USEF Announces Protective Headgear Rule Change - Effective August 1, 2023

Press Release: Tuesday, July 25, 2023

US Equestrian Board of Directors Approves Amendment to Protective Headgear Rule

From the US Equestrian Communications Department 

Lexington, Ky. –  On Monday, July 24th, the US Equestrian Board of Directors convened for a special meeting. During the meeting, the Board approved an amendment to the protective headgear certification rule change, which was originally approved during the Mid-Year Board meeting in June (click here). With this amendment, the rule change will have an effective date of August 1, 2023.

This rule change expands the list of acceptable international testing standards for equestrian protective headgear, allowing more helmet and headgear options for competitors at USEF licensed competitions. By moving the effective date up to August 1, 2023 (from its original effective date of December 1, 2023), competitors can take advantage of the expanded options almost immediately rather than waiting until the start of the 2024 competition year.

“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, Principal and Senior Biochemical Engineer at MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists and Chair of ASTM Equestrian Helmet Task Force.

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 USEF Rule Book to allow for making future updates to the list without having to undergo the timeline associated with the rule change process. Click here to reference the International Test Standards list.

If you have any questions about this rule change or the types of protective headgear approved for use at USEF licensed competitions, please contact Katlynn Wilbers at KWilbers@usef.org.