Helmets are compulsory at the 2014 Horse of the Year Show . . . and not just if you are on a horse.

Police have approached HOY organisers and asked that the show support their stance in insisting on helmets for those on a push bike or motor bike on the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds.

Show operations manager Andrew Hansen says those who flout the ruling could risk being suspended from the show.

Attention to health and safety at the Horse of the Year Show is priority number one for the whole team.

Hansen says he and his team are constantly working on health and safety to ensure every detail is looked at closely.

“We have listened to everyone and as part of the constant development of the show we aim to make it even safer this year – and that’s for riders, horses, spectators, volunteers, officials and anyone else,” he says.

“It is vitally important for each and everyone of us, but also for the continuation of the show long term. We consider ourselves to be leaders, and this is another thing HOY will be at the forefront of.”