British Eventing has announced that the widely used helmet, the PROtector Cool XCountry, will no longer be permitted for cross country under BE rules. It can, however, be used for both Dressage and Show jumping. This announcement was sent to officials on the 15th April and was stated on the BE website the following day. The helmet has a bump above the eyes which means it does not fit the requirements of the headware rule that states that cross country helmets must be " of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak, peak type extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front". Today (April 18th) PROtector responded with the statement : " On April 16th BE announced our cross-country helmet would not be permitted to be worn during the cross-country phase of Eventing. We were unaware of discussions relating to this until this statement. We are currently in discussions with British Eventing, which are ongoing and we hope to update very soon. We would like to clarify this statement refers only to the xc and only when used within the cross-country phase. All PROtector hats still carry the SNELL E:2001, the highest manufactured equestrian safety standard in the world." Many riders who use this helmet have expressed their anger through social media at this decision, as many have just bought these helmets for the new season ahead.
