[In_]

I am a bit removed from the recognized eventing world. Someone told me a semi-local event (but did not tell me the name) REQUIRES air vests/2-points/etc to compete. I understand that "regular" vests are required - and that is not new. But the air vests?

I think the person is mistaken - and I'd like to be educated before/if I clarify.

[c'est moi]

Wow, that's going to open up a can of worms.

[lmlacross]

I am 99% certain that an unrecognized, local event would not require competitors to wear an air vest. Certainly, recognized events do not. In addition to there being a dearth of hard evidence definitively showing their effectiveness, it would be extremely tough to require riders at the entry level of our sport to purchase and wear them. They're costly, and, given the aforementioned lack of crash data, it would seem that this would really curtail entries.

Is the event underwritten by Point 2?

[kcmel]

I am also skeptical...

[Jealoushe]

That would be one sure fire way to limit entries and set yourself up to a law suit.

[JSjumper]

Oh jeez... yeah, like the above posters and for all reasons previously mentioned, I seriously doubt it. To put it bluntly... that would be stooo-pid

[deltawave]

What is a "semi local" event? Someone please let me know which event is pondering such stupidity, so I can make sure not to enter (if I'm in a good mood) and/or write them a pointed letter (if I'm cranky).

[Brigitte]

DW, you just gave me a good laugh on this icy morning! Thanks!

[Sloeryder]

There is no way!! They can't require or force people to sink $400 to $600 in a vest. That you still have to wear a regular vest with. If they do that, I would be one on the many that wouldn't be competing for awhile.

[Winding Down]

I think the organizers just wanted to get on COTH and figured that this was the best way...

[Hilary]

Well an unsanctioned event, being private, could require clown noses and a rousing rendition of America The Beautiful after you finish your show jumping course, so yes, they could require an air vest. But it would pretty much guarantee no entries.

[Winding Down]

So I could show up and win???

[Noctis]

Not likely.....But the clown noses could be a nice touch

[In_]

Upon direct questioning the individual sheepishly admitted that, no, it was the *mother* who required the air-vest, not the event. He fibbed.

Moot point I suppose - thank you for replying, my apologies for wasting your brain cells!

[deltawave]

it was the *mother* who required the air-vest, not the event

Well, there's no appeal process in THAT rulebook!

[Noctis]

Yeah....appealing to the Rules of Mom is a futile endeavor!

[Winding Down]

Not likely.....But the clown noses could be a nice touch