When it comes to selecting your horse riding hat, there are different safety standards available.
- PAS015 (2011):
The PAS015 (2011) standard, developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), is widely recognized and respected in the global equestrian community. The standard focuses on the impact protection and stability of riding helmets. PAS015 (2011) outlines rigorous testing procedures, including impact tests and stability assessments, to ensure that helmets meet high safety standards.
The PAS015 (2011) standard is regularly updated to incorporate advancements in helmet technology and maintain its relevance in an ever-evolving equestrian landscape. Most riding schools and competition centres in the UK will require your horse riding hat to meet PAS015 (2011) standards.
- SNELL:
The Snell Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to setting high safety standards for various helmets, including those designed for horse riding. SNELL standards often go beyond minimum requirements, incorporating additional testing for impact resistance, shock absorption, and stability.
SNELL standards are recognized internationally and are considered stringent, making helmets that meet these standards a reliable choice for riders seeking top-tier protection. SNELL is often selected for cross country where the risk of rotational fall is increased. The strength of SNELL is often selected to minimise the risk of injury in a crush fall and can be found on jockey helmets, often in conjunction with PAS015 (2011).
- ASTM:
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed standards for a wide range of products, including horse riding helmets. ASTM F1163 is the standard specifically related to horse riding hats. It addresses various factors, such as impact absorption, penetration resistance, and harness effectiveness.
ASTM standards are widely adopted in the United States and many other countries, providing a comprehensive framework for manufacturers to produce helmets that meet or exceed safety expectations. Here in the UK, we don't require ASTM but it is a good additional standard which can be found on many horse riding hats.
- VG1:
VG1 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) for equestrian helmets. VG1 sets requirements for impact resistance, stability, and shock absorption. Helmets complying with VG1 are commonly used in European countries and are recognized as meeting essential safety criteria. VG1 replaced BSEN (1384) and is often found in conjunction with PAS015 (2011).
