ASTM F1163-23

Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback Riding

ABSTRACT
This specification provides a description of a test method for protective headgear used in horse sports and horseback riding that will measure the ability of the headgear to reduce head acceleration when impacting objects of various shapes. Materials covered by this specification include the pair of appropriate size headform and helmet and the anvils for the impacts tests, which consist of the flat anvil and the equestrian hazard anvil. The helmet shall be conditioned in the following environments: ambient, low temperature, high temperature, and water immersion, and shall be impacted at each of four sites centered on or anywhere above the center of the impact line (two sites on the flat anvil and two sites on the equestrian hazard anvil). Dynamic loading and helmet stability tests shall be performed and shall conform to the requirements specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers minimum performance criteria and describes test methods for protective headgear for use in horse sports and horseback riding.  
1.2 It is not the intention of this specification to bar from consideration materials of improved quality or performance not known at the time of development of this specification.  
1.3 All testing and requirements of this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446, except where noted herein.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F2220-14 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2220-12 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2220-11 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM F2220-02(2009) - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2220-02 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002

Overview

ASTM F1163-23: Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback Riding provides comprehensive performance requirements and testing methods for protective helmets intended for equestrian activities. Developed by ASTM International, this standard aims to improve rider safety by evaluating helmets' ability to reduce head acceleration during impacts, thereby helping to mitigate head injuries.

Designed for use in various horse sports, this specification outlines both the materials and laboratory test procedures necessary to determine helmet performance under different environmental conditions and impact scenarios. ASTM F1163-23 is internationally recognized and contributes to higher safety standards in equestrian disciplines.

Key Topics

• Minimum Performance Criteria: The standard specifies baseline safety and functional requirements all helmets must meet to be deemed compliant.
• Impact Attenuation Testing: Helmets are tested using both flat and equestrian hazard anvils to simulate potential real-world accidents. Tests measure the ability to reduce head acceleration below a defined maximum threshold.
• Environmental Conditioning: Helmets must demonstrate sustained performance after exposure to various environments, including ambient, high and low temperatures, and water immersion.
• Sample and Site Selection: Multiple helmet samples and distinct impact sites are required to ensure comprehensive assessment across a range of sizes and helmet shell/liner combinations.
• Retention and Stability: Helmets undergo dynamic loading and stability (roll-off) tests to evaluate the reliability of their retention systems under stress.
• Lateral Compression Testing: Helmets are subjected to forces mimicking lateral impact, with strict limits on permanent and temporary deformation.
• Labeling and Marking: The standard enforces detailed labeling requirements, including warnings, size, date of manufacture, and certification information, to inform users about safe selection and correct usage.
• Reference to Test Methods: Testing is primarily conducted following ASTM F1446, with specific adaptations relevant to equestrian activities referenced throughout.

Applications

The ASTM F1163-23 specification is directly applicable to manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory agencies involved in equestrian sports safety. Its applications include:

• Product Certification: Stakeholders can use this standard to certify equestrian helmets, ensuring they meet recognized performance benchmarks and regulatory demands.
• Helmet Selection and Purchasing: Riders, trainers, and equestrian organizations can reference the standard to make informed decisions when selecting protective headgear, prioritizing helmets tested and certified to ASTM F1163-23.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many competition organizers, riding schools, and equestrian associations require ASTM-compliant helmets as part of their official safety protocols.
• Research and Development: R&D teams leverage these criteria to design, test, and improve new headgear technologies, focusing on materials and structures that enhance rider protection.
• Consumer Safety Awareness: Riders and parents benefit from better understanding helmet safety labels and the significance of ASTM F1163-23 compliance.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1446: Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear. This is the core test method referenced for safety and quality testing in ASTM F1163-23.
• ASTM F2220: Specification for Headforms. Outlines standardized test headforms required for performance testing of helmets.
• International Helmet Standards: While ASTM F1163-23 is widely recognized, other standards such as EN 1384 or PAS015 may also be used for equestrian headgear in different regions.
• ISO and CEN Safety Standards: These broader international frameworks may also play a supplementary role in ensuring harmonized safety requirements for equestrian protective equipment.

