Equipment Policies and Rules

Helmet & Body Protector Policies

Helmet Standards - Effective to 31 December 2026

Helmet Standards - Effective from 1st January 2027

Helmet Safety Update - What You Need to Know

Kia ora Pony Club whānau,

NZPCA and ESNZ are providing this joint update to members in preparation for the upcoming changes to international helmet standards.

From 1 January 2027, NZPCA and ESNZ will begin implementing the updated helmet standards across our organisations. This change aligns us with modern international safety requirements and helps ensure every rider is protected by reliable, up-to-date equipment.

What’s changing?

From 1 January 2027:

  • Yellow helmet tags will stay the same. There is no requirement to re-tag or re-check helmets that are already tagged.

  • The standards eligible for new helmet tagging will change.

  • Some older helmet standards will be phased out and will no longer be accepted for new tagging.

  • Helmets that are already tagged can continue to be worn.

Why the update?

The updated standards reflect:

  • Improved testing methods

  • Increased rider protection

  • Alignment with FEI and international best practice

  • Consistent safety expectations across events

Your helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety gear you own. This update helps keep our riders safer.

What you can do now

✔ Check the certification label inside your helmet✔ Compare it with the approved standards on our website✔ Ask your coach or club if you need help✔ Check the accepted standards before purchasing a new helmet

👉 Full details and approved standards are available here:www.nzpca.org/nzpca-resources/equipment-policies-and-rules

Spot checks at events

From 1 January 2027, officials may carry out helmet spot checks to help ensure compliance.If a helmet appears non-compliant, the rider may be asked to change it before riding.

Checking early means less stress later.

We’re here to help

If you’re unsure about your helmet’s certification or what it means, please reach out to your club, coach, or Area. We’re happy to support you.

Helmet Tagging - What You Need to Know

We’ve had a few questions lately about why only approved ESNZ taggers and NZPCA committee members can apply the yellow helmet tag.

Here’s the simple reason: our goal is to keep every rider as safe as possible.

Helmet tagging isn’t just a sticker.  It’s a safety check.

When a tag is applied, it means the helmet has been carefully checked to ensure it:

  • Meets the correct international standards
  • Has the right certification labels
  • Has not been altered or damaged

By keeping tagging to a small group of authorised people, we can make sure:

  • Checks are done consistently across New Zealand
  • Taggers know exactly what they’re looking for
  • Riders and clubs can feel confident their helmets are safe
  • Our safety system stays strong and reliable

This process protects everyone: riders, families, coaches, clubs, and Areas.

We really appreciate your support. Together, we can make sure every rider heads out onto the field or course with the right safety gear and the right checks behind them. 

New Policy on Cameras at Rallies and Events

To ensure the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of all participants, body‑mounted, helmet‑mounted, and horse‑mounted cameras are not permitted at NZPCA rallies and events.

External filming for personal use is allowed only with the consent of those being filmed.

This policy supports a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, reflecting NZPCA’s core values of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

Update to ESNZ Jumping Rules in regard to Safety Cups from the 1st August 2025