BETA SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE WHERE YOU SEE THESE SIGNS
Each category of BETA membership has its own unique version of the trade association ' s logo . Many manufacturing and supplier members proudly place their trade logo on products and websites to show their affiliation to BETA . Likewise , only retail members of BETA are allowed to display the red , white and blue horse ' s head retail logo – and the trade association is very selective about who it will enable to do so . Shopping where you see the BETA sign means that you can be assured of reliable advice and quality service .
In order to protect consumers , BETA makes sure that only professionally run retail businesses can become members . If you are disappointed with the service provided , you can complain to the trade association , and it will look into the issue on your behalf .
Many member retailers have attended a BETA safety training course to offer an expert body protector and riding hat fitting service . Some will also hold a City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Fitting Protective Horse Rider Equipment . Always make sure that you look out for a certificate displayed in-store and ask for the person named on it when seeking a fitting .
BETA retailers will often be able to provide valuable advice for not a penny more than the cost of the garment . They can help find the riding hat or body protector that is most suited to
WHEN SHOPPING
your requirements , taking into account the best fit for you .
Medicines and Wormers Some BETA retailers have also undertaken courses to enable them to sell animal medicines and are qualified to prescribe products such as horse wormers to customers . These retailers are the best people to offer advice and answer any questions you might have .
How to find a retail member BETA member retailers can easily be located on the Member Directory at beta-uk . org . Listings include those who have been trained by the trade association to fit hats and body protectors , offer a full lorinery ( bits and bitting ) service and are licensed for the sale of wormers and flea treatments .
BETA BODY PROTECTOR STANDARD
The BETA Body Protector Standard is a benchmark for safety and recognised throughout the world . Safety standards for these garments were originally developed by BETA in association with riding organisations , doctors , riders , retailers and manufacturers .
Early work by BETA resulted in the first European standard EN 13158:2000 , which is crucial for safety . The standard sets criteria for shock absorption specifies areas of the body that must be covered and ensures that there are minimal gaps between the garment ' s foam panels . The BETA label offers another layer of safety over and above the basic standard . BETA ' s requirement for annual testing and checking ensures the ongoing quality and performance of garments carrying its labels .
In October 2018 , we saw the introduction of the 2018 standard , with its blue-on-black label . However , the earlier 2009 Level 3 label will continue to be accepted by all
CHECK OUT THIS MONTH ’ S BODY PROTECTOR , FEATURE , PG 36
British disciplines and riding organisations until 2024 .
Levels of Protection Body protectors are made to three different levels of protection : Level 1 – the lowest level , appropriate only for licensed jockeys when racing . Level 2 – suitable for general riding in very low-risk situations and not for riding on the roads . It is a requirement for racing in Ireland and the UK . Level 3 – appropriate for normal riding , competitions and those working with horses .
A body protector should be a firm but not uncomfortable fit to ensure it stays securely in place when you ride – and in the event of an accident . Coloured Velcro markers on the body protector should be covered – if not , this shows that it is too small and a larger size should be tried .
Your garment should usually be replaced every three to five years because the shock-absorption properties in the foam start to decline . As damage can sometimes be hidden , it is always best to avoid buying second-hand models – and always inspect your body protector after any fall or impact .
EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : MAY 2021 • 27