Keywords: ASTM F1163-23, horseback riding helmet standard, equestrian helmet safety, protective headgear, horse sports helmet testing, helmet impact attenuation, ASTM International, helmet labeling, lateral compression, retention system testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1163 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback
Riding
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1163; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Horse sports and horseback riding are sports with intrinsic hazards. It is recognized that it is not
possible to write a protective headgear performance standard that will result in headgear that can
protect against injury or death in all accidents. It is also recognized that serious injury or death can
result from both low-energy and high-energy impacts, even when protective headgear is worn. It is
further recognized that protective headgear must be acceptable to the user and to the regulating
associations or agencies requiring its use. Acknowledging these limitations, this specification was
developed using resources in medical, scientific, mechanical engineering, human factors, and
biomechanical fields.
This specification incorporates many aspects of other recognized headgear performance standards.
This specification draws from work done by others where appropriate for this specification. These
standards may be referenced. It should be noted that this specification specifies a laboratory test of
completed headgear to measure its ability to reduce head acceleration when impacting various shaped
objects. It is known that headgear that performs well under this specification will mitigate head injury
in actual use within its design limits.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This specification covers minimum performance criteria
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and describes test methods for protective headgear for use in
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
horse sports and horseback riding.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 It is not the intention of this specification to bar from
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
consideration materials of improved quality or performance not
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
known at the time of development of this specification.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 All testing and requirements of this specification shall
be in accordance with Test Methods F1446, except where noted
2. Referenced Document
herein.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in
standard.
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Headgear
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
F2220 Specification for Headforms
standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions—The terms used in this specification are
defined in accordance with Test Methods F1446.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F1163 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F1163-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1163 − 23
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: mm, with facial surfaces inclined at an angle of 45 6 2°. The
3.2.1 cradle, n—headband or other head-fitting device and edge rail at the intersection of the facial surfaces shall have a
those internal parts of the headgear in contact with the head. radius of 0.4 mm maximum.
3.2.2 drawlace, n—lace used for making adjustments to the
5.2 The helmet shall be dropped onto the flat anvil from a
fit of the cradle on the wearer’s head.
theoretical drop height of 1.8 m to achieve an impact velocity
of 6.0 m/s 6 3 %.
4. Headforms
5.3 The helmet shall be dropped onto the equestrian hazard
4.1 Headforms to be used in this specification are in
anvil from a theoretical drop height of 1.3 m to achieve an
accordance with the section on Apparatus of Test Methods
impact velocity of 5.0 m/s 6 3 %.
F1446. The appropriate size headform shall be selected (see
5.4 The impact velocity shall be measured during the last 40
definition of headform size selection in the Terminology
mm of free-fall for each test and shall be within 63 % of the
section of Test Methods F1446) for the helmet to be tested.
velocities specified in 5.2 and 5.3.
4.2 Test headforms used in this specification shall use the
variable mass drop assembly configuration for impact testing
6. General Requirements and Marking
as specified in the definition of test headforms in the terminol-
6.1 Select the appropriate reference headform in accordance
ogy section and in Table 2 of Test Methods F1446.
with the definition of headform size selection in the Terminol-
ogy section of Test Methods F1446.
5. Anvils and Impact Velocities
6.2 Position the helmet in accordance with the section on
5.1 Anvils to be used for impact tests in this specification
Test Procedures of Test Methods F1446.
are the flat anvil described in the section and figure on Flat
Anvil of Test Methods F1446, and the equestrian hazard anvil
6.3 All helmets shall meet the requirements of the sections
described in Fig. 1 of this specification. The circular portion of on Configuration, Materials, and Internal Projection of Test
