New Regulations for Competing

If you love taking your horse to competitions, you will be aware of the new rules and regulations that were introduced at the start of the year. It is so important to ensure your riding hat, body protector and riding equipment is in top condition, which is why these new safety standards have come into play.

Riding Hats

With regards to riding hats, helmets with the safety standard PAS015:1998 and SNELL 2001 are no longer permitted to be worn at events organised by British Eventing, British Riding Club, The Pony Club, and Riding for the Disabled Association.

Equestrian bodies will usually check all riding hats at competitions to make sure the new safety requirements are met. Depending on the event, some riders will be issued with a small tag to show their hat has been inspected and meets the new regulations. If your hat is already tagged from a previous competition, it may need re-tagging for 2023.

Equine Essentials Direct stocks a fantastic range of riding hats with the recognised safety standards PAS 015:2011, VG1 01.040 2014-12 (this standard must also have either a BSI Kitemark or a Inspec IC Mark), ASTM F1163 2004a or 04a onwards (this standard must also have a SEI mark), SNELL E2016, and AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards (this standard must also have a SAI Global Mark).

Available for men, women and children, we will be able to give you peace of mind that your new riding hat will be allowed to be worn at competitions. The Charles Owen, Samshield, Uvex, Kask, Champion, OneK and Kaben riding hats are always popular choices – if you would like any advice before you buy, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Body Protectors

As of 1st January 2024, body protectors meeting the 2009 safety standard will no longer be permitted at British Eventing, British Riding Club and The Pony Club events and activities. The only safety standard accepted by these bodies after the end of the year will be the BETA 2018 label.

Regular shoppers will know that we offer a great selection of body protectors – the Aerowear and Racesafe brands are market leaders. They both team the highest safety standards with optimum levels of movement and comfort. But, please don’t worry if you own a BETA 2009 garment – you can continue to use it for your own leisure riding.

Did you know that the British Show Pony Association is making BETA Level 3 body protectors compulsory for adults and children riding in all jumping classes going forward, as well as changing its riding hat rules to follow the new British Eventing, British Riding Club, The Pony Club, and Riding for the Disabled Association standards?

We appreciate how getting to grips with the latest health and safety requirements can be a nightmare for many riders. It is our aim to help you to understand the rules for your chosen discipline, so you won’t run the risk of being disqualified.

Perhaps you need to update your riding hat or body protector to enable you to compete, or maybe you fancy treating yourself for the coming months? Please visit our website to view our impressive range of competition wear. And as ever, if you would like to double-check the product details before you make a purchase, you can always call our friendly team on 01494 872 882 for a chat.

Enjoy the season ahead!