Spring is in the air and the new season is around the corner. Now is the time that we should be checking our competition kit, for both our horse and ourselves. A rule change can often lead to some confusion and a question we are often asked…..

Is my riding hat legal for British Eventing, Pony Club, British Riding Club or Riding for the Disabled events?

There has been one major change for the 2023 season and that is, hats that come with the safety standard PAS015:1998 and SNELL 2001 will no longer be competition legal. British Eventing, The Pony Club, British Riding Club and Riding for the Disabled will not allow you to compete if your hat doesn’t have the safety standards listed below.

The standards which are allowed are:

PAS 015:2011
VG1 01.040 2014-12 – this standard must be accompanied with a BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark
ASTM F1163 2004a or 04a – this standard must also have the SEI mark
SNELL E2016
AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards – this standard must have the SAI Global Mark

Riding hat certification stamps.
Riding discipline hat rule requirements

At most competitions run by the Pony Club, BE, BRC etc you will have to have your hat checked by an official. Your hat will then be “tagged” with a sticker which will show that your hat complies with the current safety standards.

If you are unsure about the standard of your riding hat, do pop into the shop and one of our team will be able to assist you.

Forelock and Load actively encourage horse riders to wear a professionally fitted riding hat, that is securely fastened every time you ride.

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