Racing Hats Meeting BHA and IHRB Rules 2026
Choosing a correctly certified and professionally fitted riding hat is essential for anyone working or competing within the racing industry. To make it easier to identify suitable racing hats, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has compiled a list of helmets that meet the current British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Rules of Racing.
The latest BETA list, published in April 2026, includes jockey skull caps and racing helmets from brands including Champion, Charles Owen, Gatehouse, Karben, Kask, KEP, Freejump, Uvex and more.
What are the current BHA and IHRB racing hat requirements?
Under the current Rules of Racing, helmets must comply with at least two recognised international helmet-testing standards and carry evidence of quality testing from an approved organisation.
Depending on the individual helmet, the relevant certifications may include a combination of:
It is important to check the complete certification shown inside the individual hat. A helmet carrying only one of the standards listed above may not meet the racing requirements, as the necessary combination of standards and quality-assurance certification must be present.
Which riding hats meet the BHA and IHRB rules?
BETA’s April 2026 document provides a compiled list of racing hats currently understood to meet the BHA and IHRB requirements. This includes selected models from:
Antares
Champion
Charles Owen
Evoke
Freejump
Gatehouse
Kask
KEP
LAS
Shires and Karben
Uvex
Not every riding hat produced by these brands is suitable for racing. Always check the exact model and its certification before purchasing or riding.
Please note that this is a live list and BETA may add further brands or models as their certifications are confirmed. Riders should always check the latest BHA or IHRB regulations before taking part.
Why is a professional hat fitting important?
The correct safety standards are only part of choosing a racing hat. A helmet must also be the right shape and size for the rider’s head. Even a fully certified hat cannot provide its intended protection if it is too loose, creates pressure points or moves during riding.
Different brands and models can fit very differently, so the size you wear in one riding hat may not be the best size in another.
At Colne Saddlery, our trained team can help you:
Check which racing hats meet the required standards
Compare different brands, shapes and sizes
Assess the stability and security of the hat
Adjust the fit where appropriate
Find the most comfortable suitable option for your needs and budget
If you are unsure whether your current riding hat meets the latest racing rules, bring it into the shop, and our team will be happy to check its labels and certification.
What are the BHA body protector requirements for racing?
Alongside an approved racing hat, riders must wear a body protector that meets the current British Horseracing Authority safety requirements.
Body protectors must:
- Meet the EN 13158:2018 safety standard
- Provide at least Level 2 protection
- Have evidence of recognised quality testing, such as the BETA approval mark
The previous EN 13158:2009 standard is no longer accepted.
These requirements apply to jockeys riding on racecourse property and anyone riding under the care of a licensed trainer, including staff riding in training yards or on the gallops. Trainers must also assess whether body protectors should be worn by dismounted staff carrying out potentially hazardous stable tasks.
The current requirements came into force on:
- 1 February 2025 for anyone riding on racecourse property
- 1 June 2025 for anyone riding in a licensed training yard or under a licensed trainer’s care
Which body protector do you need?
For race riding, body protectors must meet EN 13158:2018, provide at least Level 2 protection and show evidence of quality testing. The Racesafe RaceMotion2 is designed specifically for jockeys and meets the required Level 2 standard.
For riding out in licensed training yards and on the gallops, Level 2 is accepted, but the BHA recommends choosing a Level 3 body protector for the additional protection it provides. Suitable options include the Racesafe RaceMotion3 and RaceMotion3 Pro.
Does your current Racesafe body protector comply?
According to Racesafe, its body protectors manufactured from October 2018 onwards have been certified to the EN 13158:2018 standard. However, you should still check the label, condition and age of your individual garment.
The protective materials within a body protector gradually deteriorate, and replacement is generally recommended after three to five years or sooner if it has been damaged or involved in a significant fall.
At Colne Saddlery, our trained team can check the safety label, explain the different protection levels and professionally fit a suitable racing or riding-out body protector.
For more information, read Racesafe’s complete guide to the racing body protector rule change.
Find your next racing hat or body protector at Colne Saddlery
Below, you will find the racing hats and body protectors we currently stock that appear on BETA’s compiled list of hats meeting the BHA and IHRB Rules of Racing.
For help choosing the right model, please visit us in store or get in touch with the Colne Saddlery team. We can guide you through the available options and provide a professional riding hat fitting to help you find a secure, comfortable fit.