Helmet Rule 2008

It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet manufactured to one of the minimum standards listed below. It must bear the CE mark and a quality symbol, either the BSI Kitemark, the SAI Global symbol or the official Snell label with number. The CE symbol on its own is not sufficient to ensure consistent standard of manufacture. The PAS 015:1998 and the Snell E2001 meet higher impact criteria and therefore give more protection.

For cross-country riding (including Eventing, Tetrathlon, Horse Trials, tests and training) over fences 0.80m high and above; a jockey skull cap, with no fixed peak, must be worn. It is also strongly recommended that a jockey skull cap is worn for cross country riding even over lower fences.

PAS 015:1998 or EN 1384:1996 BS EN 1384:1997 With the BSI Kitemark	Snell E2001 with the official Snell label and number	AS/NZS 3838 1998 or AS/NZS 3838 2003
NB The prefix ‘BS’ on the EN 1384 standard does not mean that the hat has undergone batch testing by the British Standards Institute – the hat must contain the BSI Kitemark as well.

The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit, the hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. It is strongly recommended that second hand hats are not purchased.

Hats must be replaced after a severe impact, subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after three to five years depending upon the amount of use.

Hats, with a cover, must be worn when mounted (this includes at prize-giving) with a chinstrap fastened at all times. For Dressage, Show Jumping and Mounted Games the cover shall be dark blue or black only. The Official Steward/Organiser may, at his discretion, eliminate a competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or with the chinstrap unfastened or a hat that does not comply with these standards.

Children under 9 years old

Medical advice is that children’s neck muscles do not develop adequately to support a fairly heavy helmet until the age of nine. Therefore it may be appropriate for children under nine years of age to wear a lightweight hat made to comply with above requirements.

Hats with long ventilation slits are not allowed for Members over nine years old.

Hat Checks and Tagging

The Branch DC will appoint two Branch Officials (one of whom may be the DC) who are familiar with The Pony Club rule for hats to carry out hat checks and tag each hat that complies with the above requirements with a Pony Club hat tag. Hats fitted with a Pony Club hat tag will not need to be checked on subsequent occasions.

Tags may only be fitted by one of the two appointed Branch officials after they have personally checked the hat. Tagging indicates that a hat meets the above standards, NO check of the fit or condition of the hat is implied. It is considered to be the responsibility of the Member’s parent or guardian to ensure that their hat complies with the required standards. Also to ensure that the manufacturer’s guidelines with regard to fit and replacement are followed.

January 2008

Body-Protector Rule 2008

The Pony Club does not make the use of body protectors compulsory, except for all cross-country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing.  The responsibility for choosing body protectors and the decision as to their use must rest with Members and their parents.  It is recommended that a rider's body protector should not be more than 2% of their body weight.