Horse Riding Hat Safety Standards
Horse riding hats and helmets are crucial for protecting the rider's head in the event of a fall or handling injury. In the UK, riding hats must meet stringent safety standards to ensure adequate protection. Each discipline has its own requirements for safety standards required to compete but the most readily accepted safety standard for riding hats in the UK is PAS015:2011 with BSI Kitemark; if you are unsure, give our team a call and we can assist further. The most important factor when selecting a horse riding hat after ensuring it meets the correct safety standard is to ensure the fit is correct for your head shape.
PAS015:2011:
PAS015 is a British standard that sets out specifications for riding hats, including design, construction, and performance requirements. Hats compliant with PAS015 (2011) undergo rigorous testing to assess their ability to absorb impact and protect the rider's head from injury.
VG1:
VG1 is a European safety standard that covers various protective headgear, including riding hats. In the UK, riding hats must meet or exceed VG1 standards to be considered safe for use. VG1 certification ensures that the hat meets minimum safety requirements for impact absorption and structural integrity. VG1 will often be found in hats in conjunction with PAS015:2011 for many UK helmet manufacturers.
SNELL E2016 & E2021:
SNELL is an American safety standard which offers an improved crush resistance test of 1000N. SNELL can be found in conjunction with PAS015:2011 on some models of jockey skulls and is often selected for riders competing in cross country training or competition where there is a higher risk of rotational fall.
Body Protector Safety Requirements:
BETA Level 3 (2018)
In addition to wearing a properly certified and correctly fitted horse riding hat, riders should also consider using a body protector to reduce the risk of trauma to the body.
Body protectors are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall or collision thus reducing the risk of bruising and rib fracture. BETA Level 3 (2018) is considered appropriate for general riding, competitions including eventing and working with horses. Most riding schools will require riders to wear a BETA Level 3 (2018) body protector for jumping activities and all establishments will require one is worn when riding cross country. Similarly to a riding hat, achieving the correct fit is essential for comfort and performance.
