Equipment Rules

Equipment Rules

Skull Caps

Design of skull cap

A skull cap is approved by the BHA if:

  • it meets (BS) EN 1384: 1997, EN 1384: 1996 or EN 13158: 2009 or PAS 015: 1994 standard; and
  • it has a CE marking (if manufactured after 30 June 1995).
  • The skull cap must not have a chin cup, cradle or draw lace.
  • The chin strap must pass under the jaw and be attached to the harness by a quick release buckle.
  • The skull cap must not have metal hooks.

Fitting of skull cap

  • The skull cap must be of the correct size for the Rider and must be correctly fitted and fastened.
  • The face harness must be correctly adjusted and the chin strap fastened at all times when the Rider is mounted on a horse.

Body protectors

A body protector to be used in a race must conform to EN 13158:2000, BS EN 13158:2000 or SATRA Jockey Vest Standard Document M6 Issue 3.

A body protector to be used at any other time must conform to EN13158:2000, BS EN 13158:2000 or BETA 2000 Standard Level 1.

A body protector must not be modified in any way.

Whips

As regards a whip carried in a Flat race

  • the maximum length (including flap) is 70 centimetres, and
  • there must be no binding within 17 centimetres of the end of the flap.

As regards a whip carried in a steeple chase or hurdle race

  • the maximum length (including flap) is 68 centimetres, and
  • there must be no binding within 23 centimetres of the end of the flap.
  • The minimum diameter for a whip is 1 centimetre.
  • The overall weight must not exceed 160 grams.
  • The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6 millimetres.
  • The only additional feature that may be attached to a whip is a flap.
  • If a flap is attached, it must comply with the following requirements:
  • the maximum length of the flap from the end of the shaft is 10 centimetres;
  • the maximum width of the flap is 4 centimetres, with a minimum width of 2 centimetres;
  • the flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions;
  • the flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area

To view this rule on the BHA website, click here