United States Eventing Association

Helmet? Check. Protective vest? Check! Your horse is wearing boots and/or studs appropriate for the terrain? Check! As you go through your pre-cross-country gear checklist, don't forget one of the single most important items: your medical data carrier.

Traditionally, these medical data carriers were worn in the form of armbands, but these days there are more modern options such as bracelets and necklaces that can be utilized as well. No matter which form of approved medical data carrier you choose to use, per the USEF Rules for Eventing you cannot leave the cross-country start box without donning this important information! Read on for more details.

Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing with emphasis added by the USEA.

EV114 Medical Data
1.To ensure that vital information is available to medical personnel in the case of emergency, Athletes must
comply with the following:

a. It is mandatory for Athletes include the telephone number of an emergency contact on the entry
form.

b. Athletes must declare medical conditions that may be relevant in case of a medical emergency and are
responsible for wearing a medical data carrier (i.e., a small emblem or tag worn on a bracelet, neck chain,
or on the clothing, intended to alert medical personnel/physicians that the wearer has an important
medical condition) or a medical armband at every Event while riding. Conditions that are relevant include
recent head injury, serious past injuries/surgeries, chronic health problems such as diabetes, long-term
medications, and allergies. If in doubt, the Athlete should discuss this with their treating physician.

Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.