The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has revealed the new minimum standards for rider safety equipment to better protect the sport’s participants against the risk of injury.
The Rules of Racing state 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.
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.”
From 17 October 2024, the authority will update the minimum safety specifications for riders to ensure up-to-date equipment is being used.
It outlined that 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.
To support this transition, the following grace periods will be in place until the new Rules come into effect: 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
The BHA also 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.
It has also been emphasised that, 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.
“It is highly likely that 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,” Hill explained.
“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 into 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.”
