Top rider joins medical, technical and sports experts for landmark event.
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has unveiled an international line-up of speakers - including European eventing champion Laura Collett - for its first Safety Conference.
The event takes place on 21 April at Loughborough University. Tickets are available at early bird prices until 27 February.
The conference schedule is set to appeal to delegates from across equestrianism including manufacturers, retailers, coaches, members of riding bodies and disciplines and riding school proprietors.
“Safety touches everyone involved in the industry,” says BETA.
The programme for the 2026 BETA Safety Conference
The state of research into rider safety equipment – past, present and future with Dr. Stephanie Bonin PhD (MEA Forensic, Los Angeles, USA)
Designing safer helmets: Understanding rotational protection with Robin Spicer (Technical Design & Innovation Lead, Lemieux)
An eventer’s perspective on safety with Laura Collett MBE (courtesy of Zebra Products)
Analysis and prevention of spinal injuries in horse racing with Daloni Lucas Msc, BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Fitting a diverse rider population with Jade Faulkner and Dave Derby (Charles Owen), Kathryn Jaquet (RB Equestrian), and a representative of Cool Ridings
Understanding repetitive head loading - the sub-concussive impacts in football and their relevance in equestrian head protection with Megan Barnes-Wood Meng (Cardiff University, Champion)
Safety vs Comfort – a preliminary investigation into the impact of body protectors for female riders with Dr. Vicki Lewis (Senior Lecturer, Hartpury University, FEI Level 3 Steward)
Rider attitudes to safety and the FEI’s position and approach to rider safety now and in the future with Dr. Mark Hart (Chair, USEF Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee, Chair FEI Medical Committee and of the FEI Equestrian Safety Vest Working Group)
‘Safety’ Stirrups – attitudes toward and the need for standards with Claire William (BETA)
Innovation forum discussion – the future of safety with the innovation leads from evoke and Racesafe amongst others.
“We have packed a lot of hard-hitting topics into one day, with talks provided from some of the most esteemed experts in our industry and beyond,” said Claire Williams from BETA.
“This is a unique conference dedicated to something that’s essential for all of us involved with horses to understand and positively contribute towards. We are very grateful to our Gold sponsors Zebra Products/Uvex and Charles Owen and to our silver sponsors Racesafe.” There are still sponsorship and stand opportunities available.
Tickets are available online for £90(+VAT) for BETA members if booked before 27th February 2026, when it will increase to £99(+VAT). For non-members, the early bird price is £120(+VAT), going up to £130(+VAT) on 27th February 2026. This price includes a buffet style lunch, the full programme, and opportunities to connect and network with peers. To find out more and book your space, see beta-uk.org/conferences/
