The New Zealand Equestrian Federation has taken a bold move and banned the use of top hats at equestrian events across the country as of 14 July 2016. "This is a major step forward for safety of riders competing in New Zealand and is accompanied by the ESNZ recommendation that helmets should be worn at all time when handling horses” said ESNZ CEO Vicki Glynn.
"Horses can be unpredictable and we know that riding is a risk sport so we must do everything we can to make our equestrians safe” she says. "Sadly we can no longer allow the use of the top hat in competition but the design and elegance of the contemporary safety helmet makes them a worthy replacement and safety must come first.”
The Dressage NZ Conference in June discussed the wearing of top hats and intended to seek further consultation with members about the wearing of top hats by senior riders. However, the ESNZ Board made the decision to ban the wearing of top hats at its 5 July Board meeting and accordingly advised Dressage NZ of that decision hence no further consultation will be held.
As per the ESNZ General Regulations, Article 150: Protective Headgear, the following will apply:
ESNZ recommends helmets should be worn at all times when dealing with horses.
While riding at the showground/competition venue the use of properly fastened protective headgear is mandatory.
All riders must wear protective headgear that conforms to one of the current approved safety standards. These standards may be subject to change but the latest list can be found on the ESNZ website at http://www.nzequestrian. org.nz/esnz/resources/health-safety. ESNZ will ensure that changes to the standards are communicated to members and area committees.
Riders will not be permitted to compete unless they wear approved protective headgear.
Any rider who fails to wear protective headgear when required will be issued with an official warning. If that rider fails to comply for a second time at any Event, a protest will be lodged with the Ground Jury. If the protest is upheld, the rider will be disqualified from further participation in the Event, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The use of cameras by riders while riding at a showground/competition venue (however such a camera is affixed, whether to the rider, protective headgear, head covering, or carriage) is prohibited, unless otherwise specifically agreed to by the ESNZ Technical Delegate officiating at the Event (in consultation with the President of the GJ, where appropriate). Such a decision will be completely at the discretion of the Technical Delegate/GJ President, and not subject to challenge. In the event that approval is given by the Technical Delegate/GJ President, an athlete’s decision to wear a camera while competing will always be voluntary and at the athlete’s own risk.
Related Links
2016 Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day Draws Attention to Concussion
FEI Launches Global Safety Helmet Campaign
All Canadian Dressage Riders to Wear a Helmet in Competition as of 2012