to evaluate the possible removal of the penalty.
In evaluating the possible removal of the penalty the Society Steward is not called to investigate if the Horse would have fallen or not or if the contact was with the front or hind legs, or if the rider was riding dangerously or not, but if an unexpected activation occurred through a light tap. This is the ONLY CASE WHERE PENALTIES CAN BE REMOVED.
There will be no Appeal against the decision of the Society Steward arising from the field of play, where the Decision is based on factual observation of the performance during the Competition.
In this case, a detailed report explaining the reasons for removing the penalty must be produced by the Course Designer/Technical Delegate and signed by the Society Steward and sent to Eventing Ireland Head Office.
As per the FEI, 11 penalties at obstacles will be accepted as an MER