the equestrian hazard anvil shall have a radius of 66.7 6 0.5 Methods F1446.
FIG. 1 Equestrian Hazard Anvil (“V” Anvil)
F1163 − 23
6.3.1 All reporting shall be described in the section on 7.2 Condition the samples in accordance
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1163 − 15 F1163 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Protective Headgear Used in Horse Sports and Horseback
Riding
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1163; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Horse sports and horseback riding are sports with intrinsic hazards. It is recognized that it is not
possible to write a protective headgear performance standard that will result in headgear that can
protect against injury or death in all accidents. It is also recognized that serious injury or death can
result from both low-energy and high-energy impacts, even when protective headgear is worn. It is
further recognized that protective headgear must be acceptable to the user and to the regulating
associations or agencies requiring its use. Acknowledging these limitations, this specification was
developed using resources in medical, scientific, mechanical engineering, human factors, and
biomechanical fields.
This specification incorporates many aspects of other recognized headgear performance standards.
This specification draws from work done by others where appropriate for this specification. These
standards may be referenced. It should be noted that this specification specifies a laboratory test of
completed headgear to measure its ability to reduce head acceleration when impacting various shaped
objects. It is known that headgear that performs well under this specification will mitigate head injury
in actual use within its design limits.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers minimum performance criteria and describes test methods for protective headgear for use in horse
sports and horseback riding.
1.2 It is not the intention of this specification to bar from consideration materials of improved quality or performance not known
at the time of development of this specification.
1.3 All testing and requirements of this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446, except where noted herein.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015Jan. 1, 2023. Published October 2015February 2023. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20132015 as
F1163 – 13.F1163 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/F1163-15.10.1520/F1163-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1163 − 23
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Document
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear
F2220 Specification for Headforms
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The terms used in this specification are defined in accordance with Test Methods F1446.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 cradle, n—headband or other head-fitting device and those internal parts of the headgear in contact with the head.
3.2.2 drawlace, n—lace used for making adjustments to the fit of the cradle on the wearer’s head.
4. Headforms
4.1 Headforms to be used in this specification are in accordance with the section on Apparatus of Test Methods F1446. The
appropriate size headform shall be selected (see definition of headform size selection in the Terminology section of Test Methods
F1446) for the helmet to be tested.
4.2 Test headforms used in this specification shall use the variable mass drop assembly configuration for impact testing as specified
in the definition of test headforms in the terminology section and in Table 2 of Test Methods F1446.
5. Anvils and Impact Velocities
5.1 Anvils to be used for impact tests in this specification are the flat anvil described in the section and figure on Flat Anvil of
Test Methods F1446, and the equestrian hazard anvil described in Fig. 1 of this specification. The circular portion of the equestrian
hazard anvil shall have a radius of 66.7 6 0.5 mm, with facial surfaces inclined at an angle of 45 6 2°. The edge rail at the
intersection of the facial surfaces shall have a radius of 0.4 mm maximum.
5.2 The helmet shall be dropped onto the flat anvil from a theoretical drop height of 1.8 m to achieve an impact velocity of 6.0
m/s 6 3 %.
5.3 The helmet shall be dropped onto the equestrian hazard anvil from a theoretical drop height of 1.3 m to achieve an impact
velocity of 5.0 m/s 6 3 %.
5.4 The impact velocity shall be measured during the last 40 mm of free-fall for each test and shall be within 63 % of the
velocities specified in 5.2 and 5.3.
6. General Requirements and Marking
6.1 Select the appropriate reference headform in accordance with the definition of headform size selection in the Terminology
section of Test Methods F1446.
6.2 Position the helmet in accordance with the section on Test Procedures of Test Methods F1446.
6.3 All helmets shall meet the requirements of the sections on Configuration, Materials, and Internal Projection of Test Methods
F1446.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
F1163 − 23
FIG. 1 Equestrian Hazard Anvil (“V” Anvil)
6.3.1 All reporting shall be described in the section on Reporting
...