Attention Eventing Riders: Understand New Changes to Eventing Warning System

As I am sure you know, the yellow card and recorded warning system has been in use for several years. It is used to warn competitors when their riding is putting them and their horse at greater risk then inherently necessary, and for other actions that may put themselves or their horses at risk, (eg not seeing medical after a fall).

What you may not know is that there have been some significant changes to this system for 2020.

What has changed:

The range of incidents for which a yellow card can be awarded has been limited to those applicable to other disciplines to ensure consistency between disciplines.

The current system of yellow cards and recorded warnings for dangerous riding, failing to report to medical or vet (and certain horse welfare items in eventing) has been replaced by a single Eventing Recorded Warning Card system.

What has not changed:

• The process of awarding cards or warnings – in particular, the rider's point of view must be listened to before the awarding of any card (except in certain circumstances where they have left the venue)
• Yellow Warning Cards will continue to be awarded for abuse of the horse
• Multiple Yellow cards or Eventing Recorded Warning Cards will incur a suspension (although the parameters have changed)
• For all cases (in EA classes) of dangerous riding, failing to report to medical or Vet an Eventing Recorded Warning Card MUST be issued in accordance with the rules

There is no exemption or possibility of the Officials just having “a quiet word” for:

• Young people doing their first 80cm class
• Riders who have multiple horses at the event and were “too busy”
• People they rode with at pony club etc
• Riders who don’t know the rules

This warning process is a very important part of risk management that has to be applied consistently to be effective.

More details are available in the 2020 rules. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Officials at your next event.

Have a great 2020 – as athletes, you can make a significant contribution to risk management and safety.

Roger Kane, National Safety Officer