New riding hat standards enforced in 2016

New riding hat standards have been introduced as of 1 January 2016 across all British Olympic equestrian sports.

Hat withdrawal

Following the withdrawal of one of the most popularstandardofhatin Europe (the (BS)EN1384) last year,British eventing, British Showjumping and British Dressage have all amended their rulebooks.

The following hats are now permitted.

British: All PAS 015, VG1 (provided they are BSI Kitemarked) European: VG1 (provided they are BSI Kitemarked) American: SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2001Australian & New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2003 onwards

Checked and tagged

These rules apply to everyone riding at an affiliated event – even if you’re not competing. So grooms, friends, or family members need to wear the appropriate standard if they get on a horse.

According to BE rules a hat’s label must be checked by an official and then tagged with a visible current BE ‘hat tag’.

Banned

In February 2015 BE banned helmets with a fixed peak on the cross-country phase. Only jockey skull caps may be worn, and these should have: “An even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, with no peak, peak type extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front.”

A removable hat cover with a “light flexible peak” may be used. Cross-country helmets must also be checked and tagged before use.