BHA Introduces New Safety Standards for Rider Equipment

In an effort to enhance the protection of its participants, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has established updated minimum standards for rider safety equipment. According to the Rules of Racing, anyone riding a horse on the racecourse or under the supervision of a licensed trainer must wear BHA-approved helmets and body protectors.

BHA Chief Medical Adviser, Dr. Jerry Hill, emphasized the importance of these measures:

“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,” he added.

From 17 October 2024, the BHA will enforce new minimum safety requirements for riders to ensure up-to-date, certified equipment is in use. Body protectors must meet the (BS) EN 13158: 2018 standard and be at least Level 2, while helmets must comply with at least two different international testing standards.

To facilitate this transition, grace periods have been introduced. For licensed jockeys riding in competition, the new rules will be enforced from 1 February 2025. For racing staff and jockeys riding out under the care of licensed trainers, the new standards will take effect from 1 June 2025.

The BHA encourages riders to upgrade their equipment as early as possible. During the grace period, no disciplinary action will be taken against those whose equipment does not yet meet the updated standards, but guidance will be available to ensure riders are fully prepared.

Dr. Hill also noted:

“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."

“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,” he concluded. Dr. Hill also reminded riders that "whenever new equipment is purchased it should be fitted by someone with appropriate training to ensure optimum fit and protection."