A safety device new to the UK is to be used on British Eventing (BE) cross-country courses this season.
The MIM clip — a type of frangible device — underwent testing at Badminton on 4 November.
The deformable technology, the brainchild of Swedish inventor Mats Bjornetun, has already been widely used internationally, but despite being tested and gaining FEI approval in 2012 it has taken until now for BE to follow suit.
After the testing Mr Bjornetun told H&H he was “delighted” that BE had embraced his invention.
These tests were independently verified by a safety consultant and test expert from Transport Research Laboratory.
While the frangible pin, which has been used on British courses since 2002, is only effective on post and rail obstacles, the MIM clip allows other jumps, such tables, gates and arrowheads, to collapse when hit with the sort of force that might otherwise cause a rotational fall — the type which most commonly causes a rider fatality.
“The MIM Clip can be used across a variety of fence types, including post and rail and walls, however following recommendations from the relevant parties further research and training is to be carried out into their use on table constructions,” said BE national safety officer Jonathan Clissold.
He added that the clip will be reviewed in November to ensure it “didn’t cause any unforeseen issues”.
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As with the frangible pin the MIM post and rail and wall kits will be supplied by BE to organisers free of charge.
BE’s David Holmes added: “We are delighted that the MIM system meets the BE standard and that we can add this to the other safety devices available.
“As ever, the safety of horse and rider is paramount within the sport and the use of the MIM system will only help.
