Helmets

  According to USEF rules, it is compulsory for riders in all Hunter, Jumper and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, both open and breed restricted, where jumping is required and when jumping anywhere on the competition groups, to wear properly fastened protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards for equestrian use.

For Eventing, anyone mounted on a horse must wear a ASTM/SEI approved helmet at all times when on competition grounds at U.S. nationally rated eventing competitions.

As of March 1 2011,  for Dressage, anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear, except those rider age 18 and over while on horses competing only in FEI levels and test at the Prix St. Georges level and above.   

And the Western rider is no longer left out in regards to riding helmets. Helmets  are  required in many youth speed and rodeo events, and increasingly even the adults are donning helmets for rodeo events.