A fall from a horse is a fall from well over a meter and a half, often while moving. What you wear on your head and torso largely determines how that fall turns out. This overview explains which protection is standard, what the certification marks stand for, and what to look for when buying.
The Riding Helmet: Your Most Important Protection
The riding helmet (cap) is the one piece of equipment you should never cut costs on. A fall onto the head is the most serious injury in equestrian sport, and a helmet that absorbs the impact makes a major difference there.
When buying, look for a CE mark and a statement that the helmet meets a recognized safety standard. In Europe, EN 1384 is the baseline standard; you'll also often see references to VG1 (a stricter European test standard) and, internationally, to standards such as the British PAS 015 or the American ASTM/SEI. The exact requirements, and which standard is mandatory or recommended at any given time, change periodically — check with the retailer or on knhs.nl before you buy.
More important than the exact standard code is that the helmet fits well. A helmet that sits too loosely shifts out of place in a fall and then barely protects at all. A specialist tack shop measures your head and lets you try on different models. A helmet should sit snugly but not press uncomfortably, with the brim just above the eyebrows and the chin strap fastened securely.
When to Replace a Riding Helmet
A helmet is designed to absorb one serious impact. In doing so, the protective foam is compressed and doesn't spring back, even if the outer shell still looks intact.
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Fall with head impact | Replace, even without visible damage |
| Helmet dropped on a hard floor | Have it checked or replace it |
| Visible crack or dented foam | Replace immediately |
| No incidents | Replace roughly every 3 to 5 years |
The rough three-to-five-year guideline exists because materials age from sweat, sun, and temperature swings. Consider writing the purchase date inside the helmet.
The Body Protector: Protection for Your Torso
A body protector is a vest of shock-absorbing foam that protects the ribs, spine, and organs against the impact of a fall or a kick. It's widely recommended especially for jumping, trail rides, and young or inexperienced horses.
The standard European norm is EN 13158. It defines three levels of protection, often labeled using the BETA rating from the United Kingdom (the British Equestrian Trade Association):
- Level 1 (black label) — the lightest protection, in practice mainly for jockeys under professional supervision.
- Level 2 (brown label) — an in-between option, for lower-risk situations.
- Level 3 (purple label) — the level recommended for most riders for normal recreational and competition use.
Just as with the helmet, fit is decisive. A body protector should cover the entire torso, from just below the collarbone to over the lowest ribs, without pinching in the seat or restricting arm movement. Most brands use adjustable fastenings at the sides and shoulders. Have yourself measured at a specialist tack shop; a vest that doesn't fit well shifts out of place and protects less.
The Airbag Vest: An Addition, Not a Replacement
An airbag vest is a vest with an inflatable air chamber. A lanyard connects the vest to the saddle; if you come away from the horse, the lanyard triggers a cartridge and the vest inflates in a fraction of a second. It supports the neck and spine and cushions the impact on the torso.
A few things worth knowing:
- It only works if you actually come off the saddle. If you slide off gently or trip beside the horse, the system may not trigger.
- After every use, the gas cartridge has to be replaced and the vest re-armed before it can protect you again.
- Don't forget to unclip before you dismount. Dismount without releasing the lanyard, and the vest will inflate unintentionally.
- Standalone models have no fixed replacement standard like the helmet does — follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions instead.
The advice is to treat an airbag vest as an addition to a body protector, not a replacement for one. Combination vests also exist, with a fixed foam layer plus an airbag. For show jumping, some competition rules set specific requirements for which vests are allowed — check that for your discipline.
What the Rules Require
The exact requirements per discipline and age are set out in the federation's rules and change from time to time. In broad strokes:
- An approved riding helmet is mandatory at virtually all official competitions and most riding schools, and for young riders almost without exception.
- A body protector is mandatory in many cases for show jumping and the cross-country phase of eventing; usually not for dressage.
- Airbag vests are becoming more common and aren't regulated the same way everywhere.
For the current and exact requirements, check the competition rules on knhs.nl — see also the start permit (startbewijs) and the federation itself, KNHS (the Dutch equestrian federation) — or internationally, fei.org. Don't guess at this: safety rules are tightened on a regular basis.
In Short
A well-fitting, certified riding helmet is the baseline that should never be missing; replace it after every impact and otherwise every three to five years. A level 3 (purple label) body protector is the sensible choice for most riders when jumping and riding out. An airbag vest is a valuable addition, provided you know how it works and keep it maintained. Always have your helmet and body protector fitted at a specialist tack shop — the right fit determines whether the protection actually does its job in a fall.
See also: Horse Show Packing Checklist · Competition Dress and Tack Rules · Your First Show Jumping Course