One Big Thing: US Equestrian Allocates $100,000 each to Safety Vest Study and Chromatic Fund
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US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the Federation has committed $100,000 over two years toward an ongoing, international research effort into equestrian safety vests — a decision that was made at a regular meeting of the USEF Board of Directors in February.
While equestrian riding helmets have standardized systems for testing and rating products from different manufacturers, there is far less standardization of rating safety vests in equestrian sports. Many international ratings systems are based on motorcycle vests, which may not be absorbing the same kinds of impacts as equestrian safety vests.
The project began with a survey of riders to determine a baseline for what riders believe about the protection of vests and body protectors, and how they’re being used in the field. The current research effort will work with an academic research partner to establish testing standards and then test existing products against those standards, similar to the helmet ratings work that has taken place at Virginia Tech. The unknown aspects of safety vest protection don’t mean that equestrians shouldn’t be wearing them (they’re required for eventing), but it does mean there’s a gap in our understanding of their strengths and limitations.
Funding for this research doesn’t just come from US Equestrian — a variety of national and international governing bodies and affiliates, as well as private donors, are coming together to make the work possible. The FEI also announced in June 2025 that they had approved the creation of an Equestrian Safety Vests Working Group (ESVWG), led by Dr. Mark Hart, who has previously served as the chair of the US Equestrian Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee. The FEI’s ESVWG will also be composed of a multidisciplinary scientific panel of experts in biomechanical engineering, injury computer modeling, medicine, vest manufacturing, and international standards, as well as an advisory panel of members nominated from their respective National Federations.
“While there is growing support for the use of body protectors and air vests in both sport and recreational riding, there is still minimal data to fully understand their effectiveness,” said Dr. Hart of the FEI and USEF’s ongoing and collaborative research. “We feel it’s our duty as an organization to take a leadership role to evaluate and improve riders’ personal protective equipment. A lot of our USEF members have been requesting that this research be done to enhance rider safety.”
The Chromatic Fund
USEF is also pleased to announce that an additional $100,000 will be directed toward the Chromatic Fund, a collaborative initiative of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), USEF, Chromatic’s breeder KC Branscomb, and The Foundation for The Horse that will fund innovative science-based, equine-specific research and education initiatives designed to improve the health, welfare, and career longevity of sport horses worldwide.
The fund is named in honor of Chromatic BF, a 13-year-old Oldenburg US show jumper who tragically died at the 2024 World Cup Jumping Finals in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, after several superior performances. His avoidable loss underscores the urgent need for superior scientific research and education such as the first series of projects made possible by the Chromatic Fund, including a study on the effects of vitamin E supplementation in healthy horses, and another examining the safety of high versus repeated low-dose steroid use.
To join in this effort in honoring the legacy of Chromatic BF and working to improve the welfare of horses like him through this fund, you can make an online donation here.
Major International Events This Weekend
Adelaide Equestrian Festival CCI5* & Oceania Championships (AUS): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Burnham Market CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Oudkarspel North Holland HT CCI4*-S (NED): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Ocala International Festival of Eventing CCI4*-S (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Fair Hill International April HT CCI4*-S (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
US Events This Weekend
Sporting Days Farm April HT IV (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
River Glen Spring HT (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Redefined Equestrian HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Other Links and Reading
- Top dressage could feature stretches and snaffle bridles in all grands prix
- Looking at the Added Costs of Tariffs in Equestrian Competition
- At the Ingate: Beginning the Season With Intention
- The Perks of Being a Barn Flower: Finding the Riding Community You Deserve
Training Tip of the Day
Rather than just training your horse, you may need to start thinking about training your own nerves:
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Go Eventing
Just can’t wait to walk the Kentucky 4* course? Walk last year’s course with Dana Cooke:
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