Standards are found either directly on the helmet (outside on inside the shell), on a sticker, printed directly on the lining, or on an information tag, which is usually attached to the lining.  Standards on the helmet linings ARE acceptable for tagging and competing in.

In October 2014 the EU Commission announced the withdrawal of the European equestrian riding helmet standard EN1384. The EN1384 standard was removed because not all the Basic Health and Safety Requirements (“BHSRs”) of the applicable European Directive were being correctly addressed by the standard. As a result of the withdrawal, this standard no longer offers a presumption of conformity, so it can no longer be used (or used alone) by equestrian helmet manufacturers to certify the conformity of their product with the European specifications.

ESNZ have chosen to take this directive seriously, but with a fair length of lead in time, giving riders until the end of July 2017 to replace their old EN1384 standard helmets with compliant helmets, for use in competition.

The kite mark is one example of a Quality Assurance Mark – it is not the safety standard and so the helmet still only has the EN 1384 as its standard and is not compliant, unless it has an additional standard

The various standards relate to the country they are certified in, but all standards meet the same high safety requirements. I.e. Europe are now using VG1, the UK use the PAS 015 standard; USA use ASTM-F1163 and NZ and Australia use AS/NZS 3838.

Yes, all ASTM-F1163 standards are compliant (ie 04, 04a, 11, 15…)

This development is composed of a few technical modifications which aim to improve EN1384-2012 standard.  VG1 is being employed temporarily until new permanent standards are approved, and will span the gap for the CE mark.  However, this does not mean that VG1 standard helmets will not be allowed in the future.

Yes, tagging will still be taking place, at competitions and events and you will absolutely need to ensure your helmet is red tagged before entering the competition arena.  Obviously it will be easier for your helmet to be approved/checked (for you to compete in) if it already has a red tag affixed to it.

No, we are quite satisfied with current regulations and have not heard of any changes to these coming in. 

ESNZ and New Zealand Pony Clubs Association are both responsible for tagging and use the same red tags. A joint memorandum of understanding was signed to support the single tagging policy for New Zealand equestrian events and activities held by either of the two organisations.

ESNZ have approved several ESNZ Officials and members of staff throughout the country to check and tag compliant helmets. While NZ Pony Club are able to tag helmets for NZ Pony Club members at their rallies, training days and events.

Firstly it is important to understand that no hat can prevent serious injury in certain circumstances. You should choose your hat based on the level of risk involved, aiming at standards offering higher levels of protection where higher risks are involved.

The safest helmet is the one that best fits your head!  Always seek advice from an expert and buy a snuggly fitting helmet.

• Replace your helmet after a fall in which you have hit your head (and preferably every five years if no falls)
• Don’t buy second hand helmets
• Keep your helmet clean and out of the heat – heat can perish the lining.  Only use cleaning products specifically made for helmets
• Don’t share, lend or borrow helmets 
• Wear only helmets certified for Equestrian use