What does Level 3 mean for body protectors?

Level 3 is the highest protection level according to the European standard EN 13158 and the British BETA standard and is considered suitable for normal riding, competitions and work with horses. The German Equestrian Federation (FN) recommends a body protector to EN 13158, Level 3 for cross-country jumping.

Level 2 is intended only for low-risk situations, so not for jumping, hacking on the road, young or excitable horses or inexperienced riders. Level 1 offers the least protection and is intended only for licensed jockeys in racing. You can recognise the level by the coloured BETA label.

By Julia Lühr, Ahrens Reitsport in Tangstedt · Updated 23 October 2026

What does Level 3 mean for body protectors?

Level 3 is the highest of three protection levels for body protectors and is considered suitable for normal riding, competitions and work with horses. It is based on the European standard EN 13158:2018 and the British BETA standard of 2018, which refers to it. The standard checks which areas of the body are covered, how the body protector absorbs impacts on flat ground and on poles, and how securely it stays in place on the body.

Level	Label (BETA 2018)	Intended use
Level 1	green	licensed jockeys in racing only, significantly less protection
Level 2	orange	low-risk situations, not for jumping, not on the road, not for young or excitable horses, not for inexperienced riders
Level 3	blue	normal riding, competitions and work with horses

According to BETA, a Level 3 body protector should prevent minor injuries such as painful bruising, reduce soft tissue injuries and help avoid some rib fractures. There is expressly no guarantee against serious injuries.

What is the difference between EN 13158 and BETA?

EN 13158 is the European standard, the CE mark shows conformity. The BETA standard supplements it with a testing programme: body protectors with a BETA label are tested again every year. According to BETA the label must be clearly visible even when you are in the saddle.

Is my body protector with a purple label still valid?

A purple label stands for Level 3 under the older BETA standard from 2009. These body protectors have not been manufactured since 2018. Since 1 January 2024, British organisations such as the Pony Club and British Eventing have only accepted Level 3 to BETA 2018. Because of the age alone it is worth replacing such body protectors.

Which other standards are shown on body protectors?

EN 13158: Standard specifically for riders’ body protectors, covers back and ribcage.
EN 1621-2: Standard for back protectors from the motorbike sector, protects only the back.
EN 1621-4: Standard for airbag protective clothing for motorcyclists, which is also used for air vests for riders.

Which level do I need for competitions and cross-country?

For jumping fixed fences you need a body protector, the German competition rules (LPO) make it compulsory for this at competitions. The German Equestrian Federation (FN) recommends a body protector to EN 13158, Level 3. You may wear an air vest additionally, but it does not replace the body protector.

How long does a Level 3 body protector remain usable?

Manufacturers state an average service life of about five years if stored correctly. The British specialist magazine Horse & Hound recommends replacement after three to five years. After a fall you should check the body protector carefully, individual protector parts may need to be replaced.