EN 1384:2023 — The European Safety Standard for Riding Helmets

The helmet is dropped onto both flat and hazard-shaped anvils from a set height, and the force transmitted through to the headform is measured. The helmet must absorb enough energy to keep the transmitted force below strict thresholds. The 2023 standard introduces the hazard anvil test — a new addition that simulates impacts against irregular surfaces like hooves, rocks, or fence posts, rather than just flat ground.

A pointed striker is dropped onto the helmet to test whether sharp objects (think hooves, stones, or debris) can penetrate through to the head. The helmet must prevent any contact between the striker and the headform beneath.

The helmet is compressed from the sides to simulate a crushing force — for example, if a horse were to step near or on the helmet. The standard sets strict limits on how much the helmet can deform under this pressure, helping protect the skull from fracture in a crush scenario.

The chin strap and its attachments are subjected to both static and dynamic forces to ensure they won't break or stretch excessively during an impact. A strap that fails means a helmet that comes off — and a helmet that comes off can't protect you.

Beyond just testing strap strength, this test checks whether the helmet stays securely on the head when force is applied from the front and rear. It simulates the helmet catching on an obstacle and being pulled — the helmet must remain on the headform throughout.

If the helmet has a peak (visor), it must be flexible enough to deflect or break away on impact rather than transmitting force to the rider's head or neck. A rigid peak could cause injury in a fall, so the standard ensures peaks are designed to give way safely.

The helmet must allow adequate peripheral vision — because being able to see your surroundings clearly while riding is itself a safety feature.

All performance tests are carried out on helmets that have been pre-conditioned in extreme heat, extreme cold, and after UV exposure. This ensures the helmet performs safely in all weather conditions, not just at room temperature in a laboratory.

A well-respected European standard that was introduced after the original EN 1384 was withdrawn in 2014. EN 1384:2023 is considered more advanced than VG1, with additional tests (including the hazard anvil) and higher performance thresholds.

A British standard administered by BSI. Widely used in the UK and well-regarded, particularly when paired with the BSI Kitemark for ongoing batch testing. EN 1384:2023 and PAS 015 can complement each other, and many premium helmets are certified to both.

The American standard, commonly required for competition in the US. Different testing methodology but serves a similar purpose.

The BSI Kitemark is a quality assurance mark issued by the British Standards Institution. It is not a safety standard in itself — it's an additional layer of ongoing quality control on top of a safety standard. When a helmet carries the Kitemark, it means BSI has independently tested samples from production batches at regular intervals (typically one helmet from every 200 in a batch of 800 to 3,200). If the sample fails, the entire batch must be destroyed.

By contrast, the CE mark (required across Europe) and the UKCA mark (the UK equivalent) confirm that the helmet has passed the initial type-approval testing to the relevant standard — but they don't require the same ongoing batch testing during production.

In simple terms: the Kitemark adds an extra audit of manufacturing consistency. It's a voluntary mark that manufacturers choose to apply for and pay for.

In most cases, no. The BSI Kitemark is a British certification scheme, and most European manufacturers — including brands like Equestro, who manufacture in Italy — certify their helmets through European notified bodies and carry the CE mark instead. This doesn't mean the helmets are less safe; it means they've been tested and certified through a different (but equally valid) regulatory pathway.

UK-based manufacturers like Charles Owen, Champion, and Gatehouse are the brands most commonly associated with the Kitemark, because BSI is their natural certification body.

This is where it gets important. Some UK competition governing bodies require the BSI Kitemark or the Inspec IC Mark alongside certain safety standards. The exact requirements vary by discipline and are updated regularly, so you should always check the current rules for your specific governing body before competing.

As a general guide (always verify with your discipline's current rulebook):

• PAS 015:2011 — typically required to carry a BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark for UK competition use
• VG1 01.040 2014-12 — similarly, usually required with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark
• EN 1384:2023 — requirements vary; some governing bodies accept EN 1384:2023 with a CE or UKCA mark, while others may require a Kitemark or IC Mark alongside it
• ASTM/SEI — accepted by most UK bodies with the SEI mark (no Kitemark required)

Because rules change from season to season, we'd always recommend checking directly with your governing body — whether that's British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping, the Pony Club, or British Riding Clubs — for the most up-to-date hat rules before entering a competition.

Absolutely. A helmet certified to EN 1384:2023 with a CE or UKCA mark has passed all the same rigorous safety tests — shock absorption, penetration resistance, crush resistance, retention system testing, and more. The Kitemark adds an extra production quality audit, but it does not change the safety standard the helmet was tested against.

For everyday riding, hacking, schooling, lessons, and general use, an EN 1384:2023 certified helmet provides excellent, standards-compliant head protection. If you plan to compete in the UK, just check your discipline's specific hat rules to make sure your helmet ticks all the boxes for that particular governing body.