English Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-07-21 Origin: Site
A certified horse riding helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a rider can own. Equestrian helmets must meet rigorous international standards—such as ASTM F1163 and EN 1384—that govern impact absorption, retention system strength, and fall protection. Understanding these standards helps riders, coaches, and buyers make informed decisions that could prevent serious head injuries.
This guide explains the key equestrian helmet safety certifications, how fall protection engineering works, and what to look for when sourcing or purchasing a compliant horse riding helmet.
Horse riding helmets are governed by sport-specific safety standards that differ from bicycle or ski helmet certifications. The two most widely recognized standards are:
ASTM F1163 (United States): Developed by ASTM International, this is the primary equestrian helmet standard in North America. It tests for impact attenuation, penetration resistance, chin strap strength, and positional stability. Helmets certified to ASTM F1163 must carry a SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certification mark to confirm independent third-party testing.
EN 1384 (Europe): The European standard for helmets used in equestrian activities. It covers similar performance criteria—including impact absorption and retention system integrity—and is required for competition in many European equestrian federations.
PAS 015 (United Kingdom): A publicly available specification that exceeds EN 1384 requirements. It is mandatory at many UK competitions and highly recommended by the British Horse Society.
AS/NZS 3838 (Australia/New Zealand): The regional standard governing equestrian helmets sold in Australia and New Zealand, with similar test protocols focused on impact and retention.
When evaluating a horse riding helmet, always verify that it carries at least one of these certifications relevant to your region or competition governing body.
Equestrian helmet safety engineering addresses a specific type of fall risk: a rider falling from height (typically 1.0–1.5 meters) onto a hard or semi-hard surface, often at an oblique angle.
Certified helmets achieve fall protection through a two-layer system:
Outer shell (ABS, PVC, or composite materials): A rigid outer layer—commonly made from ABS plastic, PVC, or high-strength composite—distributes the force of impact across a wider surface area. This prevents localized penetration and reduces peak pressure on the skull.
Inner liner (EPS foam): An expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner absorbs and dissipates impact energy by controlled crushing. The liner is engineered to deform irreversibly upon significant impact, which is why a helmet that has sustained a serious fall must be replaced even if it shows no visible damage.
Some modern equestrian helmets also incorporate MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, which adds a low-friction slip layer between the outer shell and inner liner. This layer allows the helmet to rotate slightly upon oblique impact, reducing rotational forces transferred to the brain—a significant cause of concussion.
Key fall protection criteria tested under ASTM F1163 and EN 1384 include:
Peak acceleration transmitted to the head (measured in g-force)
Penetration resistance (a striker is dropped onto the helmet surface)
Retention system load (the chin strap must withstand defined tensile forces without failing)
Positional stability (the helmet must not shift or come off during impact)
The material composition of a horse riding helmet directly affects its performance against certification test criteria. Common constructions include:
ABS + EPS: A durable ABS outer shell paired with an EPS foam liner. This combination is widely used across entry-level and mid-range equestrian helmets for its cost-effective balance of rigidity and impact absorption. Hklysports' ABS+EPS Material Horse Riding Helmet follows this construction.
PVC + ABS outer shell: Offers enhanced surface flexibility and durability, often used in helmets with rear padding systems for additional comfort and fit retention. The Shengtao Safety Equestrian LY24 PVC + ABS Out Shell Horse Riding Helmet is one example of this configuration.
Leather-coated shell: A traditional aesthetic option where a leather coating is applied over a rigid structural shell. The leather does not replace the shell's protective function; the underlying structure still meets safety requirements.
Composite / Kevlar shells: Premium helmets may use fiberglass or Kevlar-reinforced shells for enhanced strength at reduced weight, commonly found in high-end competition helmets.
Purchasing a non-certified equestrian helmet is a significant safety risk, as counterfeit or uncertified helmets may look identical to certified models but fail under impact. Follow these steps to verify compliance:
Check for the certification mark: Look for the ASTM F1163 + SEI mark (USA), CE mark with EN 1384 notation (Europe), or relevant regional equivalent printed inside the helmet.
Look for the year of manufacture: Standards are updated periodically. ASTM F1163 was revised in 2015 (F1163-15); helmets certified to older versions may not meet current competition requirements.
Verify with your governing body: Organizations such as the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale), USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), and British Equestrian Federation publish lists of accepted helmet standards for competition.
Source from reputable manufacturers: Working with an established horse riding helmet manufacturer—such as Jiangmen Shengtao Sports Equipment—ensures that products are engineered and tested to applicable standards before reaching the market.
A horse riding helmet should be replaced every 3–5 years under normal use, or immediately after any significant impact—even if the helmet appears undamaged. The EPS foam liner compresses permanently upon impact and cannot be restored, meaning its protective capacity is reduced even when the outer shell looks intact.
Additional replacement triggers include:
Visible cracks or dents in the outer shell
Degraded or loose retention system
Helmet that no longer fits securely after retention adjustments
Helmet exposed to extreme heat, chemicals, or UV degradation over time
The right equestrian helmet depends on the rider's discipline, regional certification requirements, and fit preferences. Use this framework to guide selection:
For North American competition: Look for ASTM F1163 + SEI certification
For European competition: Confirm EN 1384 or PAS 015 compliance
For youth riders: Prioritize lightweight construction, adjustable fit systems, and good ventilation—such as models with porous rapid heat dissipation design for all-day comfort
For custom or OEM sourcing: Work with a certified horse riding helmet manufacturer that can supply documentation of compliance testing and material specifications
Hklysports offers a range of horse riding helmets—including adjustable equestrian helmets, schooler helmets for kids, and leather-coated shell models—designed with safety and comfort in mind. Inquiries can be directed to bobby@hklysports.com or +86-750-3631187.
Q: What is the difference between ASTM F1163 and EN 1384?
ASTM F1163 is the North American standard for equestrian helmets, administered by ASTM International and independently verified by SEI. EN 1384 is the European equivalent. Both test for impact attenuation, retention strength, and positional stability, but use different test protocols and pass/fail thresholds. Riders competing internationally should confirm which standard their governing body accepts.
Q: Can I use a bicycle helmet for horse riding?
No. Bicycle helmets and horse riding helmets are engineered for different impact scenarios and are tested under separate standards. Equestrian helmets are specifically designed for the height, angle, and surface conditions typical of falls from horses. Using a bicycle helmet while riding does not provide adequate protection and is prohibited in most equestrian competitions.
Q: Does a horse riding helmet need to be replaced after every fall?
A helmet should be replaced after any impact significant enough to cause a concussion or visible damage. Even if no external damage is apparent, the EPS foam liner may have compressed in ways that reduce future protection. When in doubt, replace the helmet—the cost of a new helmet is far lower than the cost of an unprotected head injury.
Q: What does the SEI mark on an equestrian helmet mean?
The SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) mark indicates that the helmet has been independently tested and certified by a third-party organization to meet the ASTM F1163 standard. It is not sufficient for a helmet to claim ASTM compliance without the SEI mark; independent certification is required for the claim to be verifiable and trustworthy.
