Health and Safety
Safety Helmets
The RAS, Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) and NZ Pony Club Association (NZPCA) have a consistent standard in approved safety helmets and have used the same red safety tags to identify compliant helmets.
As from 1 August 2023 – there has been an update in standards to bring them in line with international standards and other organisations.
Therefore as from 1 August 2023 – all approved helmets will need to be fitted with the new YELLOW tag to compete at RAS affiliated shows and events, as per rule GR 4 d).
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/safety/helmet-tagging/
Review of helmet standards 2022 – YELLOW TAGS
Some A&P Shows and measuring stands can tag compliant helmets and any yellow tag applied by the ESNZ or NZPCA is accepted by the RAS. All helmets that conform must be identified by the current tag system.
All Riders, including harness drivers, with the exception of heavy horse (Clydesdale) working classes, competing at RAS affiliated A&P Shows/Events must wear a helmet that has a yellow tag or they will not be permitted to compete or ride on the grounds. Such headgear must be worn with the chinstrap properly adjusted and fastened when in the arena or ring, the practice area, collecting rings or anywhere else within the Showgrounds.
Helmets must conform with one of the current approved safety standards on the ESNZ website which states the helmets that are accepted.
Equine Contagious Diseases
The below code has been adopted by the RAS: