The FEI has announced the formation of a new Equestrian Safety Vest Working Group (ESVWG), a strategic initiative aimed at improving the safety of equestrian athletes through scientific research and innovation in protective equipment.

This comes amid a steady rise in the use of safety vests – including both body protectors and air vests – across a wide range of equestrian disciplines, and growing concern about the lack of independent data to support their effectiveness in reducing athlete injuries.

Chaired by Dr. Mark Hart (USA), chair of the FEI Medical Committee, the Working Group will first examine the current state of knowledge around thoracic and spinal injuries in equestrian sport, with a focus on understanding how and when these injuries occur, and whether safety vests play a significant role in reducing the severity of athlete injuries.

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