MANY will be familiar with BE Fragible pins, these are breakable metal pins which are inserted between the top rail of a fence and the uprights supporting it. The pin is designed to drop the jump’s top element by at least 20cm if the fence is hit from above. The 20cm drop is designed to allow the horse to get its leg forward and save itself from a rotational fall over the fence, although it may not prevent the horse from falling.

BE Fragible pins were first introduced into the sport of eventing when trialled at nine British Eventing horse trials, including the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. The trials were successful and the frangible pins were introduced on all suitable, new cross-country fences at every level of British Eventing competitions in advance of 2006.

The pins were originally fitted in front of the upright supporting the top rail of the fence, but in 2010 this was changed so the pins were fitted behind the upright instead. The frangible pin was designed to be used on post and rail style fences and was the first frangible device to receive full approval by the FEI for use in international competitions.

MIM CLIP

Mats Bjornetun a Swedish crash safety expert, who has worked on car crash testing and car safety products for major car brands Mercedes, Volkswagon and Audi, always had a personal interest in the sport of eventing.

Bjornetun has volunteered in different organizing positions from Novice to World Cup level eventing competitions in Sweden and through his experience working at events around Sweden he became aware that there was still a need to make the cross country phase of the sport safer and to further reduce the chance of rotational falls occurring.

Bjornetun has an in-depth understanding of crash mechanics and decided to apply the same science to horse falls, with the ultimate aim of preventing a fall from happening. Bjornetun consulted with Anders Flogård, who has a background in research engineering at the University of Chalmers, and also specialises in vehicle safety to develop the MIM Clip.

The MIM Clip can be used on a wide range of obstacles, including gates and tables. Paul Coady of Cetag Limited explains: “The clip is different (from the pin) in that it responds to the forward horizontal impact of a load hitting a fence and the fence can be rebuilt in a matter of seconds.”

A study conducted by Anders Flogård, the designer of the MIM Clip, suggests that the forces involved in a rotational fall are initially horizontal, followed by vertical, and so reverse frangible technology allows the fence to be driven forwards in the same direction as the horse. This reduces the rotational speed, giving the horse a better chance of recovering and staying on its feet.

The MIM Clip was fully approved by the FEI in early 2013 and came into use in Ireland for the first time a year later. The MIM Clip is now fully approved by British Eventing (BE), Eventing Ireland (EI) and FEI.

HOW DOES IT WORK

MIM Clips can be fitted to a range of different fences including post and rail fences, gates and tables etc. For each type of fence there is a specific kit.

Detailed schematic drawings including the recommended dimensions of the fence and step-by-step advice for correct preparation and installation are included with each kit.

It is essential that course designers and builders follow the recommended dimensions on the fence for the correct function of the clips.

The MIM Clips have a compact metal ‘flag’ which pops out to indicate that the pin has been weakened by a non fall-inducing impact. The clips are designed to break if the horse accidentally hits the obstacle and applies the recognised maximum loading but the supporting steelwork is designed to remain intact. Most of the fence kits have a setting for both horses and ponies so that the maximum loading is relevant to the weight of the animal jumping the fence.

Each fence kit comes initially with spares to replace any clips which are broken. Replacing the clips is very simple and takes merely a few minutes. Further replacement clips can be purchased for approximately €10 each.

BENEFITS

  • The clips can be easily and inexpensively purchased.
  • Replacement clips can be easily fitted to the fence in a matter of minutes this means the course designer can have the fence back in use quickly and oncoming riders are stopped on course for a short amount of time.
  • Adjustable kits allow one fence to be used in a range of competition levels.
  • The wide range of fence kits available means that a greater number of fences can be made safer for both horse and rider to jump.

    • DANNY DULOHERY, COURSE BUILDER AND OWNER OF

    KILGUIKEY HOUSE, ON THE MIM SAFETY CLIPS

    DANNY Dulohorey is an expert when it comes to building courses and he has plenty of experience using the MIM Clips. When asked where safety factors in to course design and building he stated adamantly: “When it comes to designing and building a cross country course safety is number one, it’s paramount. We look at the safety aspects first and then factor in everything else afterwards. It’s a dangerous sport - we have to make it as safe as we can.”

    When asked about his experience building fences that were compatible with the MIM Clips Dulohorey said: “We had no problem building the fences. The guidelines were easy to follow and after we did it once we were much quicker the next time. It does take time to set up the brackets and clips on the rail. You have to make sure that they are set evenly on the rail and that the clips are functioning correctly, but once they are set up and in use it is very quick to replace used clips.

    “At an event we hosted, over 300 horses went over a particular fence and one horse broke the clip. I dread to think what would have happened if the clips weren’t in use on that fence, but they were and the clip did what it was supposed to do.

    “If we don’t have a safe sport, we have no sport.”

    CATHAL DANIELS ON THE MIM SAFETY CLIPS

    CATHAL Daniels and Rioghan Rua fell at Tattersalls in June of this year but returned to the venue just over a month later to win a CNC*** class. At the international fixture back in June the popular pairing were on approach to an oxer when a moment of panic ensued.

    Rioghan Rua put in an extra stride before the fence and was unable to clear it, a rotational fall would have been imminent had it not been for the MIM Clip which was fitted to the fence.

    “It all happened in a flash” stated Daniels “I was up and had the mare caught within a matter of seconds.

    “Both myself and the mare were checked over thoroughly after the fall – we had neither a scratch nor a bruise. We both walked away from our fall completely unharmed. If the MIM Clip had not been in use it would have been a very different story.

    “Rotational falls are always a possibility when you are jumping solid fences but with the use of frangible devices the risk of falls can be greatly reduced. If I were to be seriously injured in a fall and unable to ride it would have a huge impact, not only on my business but my whole life. The less risk involved with the sport the better. It definitely boosts your confidence when you know these safety measures are in place.

    “These frangible devices are also hugely important for the horse’s safety, the MIM Clips react so quickly it’s like knocking a show jumping pole and there is less chance of the horse suffering a broken leg or another serious injury.

    “Frangible devices are not only important at the top levels of the sport they are also crucial at the lower levels too. In between international events I would have a number of young, inexperienced horses to compete or horses that I have just started to ride and I am unfamiliar with – mistakes can happen and frangible devices are there to save you when they do.”

    To view a range of videos by Mimsafe, including Cathal Daniels fall at Tattersalls, click here.