The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have raised the minimum safety standards for rider equipment, which will help better protect you against the risk of injury. Under the Rules of Racing, anyone who rides a horse on the racecourse or is under the care of a licensed-trainer must wear a BHA approved helmet and body protector.
Must meet certified safety standard (BS) EN 13158:2018, evidence of quality testing (e.g. BETA approval mark) and be of Level 2 standard or above.
Helmets must comply with at least two diffrent international testing standards; one from Group A and a diffrent one from Group B.
| Group A | Group B |
| British standard PAS 015 2011 and any subsequent updates. | British standard PAS 015 2011 and any subsequent updates. |
| European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing harmonised standard EN1384:2023 | European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing harmonised standard EN1384:2023 |
| European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing the VG1 performance specification. (Please Note: NB VG 1 will be withdrawn as an acceptable standard on the 1st of June 2025.) | European standard (EN): UKCA and/or CE marked products referencing the VG1 performance specification. (Please Note: NB VG 1 will be withdrawn as an acceptable standard on the 1st of June 2025.) |
| American ASTM F1163:2015 and any subsequent updates. | |
| American Snell E2026 and any subsequent updates. (Please note: Snell combines a standard with subsequent quality testing so no additional quality testing mark is required.) |
When will the new rules be enforced?
1st February 2025: All riders on racecourse property (licensed jockeys in competition, etc.) must comply with the new rules.
1st June 2025: Riders under the care of licensed trainers (racing staff, jockeys riding out, etc.) must comply with the new rules.
Are you ready for the rule change? Discover 2025 BHA standard equipment here.
