Introduction
Portable cross country fences are ideal for all levels of competition and for all horses and riders. The offer versatility and can be used as a range of sites with very few constraints. However, it is essential that all portable fences are secured correctly and appropriately in order to reduce the safety risk. The information and documents below outlines the measures which should be taken to secure portable fences adequately.
Guidance on Portable XC Fences
The use of portable cross country fences has increased greatly in the last few years. The guidance below is designed to help course builders and event organisers when moving and securing portable cross country fences.
How to Secure Portable XC Fences
A horse going at normal Cross Country speed can have a very significant impact upon an obstacle. Any fence that moves unexpectedly can cause a fall or make that fall significantly worse, regardless of the size of the fence or size of the horse or pony. Thus portable fences must be secured adequately in all situations at all times.
The below guidance outlines techniques which can be employed to secure portable fences appropriately, and considers other options for securing portables on artificial surfaces and water jumps.
FAQs
Our FAQs can be downloaded below. If you have a question which is not covered, please email Stefanie Brazier on stefanie.brazier@pcuk.org or safety@pcuk.org.
Insurance for XC Fences
Securing Portable Cross Country Fences
We previously wrote to Branches and Centres in regard to our insurers exclusion in our liability insurance policy, which stated that our insurers would not accept:
“Any claim arising out of moveable or non-permanent cross country jumps that are not secured in line with current British Eventing regulations. This exclusion is deemed to apply irrespective of whether the Assured holds competitions under British Eventing rules but does not apply when cross country fences are used in the course of business in any indoor or outdoor arena with an artificial surface.”
What has changed?
The Pony Club insurers have had further consultation with the underwriters, and they have agreed to remove the exclusion clause relating to the fixing of portable cross country fences. They will be replacing the clause with the following wording:
“The deletion of clause 14 is on the strict basis that The Pony Club will operate best practice and comply with their own guidelines in relation to moveable and non - permanent cross country fences”.
What must we do going forwards?
It is of course essential that portable cross country fences are still only erected under the supervision of a person who fully understands the correct methods for securing such jumps. Guidance notes from The Pony Club are available below, describing in detail how to fit the various methods of anchoring portable cross country fences on natural surfaces. If you require any further advice on portable cross country fences please consult safety@pcuk.org.
Thank you for your co-operation in implementing these procedures, which are in all our interests.