British Eventing (BE) has announced the launch of the British Eventing Engineering Innovation Prize, a major new initiative designed to inspire the next generation of engineers to develop cutting-edge safety systems for cross-country fences.
The project, led by British Eventing and funded by a grant from the British Eventing Support Trust, will invite final-year engineering and design students from selected UK universities to create innovative, practical solutions aimed at reducing the risk of rotational horse falls.
For more than two decades, BE has invested in research into cross-country safety, including collaborations with the University of Bristol and the Transport Research Laboratory. This work highlights the specific challenges posed by rotational falls, particularly when a horse’s forehand or chest contacts the leading edge of a solid fence.
While frangible technology has significantly improved safety at certain fence types, there remains limited adaptable technology for obstacles such as tables, oxers, corners and brush fences. The new Engineering Innovation Prize aims to address these gaps by encouraging fresh thinking from some of the UK’s most innovative young engineers.
The initiative will run for 12–18 months, enabling universities to fully integrate the project into their academic cycles. Participating institutions will include departments specialising in mechanical engineering, sports engineering, materials science and design engineering.
To ensure students develop a clear and informed understanding of the sport, the project will be supported by a dedicated British Eventing management team, including technical and safety specialists. Shortlisted teams will be given access to BE’s extensive safety research archive and historical data, alongside insight into cross-country course design, fence construction and competition demands. Where appropriate, students will also have opportunities to visit events and engage directly with course builders and officials to better understand real-world application.
Entrants will be challenged to create new or improved deformable or frangible fence systems that meet or exceed current BE and FEI safety standards. Designs should be compatible with standard timber fence construction, resilient in outdoor competition environments, and practical to reset efficiently between competitors. Affordability and the potential for broad adoption across the BE fixture network are also key considerations.
A total prize fund of £10,000 has been confirmed, supporting awards for the winner, runner-up and highly commended entries. Funds raised during the British Eventing Support Trust Winter Ball, where supporters contributed £15,000 towards the project, will support the wider delivery of the scheme, including academic oversight, prototype testing and administration.
Submissions will be evaluated on their potential to improve safety, originality, technical viability, field practicality and cost-effectiveness. Throughout the process, teams will receive guidance from expert engineers, course builders and BE representatives, with opportunities for real-world prototype testing at British Eventing venues.
Rosie Williams OBE, CEO of British Eventing, said:
“I am excited about this innovation and grateful to the British Eventing Support Trust for their financial funding. We are constantly looking at the safety of our sport with fresh eyes, and are looking forward to engaging with the best universities working in mechanical engineering, sports science, materials expertise and design. This work will take time, and we hope to see meaningful developments over the next 12–18 months.”
Ian Stark OBE, Chair, Board of Trustees of the BE Support Trust commented:
“The partnership between British Eventing and the BE Support Trust reflects our shared commitment to continually improving safety within our sport. The new Innovation Prize is an inspiring step forward. It encourages the next generation of engineers and sports scientists to explore bold, creative solutions that could significantly reduce the risk of falls and improve safety for both horses and riders.”
The competition will launch publicly in late 2025, with initial concept submissions due in June 2026. This will be followed by a mentored development phase and final presentations scheduled for June 2027.
Winning concepts may progress into field trials and future implementation on the BE circuit, marking a significant step in BE’s long-term strategy to pioneer improvements in cross-country safety and engage the wider engineering community in shaping the future of the sport.