Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Champion
Why was the 1384 safety standard withdrawn?
The facts.
1. Why has the 1384 standard been withdrawn?
Safety standards, including 1384, are typically revised every 5 years, but not every revision results in significant changes. The review process for 1384 was underway for some years, but a deemed lack of progress towards consensus on whether the standard should be changed has led to the unfortunate situation where the standard has instead been withdrawn completely.
2. Is my 1384 standard hat still safe?
Absolutely, assuming it is fitted correctly and has not suffered any impact or other damage, just as would be the case with any other hat conforming to another standard. Hats certified to 1384 have lessened injuries and saved countless lives over many years. The protection offered by 1384 has not changed. When used and fitted correctly, (BS) EN1384 hats will continue to be as protective as they have been for the best part of 20 years, since the standard first appeared.
3. Why is my local tack shop still selling 1384 hats if the standard has been withdrawn?
1384 hats can still be sold, purchased and worn because, at the time they were made, they met a perfectly good, certified standard. The only change is that manufacturers will need to use a new standard to test their current 1384 models against when producing new batches of the same hats in the future. Some hats will stay the same, others will need to be changed in order to meet the newer, revised specification. The standard number will also probably be different in the future. Leisure riders can continue to wear and enjoy the protection offered by 1384 hats for many years to come.
4. I compete in affiliated competitions and my hat is the 1384 standard. Will I need to get a new hat?
This depends upon your particular club's rules. You may need to purchase a new hat over the next year or two. Many rule books are still being discussed and rules revised, so the best thing to do is contact the discipline or organisation within which you compete to determine whether the 1384 standard is permitted under their rules beyond 2015. If 1384 is not allowed for competitions, you will need to purchase a new hat to meet the rules of competition but you can of course still wear your 1384 hat outside of competitions.
5. Does this change mean I will have to buy a new hat even if I don't compete?
If you do not compete in any competitions then if your hat meets the 1384 standard you do not need to purchase a new hat unless you have sustained an impact on it when riding or if it doesn't fit you anymore. You can still continue to wear your 1384 hat and even purchase a new replacement 1384, should you need to, while they remain available through retailers. We estimate that there are approximately 1.6 million regular riders who do not have to comply with competition rules so will not be affected by any changes by riding organisations. 1384 hats tend to be slimmer in profile, more lightweight and often more ventilated than other hats, so you can continue to enjoy the protection and comfort they offer.
6. My hat has two standards on the label, one of which is 1384. Is this ok to use for competitions?
Yes, provided that the other standard is approved by your riding organisation. If the hat has1384 plus PAS015 then it will not be affected by this change. If it has any of the other existing standards such as Snell or ASTM F1163 then this is fine for the moment but since the CE mark may be based on the EN1384 standard these too in time may be affected by rule changes if you replace this hat with the same in the future.
7. I only bought my 1384 hat recently from my local retailer and I wasn't made aware that I would no longer be able to use it in competition. Can I get my money back?
On average most people replace their hats every 2 years. Which, given the gravity of the job that your hat does, and the amount of wear and tear on it, is quite a small investment in keeping your head as safe as possible. If you purchased a 1384 hat recently and only ride in competitions then you may need to replace your hat in 2016, which would give you at least another year's wear. So you cannot expect a refund, because the retailer sold you the hat in good faith at a time when the 1384 standard was accepted and in full use. Riding organisations usually give plenty of notice when changing their rules but some have made late decisions on changes that neither retailers nor manufacturers were told about until very recently. From now on, retailers can continue to sell 1384 hats whilst they have them in stock, but riders need to check with their own organisations before they buy a new hat for competition use. So it is the riders' choice which style and standard they choose to buy based on the latest information and what purpose they wish to use the hat for.
8. Surely this is just a money making scheme on the part of the retailers and manufacturers?
Absolutely not. Any safety developments are always made with the consumer in mind and there is only a small proportion of horse riders that will be affected by the rule and be required to purchase a new hat in the next year or two to use in competitions. Manufacturers will incur large costs having their hats retested to a new standard, though it is likely that the majority, of 1384 hats will pass the new standard when it is detailed in the future.
9. Where do I go to find out more information about the situation?
BETA will be issuing advice to riding groups and the equestrian press, and will have a Q&A for riders on the BETA website shortly. Many manufacturers, such as Champion and Gatehouse are issuing guidance and your competition organisation will also be able to advise you if you have any further questions.
Written in conjunction with Champion.