In 1995, BETA Level 1, 2, and 3 safety standards were introduced, with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest level of protection offered.
There are three levels of protection to cater for different riding activities. The latest European safety standard is EN 13158 and BETA 2018.
No body protector can prevent serious injury in certain accidents, but you can improve your chances of staying safe by choosing the highest safety standard.
Level 1 (green label)
Body protectors certified to Level 1 provide a lower level of impact protection that is only considered appropriate for racing where weight is of over-riding importance and there are no requirements in place for a great level of protection.
Level 2 (orange label)
Body protectors certified to Level 2 provide a lower than normal level of protection that is only considered appropriate for use in low risk situations.
These DO NOT include riding on roads or other hard surfaces, riding over jumps, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced. This level is now used by many jockeys while racing.
Level 3 (blue label)
Body protectors certified to Level 3 provide a level of protection that is considered appropriate for normal horse riding, competitors and for working with horses.
Protectors to this level should prevent minor bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain, reduce soft tissue injuries and bruising, and prevent a limited number of rib fractures.
This level is required by many exercise riders for race horses.
Level 3 – Carriage driving (blue label)
Body protectors designed to meet the needs of horse drivers. Navigators are best wearing a standard level 3. It does not provide adequate coverage of the back for those riding horses or those working with them.
