Madam,

As the Irish consumer representative on the European Equestrian Helmet Committee (W.G.5) since 1997, I am disappointed that the European Commission has had to withdraw EN 1384 but in fact it had no choice. Some of the experts on the committee were completely intransigent and would not support proposed changes to ensure that EN 1384 complied with the Personal Protective Directive 89-686, which rules that any standard must provide the best possible protection. (In fact one expert wanted to reduce the specification.) Consumers expect an EU helmet standard to comply with the PPE Directive 89-686.

A proposed revised standard incorporating criteria from several world standards (including PAS 015) has been written. This new standard incorporates the best protection available (pending further current helmet research) and has gone out to participating European countries’ representatives who will vote on acceptance or rejection. Voting is carried out under a weighted system with larger countries having the most votes.

There is ongoing research into ways to improve the protection provided by equestrian helmets but it will be some time before we see results. It should be born in mind that EN 1384 is a minimum standard. Many manufacturers build helmets to a higher specification, such as PAS 015. As far as I am aware these helmets will remain on the market with or without a CE mark, so riders can be assured the level of protection will remain the same if they use PAS 015-certified helmets.

Yours etc,

Peter Downes,

Russellstown Stud,

Mullingar,

Co Westmeath.