Enhanced Equestrian Helmet Ratings Incorporate High-Speed and Racing Impact Analysis

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has introduced a revised ratings system for equestrian helmets, now accounting for high-speed impacts common in racing and cross-country events. This development stems from recent research highlighting the significance of head impacts during falls at elevated velocities, which produce distinct rotational forces affecting helmet performance.

Published on April 28, 2025, in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering, the study led by researchers Steve Rowson and Lauren Duma emphasizes that rotational head motion plays a crucial role in injury risk. While earlier testing methods considered rotational forces, the new research shows that falls from high-speed scenarios exert different forces and generate different rotational responses compared to low-speed impacts.

The research was prompted by the Fédération Equestre Internationale's (FEI) new testing protocols, which include impact simulations on angled surfaces akin to speed falls. These modifications aim to more accurately reflect real-world accidents in racing and high-velocity disciplines.

The updated testing now incorporates impact scenarios where both horse and rider are moving horizontally, replicating conditions typical in racing and cross-country events. The expanded protocol includes two key impact tests: one that mimics high-impact falls on an inclined surface and another that employs computational modeling to assess injury potential.

Crucially, the new ratings utilize a combination of impact assessment methods, including the traditional pendulum impactor and the oblique drop tower, evaluated across 49 helmet models — the largest study of its kind. Helmets are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five-star helmets providing the highest level of protection and the lowest concussion risk.

The revised rankings aim to guide consumers toward better protective gear, particularly for high-speed equestrian sports. The updated ratings are now accessible on the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s website, offering a more comprehensive overview of helmet safety performance in diverse impact scenarios.

For further details, see the full study: Lauren A. Duma et al, 'Equestrian STAR: Development of an Experimental Methodology for Assessing the Biomechanical Performance of Equestrian Helmets,' in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-equestrian-helmet-high-events.html.