New standard for frangible fences could boost invention

The move follows months of comprehensive research into minimising risk in eventing

- LUCY ELDER

NEW standards have been set for frangible devices following extensive research into eventing safety, with hopes this could pave the way for new inventions.

The research involved six months’ work by the FEI’s eventing frangible device working group; Dave Vos, GeoffSinclair, Mark Phillips and Jonathan Clissold, and the Transport Research Laboratory.

This included reviewing slow-motion footage of fences being jumped at multiple events as well as testing.

“The updated standard is more reliable and the testing easier to set up, to encourage new ideas, and will hopefully accelerate new developments for frangible devices,” said the announcement from FEI eventing committee chair David O’Connor and risk management steering group chairman GeoffSinclair.

“It is important to note that realistic infield assessment to ensure fences don’t break too easily has been strongly debated and agreed with the frangible working group understanding the importance of balancing safety with true cross-country.”