Under the Rules of Racing, anyone who rides a horse on the racecourse or under the care of a licensed trainer must wear a BHA-approved helmet and body protector. From 17 October 2024, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have updated the minimum safety specifications for riders. This is to ensure that up-to-date equipment is being used in line with industry best practice and internationally approved quality standards, to better protect rider’s against the risk of injury.

Many riders will already be wearing models meeting the latest standards however the BHA, to support the transition, have put the following grace periods in place. This is to provide both riders and employers sufficient time to purchase new equipment where required:

  • For anyone riding a horse on racecourse property (e.g. licensed jockeys riding in competition), the new rules will be enforced from 1 February 2025.
  • For anyone riding a horse under the care of a licensed trainer (e.g. racing staff and jockeys riding out), the new rules will be enforced from 1 June 2025.

Body Protectors for Horse Racing

Body protectors are designed to absorb impact from a fall or kick from a horse. All body protectors for horse racing will need to meet certified safety standard (BS) EN 13158: 2018 and be of at least Level 2 standard.

The 2009 version has now been withdrawn, and while there is no difference in the amount of protection offered by the 2009 and 2018 versions, it has been agreed to withdraw permission for the 2009 version due to the potential age that some of this equipment may have reached.

The BHA also recommends that all body protectors worn when not for the purposes of race riding should meet Level 3 standard.


Riding Hats to Wear When Horse Racing

Riding hats must comply with at least two different international testing standards and should have evidence of Quality Testing from organisations such as BSI, INSPEC, SNELL, SEI. A helmet must comply with at least one standard from Group A and at least one different standard from Group B in the table below:

Group AGroup B
British Standard PAS 015 2011 and any subsequent updates.British Standard PAS 015 2011 and any subsequent updates.
European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing harmonised standard EN1384:2023European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing harmonised standard EN1384:2023
European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing the VG1 performance specification.
(NB VG1 will be withdrawn as an acceptable standard on 1 June 2025)
European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing the VG1 performance specification.
(NB VG1 will be withdrawn as an acceptable standard on 1 June 2025)
American ASTM F1163: 2015 and any subsequent updates.
American Snell E2016 and any subsequent updates. (Please note, Snell combines the standard with subsequent quality testing, therefore no additional quality testing mark is required).

It is always recommended that whenever new equestrian safety equipment is purchased, it should be fitted by someone with appropriate training so the correct fit is achieved. At Redpost Equestrian, we offer FREE in-store and virtual fittings. Our staff are fully-trained and experienced fitters, with a great knowledge of our products, so they can find the right equipment for you. Find out more and book your fitting HERE.

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