Riding helmet standards explained: EN 1384:2023, VG1 and when to replace a helmet

A riding helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment in the saddle, yet the standard designations on the label often cause uncertainty. We explain what lies behind EN 1384:2023 and VG1, what applies at competitions and when a helmet should be replaced.

Why is the standard in a riding helmet so important?

The standard shows that a helmet has passed defined laboratory tests, for example for shock absorption, shape stability and for staying on your head in the event of a fall. A helmet without a test standard offers no tested protection. You should therefore look for the standard mark in the helmet. You can find our models under riding helmets.

What does EN 1384:2023 mean?

EN 1384:2023 is the current European standard for riding helmets. It was adopted in mid-2023 and published at the end of 2023. Before that, the market had been working for years with the transitional standard VG1 01.040 2014-12. The new version raises several test requirements:

• Lateral rigidity: from 630 to 800 newtons.
• Roll-off test: This tests whether the helmet stays on your head. The drop height of the test weight increased from 175 to 240 mm.
• Penetration: The test energy increased from 14.7 to 18.4 joules (drop height 625 instead of 500 mm).
• New impact test: In addition, an impact on an edged test anvil (hazard) at 5.05 m/s is tested.

A helmet certified to EN 1384:2023 has therefore been tested to stricter criteria than a helmet certified to the transitional standard.

Am I allowed to keep using my helmet with the VG1 standard?

Yes, helmets with the transitional standard VG1 01.040 2014-12 are, according to information from the specialist trade, still approved for riding competitions in the EU. However, once EN 1384:2023 came into force, no new helmets were allowed to be produced to VG1. An existing, undamaged VG1 helmet is therefore not automatically unsafe, but the new standard sets the higher testing benchmark. Regardless of the standard, the replacement rules further down apply to the age of the helmet.

What do PAS 015 and ASTM F1163 mean?

PAS 015 is a British and ASTM F1163 a US test standard for riding helmets, and you will sometimes find both additionally on imported models. Current versions are PAS 015:2011 and ASTM F1163-15 or F1163-23. For competitions in Germany the European standard is the decisive reference point.

Which helmet is compulsory at competitions?

Under the German competition rules (LPO) of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), a riding helmet in accordance with the European standard EN 1384 is compulsory in all disciplines and classes, including in the warm-up arena. The FN recommends the current European standard in each case. The decisive document is always the valid version of the German competition rules (LPO). We are happy to clarify any questions about this with you in person.

Do I have to replace my riding helmet after a fall?

Yes, after a fall or a hard blow to the helmet it should be replaced, even if it appears undamaged on the outside. A helmet absorbs impact energy because the shell and padding partially deform or are destroyed. Such damage is often not visible from the outside, but it significantly reduces the protection in the event of another impact. You can find out whether the manufacturer of your helmet offers a replacement service in the manual or from us.

How long can you use a riding helmet?

Depending on use, manufacturers and the German Equestrian Federation (FN) recommend replacing a riding helmet after about three to five years. Brands such as Casco and Uvex recommend replacement after five years at the latest. An unused, well-stored helmet should also not be more than about eight years old from the production date stated in the helmet. The exact instruction is given in your helmet manual.

What makes a riding helmet age more quickly?

Heat, UV radiation, moisture and chemicals accelerate the ageing of the helmet materials. You should pay particular attention to the following points:

• Heat, for example in a hot car or on the parcel shelf (avoid temperatures above 60 °C)
• strong UV radiation from constant exposure to the sun
• moisture and sweat
• contact with chemicals and impacts caused by dropping

You should therefore store your helmet in a cool, dry place protected from daylight.

How does Ahrens Reitsport help me choose a helmet?

Only a correctly fitting helmet offers proper protection, so during our helmet fitting in Tangstedt we check the fit and the standard together with you. We stock riding helmets from brands including Casco, Kask, KEP Italia, Samshield and Uvex. If you wish, we can customise your helmet with Swarovski embellishments through our customisation service.

Are you unsure whether your helmet still complies with the appropriate standard or should be replaced? Bring it with you to Dorfring 2, 22889 Tangstedt, call us on +49 4109 252173 or write to us via the contact page.