EA Headwear Requirements at Events

The current 2017 rule reads as follows:

• A safety helmet is mandatory for all riders up to and including Advanced level and for all riders at any level (including EA FEI level) if you are aged 21 years and under.
• If aged 22 years and over, at EA FEI level competitions, a rider has the option of wearing either a safety helmet or a top hat.
• Grooms or any other riders when mounted on a horse must wear an approved safety helmet with the retaining harness secured and fastened.
• For CDI sanctioned events FEI rules apply.

Current Safety Helmets Standards are as follows:

If your helmet is approved to EN 1384 (the old standard is no longer approved by EA) BUT ALSO approved under another standard (PAS015, ASTM F1163 VG1, etc.) then it is good to go.

Primary responsibility to comply with the new rule is yours, but also the responsibility of Clubs and organising committees to advertise that you must comply.  If you’re involved in an accident wearing a non-compliant helmet, your member insurance may not cover you.

EA General Regulations, Article 122.2: Dress and Salute, the following will apply:

Productive headgear must conform with one of the current approved safety standards:

• Current Australian standard AS/NZ 3838 (2006 onwards) provided they are SAI global marked.
• New Australian standard ARB HS 2012 provided they are SAI global marked
• Current American standards ASTM FII63 (2004a or o4a onwards) provided they are SEI marked, or SNELL E2001.
• Current British standard PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
• Interim European Standard VGI (01.040: 2014-12) with or without BSI Kitemark.