More helmet and headgear options will be allowed for competitors at U.S. Equestrian Federation competitions beginning Aug. 1. The date originally was Dec. 1, but it has been changed so competitors can take advantage of the change quickly, rather than waiting four months.
“The additional testing standards are comparable to or exceed the ASTM F1163/SEI standard and will allow more helmet options to competitors at USEF national competitions,” stated Dr. Stephanie Bonin, chair of the ASTM Equestrian Helmet Task Force. She is principal and senior biochemical engineer at MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists.
Additionally, the list of accepted international testing standards and corresponding certified quality control labels for equestrian protective headgear have been posted on the USEF website rather than within the rule book to allow for future updates to the list without having to undergo the timeline associated with the rule change process.
Click here to see the list of international standards for protective headgear being accepted by USEF as of Aug. 1.
Questions about this rule change or the types of protective headgear approved for use at USEF licensed competitions may be directed to Katlynn Wilbers at KWilbers@usef.org.