Although I agree that a phone could be a hazard if you fell on in I doubt that’s the major issue here given that the rule cited by the OP refers to communication devices and that there’s no rule prohibiting the carrying of other metallic objects.
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I don’t think it’s that because I know a girl who landed on her spurs and had to go to the ER for a puncture wound in her bum. But we still ride with pointy things on our feet. However I could see maybe being an issue if it went off in a class? Sally’s horse spooks because Sarah’s phone rings.
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I think that’s a bit of a reach and not the original intent of the rule.
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THIS must be the real reason behind the exaggerated crest release with the rider’s bum in the air and head down on the neck by their hands?? You’ve solved it, Peggy! The fact that some did it before we had Apple watches just means that they must have had some jump on technology 
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I’ve legit had my trainer call out as I was trotting to start my course… “Which first jump do you think you’re going to?” And I’ve crossed the ring in shame and picked up my canter and went to the correct jump. I have told her that I would rather have a coaching moment than go off course. There’s always the chance that I hear her and the loudspeaker drowns it out to the judge… or that they laugh and don’t care… but it’s much better than going off course or having to circle.
Then again, I’ve also totally lost my way at the top of the ring going to my first fence… and did a full “opening circle” and managed to win the class… so who knows…
On this topic… never even considered NOT wearing my Apple watch. It’s also a safety device as it has fall detection and it’s the best way for trainer to reach me if she’s running late to warm me up or if there’s a reason why I need to be somewhere else ASAP.
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Can you not have your phone in a holster in the ring? I’ve seen people jump 5* GPs with their phone in their front pocket…lol
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Mine calls 911 if I fall off - mother’s day gift from my kids because I ride alone a lot- So ya, I wear it- (even though my sitting trot thinks I am falling off lol)
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You aren’t supposed to have your phone at all. Having it in a holster would make it even more obvious.
This thread has made me realize how much I NEED an Apple watch for show days. I’ve never had one and hate things on my wrist. But as a groom/braider/amateur/slave-labor in my barn, it would be so handy to not have to deal with my phone, or end up with my trainer’s phone while she’s on course and walk away with it back to the stalls as I swap out horses, or leave my phone at the stalls as I bring up my own horse just to find out when I get to the ring that someone forgot fill-in-the-blank and needed me to bring it.
The more I type this out, the many many more reasons I see that I NEED one of these things. You guys have any idea how many times I have had to either stop in the middle of a braid to answer a call, or finish the braid and miss the call and have to call someone back? With a watch, I could just boop the answer button with my nose, and keep on going! Brilliant!
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PLUS it can ping your phone when you misplace it… so if you’re like me and crawling around every crevice and searching every cushion for my iphone… GAMECHANGER.
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I just want to point out if someone is wearing a phone it can be a medical device. I have a cell phone with the app for my glucose monitor and another remote control for my insulin pump that I have to wear. So try to clarify before making a big stink with the stewards . Don’t ask me how I know.
I have a large enough case they both fit in it but if you don’t know you would think it’s a phone(s). I always clear it at the show office but every now and then someone makes a big stink and a scene at the in gate
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I do this way more than I should admit. But it’s easier and faster than searching for the phone.
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Do they have a “find my wallet” app? Because it’s always my wallet…
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I find Air Tags to be a little creepy, but I have lost my wallet for a lot longer period of time (at a show) than I have my phone. I just might need to try it.
You can also resolve this issue with your AirPods. I have the Powerbeats and wear only one at a time. Siri reads text messages to me (WhatsApp also) and I use Siri to respond. Sometimes the spelling is off, but people get the gist.
I wear mine to show and have ever since I got it in 2021. I put mine in DND when I get on to show, and I literally never even thought about it being illegal. My trainer shows with hers and so do several other girls at my barn — all the way from 2’ local shows to 3’6” at AA shows
Just make sure it’s set to silent — mine started ringing in the middle of a course
I’m going to blow your mind… I actually keep my phone and wallet as one. Amazon has iphone wallets that have both a zipper part AND 2-3 side of credit card sleeves, which means I can stuff about 8-10 cards and also can stuff hotel cards in a side that doesn’t back up to phone (bc those stupid cards love to deactivate). Mine has a magnet closure.
So I legit can find BOTH my phone and wallet at once by just using my watch. If it had a valet key chain where I could keep my keeps attached and just detach for driving, then I’d be SET.
#ConfessionsofaScatterbrain
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it’s worth it for this reason alone.
