Understanding the law on riding hats
Being thrown from your horse can cause a serious head injury hence the Law and Highway Code are there to protect riders and to encourage them to wear a safety helmet. Legislation is changing all the time with regard to safety helmets so make sure you are clear on what complies.
What the Law says in relation to children under 14
By Law children aged 14 years or younger must wear a safety helmet when riding on the road that conforms to present safety standards. Responsible trainers and riding schools should also follow this rule.
It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or horse owner, or person who has custody of the horse, to ensure that, before a child rides, they are wearing suitable protective headwear.
Click here for further guidance/specification details defined by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).
RoSPA recommends that horse riders wear a helmet specifically designed for horse riding rather than for other sport.
Different eventing associations will have different safety rules
Even if you’re over the age of 14, all professional associations require riders to wear adequate head protection.
Whilst different associations have different rules with regard to the wearing of protective headgear, all are united in encouraging riders to don a safety helmet during competitions and exams. For example, the British Horse Society confirms that ‘protective headwear’ must be worn at all times by anyone, whether or not a competitor, while riding anywhere at a BHC event. Event requirements vary by discipline, ie: dressage, show jumping etc. They also have clear guidance on what standards, helmets must conform to.
Visit their website at: British Horse Society for further details.
Modern technology has led the way
Modern technology has enabled manufacturers to produce safety helmets that are not only strong, they are light to wear and extremely comfortable. That’s good news for the equestrian industry. Given this, helmet standards (and safety) continue to evolve as new testing regimes are brought in and better ways of producing materials are introduced.
What safety standards should I look for?
Safety standards vary through different riding associations, however the American SEI ASTM F1163-15 and interim VG1 standards are widely accepted and show that the manufacturer complies with their rigorous system of regulation and testing.
Contact your equine supplier for advice if you are unsure about which helmet to buy and if it conforms to current Legislation.
Changes brought in during 2016
The Law has changed in the last couple of years; (BS EN 1384 has now been withdrawn from EU Legislation) so manufacturers can no longer mark their goods with the CE Mark indicating compliance, so it’s good to take professional advice before making your helmet purchase.
Following changes the EU Commission has made to hat standards, from 2016, the BHS (The Britsh Horse Society) has implemented changes to their hat rules. This involves the phasing out of EN1384 or BSEN1384 compliant hats, in BHS exams and competitions.
Hats that bear EN1384 or BSEN1384 ALONG WITH another accepted standard, may be permitted.
The New Rider Generation (NRG) Helmet by Whitaker is a particular favourite amongst riders. The helmet inner shell is made from an EPS foam which is a hard foam designed to absorb shock whilst offering protection, the helmet is tested to SEI ASTM F1163-15 and VG1 standard. Available in four shell sizes, the NRG features a Dial-To-Fit system which allows the user to finely tune the fit of their helmet!
John Whitaker and the Whitaker family are well known in the equine industry, particularly within the show jumping circuit. The exclusive JW brand of equestrian clothing and products, including Brogini riding boots, are available through John Whitaker International (JWI). Combining superior quality with exceptional performance, the JW brand has earned the respect of both amateur and professional riders across the globe.
