The EU Commission has announced that the European horse riding helmet standard BS EN 1384 is going to be withdrawn from the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) at its next publication. This means that riding helmet manufacturers will no longer be able to CE-mark their helmets using this standard and will need to re-certify to a specification currently being developed. You can check the inside of your helmet like the picture to the right showing a new Champion Hat.
The withdrawal of the standard has no effect on riding helmets already on the market. Once a helmet has been manufactured to a standard, it will not become “non-standard” after withdrawal and can continue to be sold and worn. However, if you live in the U.K., take note:
British Eventing will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All helmets will be re-tagged in 2016, at which stage none made solely to BS EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.
British Riding Clubs will permit BS EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All helmets will be re-tagged in 2016, at which stage no helmets made solely to BS EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.
Pony Club will permit BS EN 1384 helmets in 2015 but not thereafter. Full details of the revised hat tagging procedure will be communicated to the membership and volunteers shortly.
British Dressage will permit BS EN 1384 helmets in 2015 but not thereafter
British Showjumping will permit BS EN 1384 helmets in 2015 but not thereafter
British Horse Society will permit BS EN 1384 helmets in 2015 but not thereafter. From 1 January 2016, hats made solely to BS EN 1384 will not be permitted for use in BHS-approved centres.
The whole reason behind the withdrawal? “Due in part to the European working group responsible for the helmet standard failing to reach an agreement on this overdue revision.” It’s no wonder the EU countries can’t balance their budgets and get their economies in order. They can’t even agree on a simple riding helmet!
You can click here on the British Equestrian Trade Association for more details.
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Maybe you can return it, Barbara?
Pony club will check
Do they really check? I just spent 125 pounds on a hat for my daughter!