The
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) requires that, in classes that mandate a horse riding helmet to be worn, the helmet must be
ASTM/
SEI certified. The USEF also requires all junior riders (under the age of 18) in any
hunt seat discipline to wear an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet with harness fastened while mounted on their horse anywhere on the show grounds, and requires all riders to wear an approved equestrian helmet when jumping anywhere on the show grounds.
While other
horse show events do not mandate riding helmets, the rules have changed in recent years to permit horse riding helmets as optional headgear in any class. All riders are required to wear certified riding helmets while competing in Hunter, Jumpers, and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, and in any other class, including Hunter Hack, where jumping is required. They must fasten their riding helmet harness and must verify that the helmet meets or exceeds the current standard and carries the SEI tag.
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Equestrian Collections features ASTM/SEI approved riding helmets in styles suited for schooling, western riding, trail riding, eventing, hunt seat, dressage, jumping and cross country. Where the use of top hats is indicated, there is no such approved riding helmet. Any riding helmet on Equestrian Collections that is not approved is marked clearly to indicate that the helmet is not in any way protective and should be purchased as a cosmetic item only.