New Headgear Standards to enhance Athlete Safety in Equestrian Sports
Geneva, Switzerland – July 2, 2025 – A revised set of safety protocols for protective headgear used in international equestrian competitions will take effect on January 1, 2026. The updated standards, released today, represent a significant advancement in athlete protection across all disciplines governed by the international equestrian federation.
The new Accepted Testing Standards for Protective Headgear supersede the existing List of Applicable International Testing Standards, which will remain valid through December 31, 2025. This transition follows extensive consultation with the federation’s Helmet Working Group and leading experts in the field of head injury prevention. The aim is to align regulations more closely with the group’s latest technical recommendations,ensuring a consistently high level of safety for riders.
The development of these standards underscores a growing commitment within the equestrian world to prioritize athlete well-being. Recent studies, including a 2024 report by the University of Calgary’s Sport Injury Prevention Centre, highlight the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in reducing the risk of concussion and other head injuries in equestrian activities. https://sportinjurycentre.ca/
Key Changes and Implementation
The revised standards emphasize not only initial testing but also ongoing quality control. Manufacturers will be required to demonstrate continuous compliance with the original safety benchmarks,ensuring that headgear maintains its protective capabilities over time. this proactive approach addresses concerns about degradation of materials and potential weakening of structural integrity.
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