Dressage riders in Canada will be rushing to buy approved headgear following the national rule change as of Jan. 1, 2012, requiring all riders at Equine Canada sanctioned dressage competitions to wear helmets.

“I am very proud of our dressage committee for taking this step,” said Equine Canada president Michael Gallagher. “I believe we are the first national federation to introduce this rule across all levels, and I can guarantee we will not be the last.”

Other nations have implemented rules regarding helmets, but none have gone so far as to mandate helmets all the time. As of March 1, 2011, the U.S. Equestrian Federation required helmets for dressage riders under 18, riders on horses competing in national level tests, riders competing in para-equestrian tests and riders on non-competing horses. However, senior riders are still permitted to wear top hats in FEI tests. The Fédération Equestre Internationale voted to require helmets everywhere on the showgrounds except the official warm-up and actual show ring, and that rule will go into effect for 2013.

“I am thrilled that Canada is promoting the use of helmets,” said Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer, who routinely wears helmets during competition. “Helmets prevent head injuries, and I feel a rule that promotes the safety of its riders is a great rule.” 

Although riders will now have to don helmets for classes at national shows in Canada, CDIs will still be governed under FEI rules.