BETA Support Safety Forum at Horse and Country Fair

'SURVIVING To Ride' is the title of a Safety Forum supported by the British Equestrian Trade Association at the new Horse and Country Fair.

The forum will allow visitors to learn more about the important issues of safety and the many steps that can be taken to prevent accidents.

Speaking at the forum will be Roy Burek of Charles Owen who will present the 'Facts of Life' an entertaining and informative talk about surviving to ride. Roger Cooper of KC Equestrian will follow up with tips on what to look for when buying a body protector and what they can (and can't do) to prevent injury. Finally David Dyer and Kate Ballard, both of Frogpool Manor Saddlery will explain the importance of checking and maintaining tack to safe riding.

The theme of the talks will be preparing for the competition season with a thorough look at safety and the many aspects that should be covered.

A brand new equine event, The Horse and Country Fair takes place at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April 2002.

BETA Chief Executive and Secretary Claire Williams said: "We are looking forward to being involved with the Horse and Country Fair and assisting with the Safety Forums.

"Making sure body protectors and riding hats are correctly fitted and up to standard is vitally important and the forum provides a good opportunity for visitors to the event to increase their knowledge.

"Standards are improving all the time and BETA continuously works with manufacturers to continually use new materials and methods to assist with safety."

Along with 200 indoor trade stands selling everything for horse and rider, visitors will also be able to see many of the latest horse care products in action before they buy, and watch informative and entertaining talks and celebrity presentations in the Demonstration Areas throughout the weekend.

Merseyside Police will give a mounted demonstration on safer riding on the road, and students from Merrist Wood College will give practical horsecare demonstrations on a live horse.