The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has introduced new minimum standards for rider safety equipment, which will help better protect the sport’s participants against the risk of injury.
Under the Rules of Racing, anyone who rides a horse on the racecourse or under the care of a licensed trainer must wear a BHA-approved helmet and body protector – previously known as a skull cap and safety vest.
From 17 October 2024, the BHA will update the minimum safety specifications for riders to ensure up-to-date equipment is being used, in line with industry best practice and internationally approved quality standards.
All body protectors will need to meet certified safety standard (BS) EN 13158: 2018 and be of at least Level 2 standard, while helmets must comply with at least two different international testing standards.
Many riders will already be using the latest models, which afford the wearer greater protection than predecessor models, but others will need to upgrade their equipment to adhere to the new safety standards.
To support this transition, the following grace periods will be in place until the new Rules come into effect, giving riders and employers sufficient time to purchase new body protectors and helmets where required:
- For anyone riding a horse on racecourse property (e.g. licensed jockeys riding in competition), the new Rules will be enforced from 1 February 2025
- For anyone riding a horse under the care of a licensed trainer (e.g. racing staff and jockeys riding out), the new Rules will be enforced from 1 June 2025.
It is recommended that riders who need to upgrade their equipment do so at the earliest possible opportunity – and well in advance of the full implementation date – as this will provide better protection against the risk of riding-related injury.
During the grace period, riders will not face sanction or disciplinary action if their safety equipment does not adhere to the revised standards, but information will be available to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to provide the best possible protection for themselves and others.
The changes to rider equipment requirements follow extensive engagement with industry stakeholders and reflect ongoing innovation and improvements in design and manufacturing techniques, with the aim of enhancing safety, performance, comfort and durability.
BHA Chief Medical Adviser, Dr Jerry Hill, said:
“Activities involving horses will always carry an element of risk, which is why it’s essential that we keep pace with advances in the development of safety equipment and provide the highest level of protection for racing’s workforce.
“The new minimum standard specifications for body protectors and helmets will help ensure that riders are using newer models that afford the wearer greater protection and flexibility than some older standards. These are products that have been through stringent quality testing to assess how the equipment responds to and absorbs impact from a fall or a kick.
“It is highly likely than many riders are already using body protectors and helmets that comply with the new approved standards; but where that’s not the case, we are asking people to upgrade their equipment to help minimise the risk of racing-related injury and keep everyone as safe as possible.
“The inclusion of the grace period should give everyone who needs it sufficient time to purchase the necessary equipment and ensure they are complying with the new Rule when it comes info full effect.
“Please remember that whenever new equipment is purchased it should be fitted by someone with appropriate training to ensure optimum fit and protection.”
Notes to editors:
The updated minimum safety standards, as approved by the BHA, are as follows:
- Body protectors: must comply with certified safety standard (BS) EN 13158: 2018, should have evidence of Quality Testing (e.g. the BETA approval mark) and must be at least Level 2. The 2009 version has now been withdrawn and no manufacturer is now producing it. While there is no difference in the amount of protection offered by the 2009 and 2018 versions, it has been agreed to withdraw permission for the 2009 version due to the potential age that some of this equipment may have reached. More information about specific brands and models is available from BETA: www.beta-uk.org.
- Helmets: must comply with at least two different international testing standards and should have evidence of Quality Testing from organisations such as BSI, INSPEC, SNELL, SEI. More information about specific brands and models should be available from the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). www.beta-uk.org
