The helmet approved standards list has been updated in the Equestrian Australia (EA) General Regulations as from 19 October 2016.
Current American standard SNELL E2011 and British standard PAS 015 have been added to the list of approved safety standards to offer a wider range of choice for their members.
The new Australian ARB HS 2012 standard has been added to the ongoing and current AS/NZS 3838 Australian standard. This standard has been published by Racing Australia in 2012.
EA’s responsibilities include maximising safety in the sport. That is why from now on, except where Sport Rules allows otherwise, riders and drivers competing in an EA competition, must wear an approved helmet with the chin strap fastened at all times. The same is recommended when riding a horse at any time.
Judy Fasher, Chair of EA says “Equestrian Australia is pleased to have aligned our rules with international standards for riding helmets. The new rules offer variety, combined with the most advanced technology available in the production and design of riding helmets.”
Following the withdrawal of the safety standard EN1384 in Europe during 2014-2015 EA had followed the movement in February 2016 (see below) by informing members that the EN1384 standard would not be permitted as of 1 January 2017 and that in addition, the new VG1 was a new approved standard on the list. The year notice gave riders time to purchase new helmets if necessary.
Equestrian Australia February 2016 statement
Equestrian Australia has advisd that Helmet Standard EN1384 will remain effective until 31 December 2016. In addition, a new standard VG1 has been added to the General Regulations effective immediately. As of 1 January 2017 helmets with the EN1384 standard will not be permitted under EA’s General Regulations.
As per the EA General Regulations, Equestrian Australia highly recommends the use of helmets that conform to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3838, as this standard provides for more stringent testing and further periodic retesting.
Other countries around the world have adopted new standards since the withdrawal of the European Equestrian Riding Helmet standard (BS)EN1384 last year. Both British Eventing and Eventing Ireland are permitting the use of the following standards
- British & European
- VG1 01.040 2014-12 with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark
- All PAS 015
- American
- ASTM F1163 2004a onwards with SEI Mark and SNELL 2001(No other mark is needed with SNELL)
- Australian & New Zealand
- All AS/NZS 3838 2003
