The benefits of What3Words at equestrian events
Following several serious incidents requiring HEMS support, Devon Air Ambulance has introduced a new safety measure with Bicton Arena. Eventing organisers now assign a What3Words location to each fence or fence combination and share this with key personnel ahead of the competition. Unlike grid references or postcodes, which cover large areas, What3Words pinpoints a precise 3‑metre square. In the event of a HEMS call‑out, this exact location enables the pilot to fly directly to the scene, before selecting the safest landing point.
Examples of pre-planned W3W information for relevant personnel 2-L Number
2-S Number
3-S Number
Name
1
1
1
Flowerbed
feels.sector.something
2
2
2
Equine Giveaways Roller
policies.suspends.engulfing
3
3
3
Log Stack
tailwind.danger.outs
4AB
4AB
4
TopSpec Feed Boxes
rezoming.allow.sideboard
5
5
5
Sawbench
nozzle.haystack.surcharge
Location
What3Words
W3W
Western Counties Arena
activates.deliver.fluffed
NAF Arena
today.corrode.otters
Dressage Levels
punch.willpower.void
Show Office
blank.surprises.vocal
XC Warm Up
craftsmen.lasted.stick
Stable Managers
enable.flagpole.paces
Permanent Stables
goodbyes.rings.preoccupied
We’ve introduced a new system that assigns a What3Words location to every cross‑country fence and key rendezvous point on our event site. It gives us far greater confidence that we can reach patients quickly and accurately. I genuinely believe this could encourage other events — both British Eventing–affiliated and beyond — to do the same. W3W isn’t just for individual emergencies: it’s a powerful tool for event safety planning of any size. Quote from Helen West, Director, Bicton Arena