Specialist Information

• >> Equimat Information
• >> Equilibrium Fly Relief
• >> Equilibrium Boots...
• >> Body Protectors
• >> Body Protectors Sizing
• >> Riding Hat
• >> Badminton Young Dressage

Free Catalogue

• >> Order Catalogue

Safety - Riding Hats

Did you know that there are at least 3000 accidents involving horses on our roads every year, which averages out to eight per day? This underlines the need for safety precautions to help prevent injury. Head injuries are the most serious for riders so it is vital that protective headgear is always worn.

In 2003 a rider tragically died following an unexplained fall from her horse. After the inquest, the Coroner wrote to the BHS about the case because it became apparent that the helmet worn by the rider was manufactured in 1987, making it 16 years old and of an obsolete standard.

Sheila Hardy, Senior Executive in the BHS's Safety Department said 'It is therefore important to regularly review all of your protective riding wear as standards are continually under review. Materials such as polystyrene disintegrate in time, but most important of all, hats must be treated with respect if they are to protect the head. If a hat is left in the sun or on a radiator to dry, the materials may become brittle resulting in a loss of efficiency. Once a hat has been involved in a fall, it is advisable that it be replaced as it will have lost some of its cushioning powers, which may be required to protect the head in a subsequent fall.'

For the hat to offer full protection the chin strap must be adjusted to the rider and securely fastened. Hair clips should not be worn under the hat as these can themselves inflict injury in the event of a fall. Second-hand hats should be avoided as you will not know the history of the hat and therefore cannot be sure of its integrity.

It is mandatory under 'The Horses (protective headgear for young riders) Regulations 1992' for children under the age of 14 to wear protective headgear when riding a horse on the road. The headgear must conform to one of the British standards.

The British Standards include; EN1384:1996; BSEN1384:1998; PAS015 1998; ASTM F1163; or a higher standard such as Snell E2001 or BSEN 14572:2005.

PAS015:1998 offers the best yet in terms of shock absorbency, penetration and retention.

Although not a legal requirement for all riders, The British Horse Society and Derby House strongly recommend that every rider should wear a helmet that complies with current approved standards. Derby House stocks a range of hats, skulls and helmets to keep your head protected.

Please refer to individual disciplines for minimum standards.

For a full explanation of current and obsolete standards, visit www.beta-uk.org/safety.