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Safety Equipment Standards in Licensed Training Yards

This Policy outlines the standard of safety equipment recommended by the IHRB for use by staff riding out in Licensed Trainers yards.


The use of Body protectors and Helmets is mandatory for all staff riding out in a licensed Training Establishment. Trainers bear full responsibility and liability for the safety and welfare of all employees and other individuals present on their premises, including for any injuries that may be sustained by jockeys riding out under their supervision, in particular where safety equipment is below the recommended standard for safety equipment. 

Applicable IHRB Rules of Racing

The IHRB assumes no responsibility or liability for injuries arising under such circumstances, notwithstanding its authority to recommend and advise Trainers in respect of safety equipment and to impose sanctions for breaches of the Rules on safety equipment.

Under Rule 148(xi)(b) of the Rules of Racing, Trainers are required to ensure that all jockeys riding horses under the Trainer’s care use approved safety equipment (helmet, body protector, riding boots) of a serviceable and appropriate standard when riding out. 

Any Trainer contravening this Rule will be reported to the Licensing and/or the Referrals Committee and shall be liable to a fine for each rider found to be in breach. Safety equipment of staff riding out may be subject to inspection by IHRB officials when conducting premises inspections and/or out of competition testing.

Safety Equipment: Standards


Helmets and Body protectors must be in a serviceable condition. If a helmet or body protector has damage or looks old, it must be replaced promptly. Newer models typically offer better protection thereby reducing the risk of serious injury.  There has been consultation with other equestrian bodies, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders both in the UK and internationally.  The following standard is required by the IHRB and based on the most up to date standards available.  


Trainers must ensure that safety equipment is:


  • Regularly inspected for wear and damage.
  • Replaced as required to meet current standards.
  • Maintained in a serviceable condition at all times.

Failure to actively maintain equipment to these standards will be treated as a breach of this Policy.

Body Protectors

  • Certified safety standard (BS) EN 13158: 2018 Level 3 is recommended.
  • EN 13158:2018 Level 2 is also approved.
  • The 2009 version has now been withdrawn and is no longer being produced.  
    Given the age this body protector may now have reached, rendering it less effective, 2009 versions should no longer be worn.  
  • It is recommended body protectors are replaced after 5 years or if damaged.
  • Level 2 RaceMotion2 is the current body protector approved for anyone riding in a race under our rules  and is also appropriate for riding out.
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Helmets

  • Must comply with at least two different international testing standards and should have evidence of Quality Testing from organisations such as BSI, INSPEC, SNELL, SEI.   
  • Helmets should be inspected regularly for damage and replaced after significant falls, including any fall where a rider sustained a concussion or head impact.
  • More information about specific brands and models is available from the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). www.beta-uk.org 

In order to comply with IHRB requirements, helmets must meet at least one of the approved standards listed in Group A:

  • 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 the VG1 performance specification.
    (NB VG 1 will be withdrawn as an acceptable standard on 1 June 2025)

In addition to meeting a standard from Group A, helmets must meet at least one different standard from Group B.

Group B

  • British standard PAS 015 2011 and any subsequent updates.
  • European standard (EN) UKCA or CE marked products referencing harmonised standard EN1384:2023.
  • European standard (EN) UKCA or CE marked products referencing the VG1 performance specification.
    (NB VG 1 will be withdrawn as an acceptable standard on 1 June 2025)
  • American ASTM F1163: 2015 and any subsequent updates.
  • American Snell E2016 and any subsequent updates (Please note: Snell combines a standard with subsequent quality testing; therefore, no additional quality testing mark is required).
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For information on Jockey Safety Equipment visit
Jockey Safety Information