Event riders call for clearer riding hat 'Head Cam' rules

Event riders are calling for clearer rules and regulations surrounding the latest ridng hat ‘head cam’ craze at competitions. Debates on safety, copyright and general lack of rules surrounding the cameras has come under scrutiny by British Eventing members and riders under FEI rules, especially at International level.

The video devices, which have become incredibly popular over the last year, are attached to the top of riding hats where footage is then recorded and posted online.

Event rider, Kate Lukas who posts her riding hat cam to a website called equi-spy said: “Last season I didn’t need to seek permission from the FEI to use a hat-cam at international events, but that has now changed,” she said.

British Eventing (BE) sport manager Debbie Marfell added to the debate: “BE owns the rights to footage taken at affiliated events, but we don’t mind what people do with it, as long as it is not used for commercial gain.”  However, last month the FEI clarified the rules that at any named FEI event, requests to use a riding hat cam must be submitted 48hrs before the competition.

 “The decision on whether or not to allow riders to use a hat-cam at a non-FEI named event [such as Badminton or Burghley] is to be taken by the ground jury [of the event],” said a spokesman.

“They shall ensure that such use does not present any safety concerns or risks and/or does not place the FEI or any other party in jeopardy of breaching any of its contractual obligations or responsibilities.”

So, should riding hat cams be in or out? Let’s hope they are here to stay as being able to jump round Badminton is something only most of us will be able to be part of via YouTube!