Helmet Impact Testing Explained: What Safety Ratings Really Mean for UK Riders

Falls and kicks are all part of equestrian life, and injuries, particularly to the head, are a serious concern. Concussions can have long-lasting effects, sometimes persisting for years after the initial incident. That’s why a properly fitted riding hat or helmet is essential, as it plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of head trauma. But you need more than a properly-fitting hat to protect your head. You need a riding hat that meets tried-and-trusted safety standards.

The UK equestrian industry has stringent safety standards in place to ensure every rider’s hat provides them with a high level of protection. All riding hats must adhere to at least one of three international safety marks, but the best options will meet all of them.

Read on as we explain the safety ratings used to test horse riding hats in the UK. You can then make an informed choice that keeps you safe in the saddle.

How are UK Horse Riding Hats Tested?

There are numerous procedures used to safety-test all types of horse riding hats. Every hat is exposed to a range of simulated accidents and impacts to assess how effectively it can protect riders.

Some of the most commonly used tests include:

●   Impact testing: In this test, a hat’s shock absorption capabilities are tested by dropping it from various heights onto sharp edges, spikes, flat, and rounded surfaces to emulate different forms of impact. The amount of force the head-form inside the hat experiences is then measured to provide an accurate rating.

●   Harness retention testing. This procedure involves applying force to a hat’s chin strap to assess its strength and stability during wear.

●   Retention stability testing. Testing stability ensures the hat will stay stable on a rider’s head during and after an incident.

●   Crush resistance testing. Also known as lateral deformation testing, this process assesses a hat’s ability to withstand crush forces, such as those experienced when a horse falls on top of a rider.

●   Environmental conditioning testing. Many hats are tested under demanding environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and water exposure. This ensures they provide ongoing protection in all regions and environments.

Horse riding hat manufacturers are required to test their own products internally, both during the design and production phases. That said, hats can only be certified once tested by accredited laboratories and organisations like BSI Kitemark.

Leading UK Safety Standards

PAS015:2011

PAS015:2011 is a top-level safety standard for British equestrian gear. It demands more rigorous testing than standards like ASTM and VG1, ensuring exceptional safety for local riders.

Hats tested according to this standard, like the Champion Ventair Deluxe Jockey Skull, offer a hazard edge impact rating of 90 degrees, and a flat impact rating of 1.8m. They can withstand spikes of 75cm and provide up to 800N of crush resistance.

EN1384:2023

This recent European standard applies strict safety requirements to all equestrian hats sold in the UK. Its stipulations are more in-depth than previous versions of the standard, and includes newer performance testing and higher requirements for mechanical strength and shock absorption.

EN1384:2023’s performance standards are similar to those of PAS015:2011. Hats like the Karben Ariel Ellipse SP Riding Hat that pass this test can stand up to flat impacts of 1.8m, spikes of 62.5cm, and 800N of crush resistance. They also have a 90 degree hazard edge impact rating.

VG1 01.040

The standard VG1 01.040 was introduced in late 2014 as an update to the European safety standard 1384:2012.

VG1-tested riding hats provide 1.8m of flat impact protection, although they are not tested against hazard edge impacts. They are designed to withstand spikes of up to 50cm in length, glancing blows, and up to 630N of crush pressure.

ASTM/SEI F1163-15

ASTM F1163-15 is one of the most basic safety standards in place today. It does not require crush or spike tests, and approves just 300g of impact response. Most riding hats in the UK, including the KEP Cromo 2.0 Polish Riding Helmet, pass this test with ease.

Like with most other standards, it offers flat impact resistance of 1.8m and 90 degrees of hazard edge impact protection. ASTM F1163-15 2023 also requires hats to offer 630N of crush resistance.

Snell E2021

Although Snell is a UK safety paradigm, you may find it on imported, US-manufactured riding gear. Snell is a highly strict testing standard that requires crush and height tests far higher than standards like PAS015.

Snell E2021 hats have a flat hazard rating of at least 1.9m, and a hazard impact edge of 90 degrees. They can withstand spikes of 100cm in length, and have a high crush resistance of 1000N or more. They are also subject to hemisphere and horseshoe anvil tests, which keep riders’ heads protected against a wide range of hazards.

BSI Kitemark

The BSI Kitemark covers minimum safety standards PAS015 and VG1. The organisation meticulously checks one out of every 200 hats in a batch of between 800 to 3,200 riding hats.

If the hats pass the standards mentioned above, they will be granted a BSI Kitemark label of approval. However, if they do not, the full batch of hats is immediately destroyed.

How to Choose the Best Hat for Your Discipline

Regardless of your riding discipline, choosing a horse riding hat with as many safety marks as possible gives you excellent protection. Selecting a hat with the PAS015:2011 mark and the BSI Kitemark will safeguard you against a variety of risks, helping to prevent injuries in the field, on the track, and at competitions and shows.

Safety ratings aside, the fit of your hat is also critical. Your hat should fit snugly, but not be too loose or too tight. It should hug the back of your head firmly, and allow you to fasten its straps and custom closures comfortably without chafing or pinching. Don’t forget that once your hat has undergone a heavy impact, it will need to be replaced immediately.

Find Protective Safety-Rated Hats at Ayr Equestrian

At Ayr Equestrian, staying safe in the saddle is our top priority. That’s why our range of jockey skulls and other high-quality horse riding hats is all endorsed by the UK’s leading safety standards.

Browse our collection online and find the ideal hat to keep you safe, whether you’re doing dressage, eventing, or other equestrian activities.