Jul 26, 2023

USEF Board of Directors Approves Amendment to Protective Headgear Rule

On July 24, the USEF Board of Directors convened for a special meeting. During the meeting, the Board approved an amendment to the protective headgear certification rule change, which was originally approved during the Mid-Year Board meeting in June (click here). With this amendment, the rule change will have an effective date of Aug. 1, 2023.

This rule change expands the list of acceptable international testing standards for equestrian protective headgear, allowing more helmet and headgear options for competitors at USEF licensed competitions. By moving the effective date up to Aug. 1, 2023 (from its original effective date of Dec. 1, 2023), competitors can take advantage of the expanded options almost immediately rather than waiting until the start of the 2024 competition year.

“The additional testing standards are comparable to or exceed the ASTM F1163/SEI standard and will allow more helmet options to competitors at USEF national competitions,” stated Dr. Stephanie Bonin, Principal and Senior Biochemical Engineer at MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists and Chair of ASTM Equestrian Helmet Task Force.

Additionally, the list of accepted international testing standards and corresponding certified quality control labels for equestrian protective headgear have been posted on the USEF website rather than within the USEF Rule Book to allow for making future updates to the list without having to undergo the timeline associated with the rule change process. Click here to reference the International Test Standards list.

If you have any questions about this rule change or the types of protective headgear approved for use at USEF licensed competitions, please contact Katlynn Wilbers at [email protected].

Apr 28, 2025 Profile

Lily Dal Cin Found Her People—and Her Purpose—Through Intercollegiate Riding

For Lily Dal Cin, college has been as much about grit and growth as it has been about horses and art. As a member of NC State’s intercollegiate eventing team, she’s weathered setbacks with her horses while continuing to ride, support her teammates, and pursue a demanding degree. Through it all, the team has been her anchor.

Apr 27, 2025 Competitions

fischerChipmunk FRH Carries Jung to His Fifth Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L Title

Even though this is his fifth time winning the CCI5*-L in Kentucky and the 12th five-star win of his career, Michael Jung still thinks luck plays a factor in every competition.

Apr 27, 2025 Competitions

‘He’s More Than Deserving.’ Off The Record and Will Coleman Crowned Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Champions at Defender Kentucky

Phillip Dutton couldn’t refrain from laughing as William Coleman described the start of his partnership with the now 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Off The Record (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay).

Apr 27, 2025 Competitions

23 to Move Forward to Show Jumping in Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L

It was a somewhat uneventful morning in the final horse inspection for both the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L, which is always a great testament to the exemplary horse care that these top athletes receive and the horsemanship exhibited by their riders.

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