There is the new text for the FEI Rules for Dressage Events that will come into force from 1.1.2013 outlining which athletes must wear protective headgear (all athletes under 18, and/or riding Young Horses). Find below the extract from the rules. The complete FEI Rules for Dressage Events can be downloaded here.
NEW TEXT FOR ARTICLE 427 to enter into force from 01.01.2013:
- Protective headgear and top hat/bowler:
As a general rule protective headgear* has to be worn by all Athletes (as well as any other person) at all times when mounted.
Any Athlete (as well as any other person) violating this provision must immediately be prohibited from further riding until the protective headgear is properly in place.
The following exception applies: Athletes who are 18 years and older** and who are riding Horses that are seven (7) years and older may wear a top hat/bowler instead of protective headgear. However, this exception is limited to the actual Competition and the warming-up directly prior to the Competition (with no break before the Competition), which includes riding between the stable and the warm-up area , riding of the competing Horse in the warm-up area, and riding back to the stable.
It is however recommended that Athletes falling under this exception nonetheless wear protective headgear at all times for their own safety.
A protective headgear formed as a top hat may be used in the same situations as a standard top hat.
Note*: Protective headgear is defined in Appendix A in the GRs.
Note **: An Athlete is considered to be eighteen (18) years old from the beginning of the calendar year (1st of January) in which he reaches the age of eighteen (18).