A riding helmet is arguably the most important piece of safety equipment you will use around a horse. It is my biggest non-negotiable when getting on a horse. And in my opinion, it should be for anyone deciding to go for a ride. Protecting your brain is important – don’t let vanity keep you from protecting your head! We are going to take a look at the top horseback riding helmets to show you options of the different styles and features available.
What are some features you should look for in a riding helmet?
- Comfort – You’re not going to wear a helmet that is uncomfortable, so might as well find something that feels good.
- Safety – The whole point is to protect your brain, so you need to find something safe and certified (more on that later).
- Shape and Size – Helmets are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making a close to custom fit that fits and feels just right.
Why should you wear a riding helmet?
- Protecting your head and brain from injury is very important in equestrian sports that could involve falls or crushing injuries.
- I think your brain is the most important asset you have, so you should protect it whenever you choose to get on a horse.
- Helmets can reduce your risk of head injury by 70%-80% according to UConn
- Repeated head injuries (whether equestrian related or not) can compound into brain injury.
Some people will tell you that a riding helmet is uncomfortable or hot. If you don’t care about your brain enough to put on a helmet, it is your choice, but I’ll be blunt – I think it’s a stupid one.
Basic Helmet Fitting Tips
- If you have a headache after taking the helmet off, it is too small or tight
- If the helmet moves around when you shake your head, the helmet is too loose.
- If you can see the majority of your forehead, the helmet is too small or sitting too high on your head.
- If the helmet leaves a line in your forehead, it’s likely too small or the wrong fit.
- If your helmet obscures your vision, it’s likely too big
Why is it important for a horseback riding helmet to fit properly?
A properly fitting helmet is important because it cannot function the way it needs to if it’s too loose or too tight. An ill fitting helmet can create issues when falling as it will not be sitting correctly on your head to protect it from injury.
When in doubt on the fit of a helmet, go to a local tack store and try on all the brands available in the different shapes and sizes. It is much easier to feel how they fit rather than ordering on a website if you’ve never purchased the brand before. Many people will swear by a specific brand and know how the size fits so ordering online is no problem.
Several helmet brands come in different shapes – for example oval or round – for different head shapes. Some helmets offer an adjustable dial for a more customized fit as well.
horseback riding helmets safety standards and why they matter
What are the safety standards for riding helmets?
- SEI/ASTM certification
- VG1 01.040, PAS 015 and EN 1384:2017
- SNELL E2016
What are these standards and why do universal safety standards for horseback riding helmets matter?
Having safety standards is important because it creates a universal testing standard that helmet must meet – therefore making it safer for you! Testing for riding helmets involves impact tests, crushing, and visor tests (visor needs to break away without damaging your face).
ASTM/SEI standards are set by The American Society for Testing and Materials which is typically considered the lowest safety standard but important to make sure a helmet meets these standards. Many equestrian associations require helmets that meet these standards such as the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and the United States Pony Club (USPC).
ASTM testing involves impact, retention and visor tests to ensure safety. The helmet also must meet these requirements after experiencing heat, cold and moisture. ASTM/SEI does not require any penetration tests which is why they can offer more ventilation than helmets in other countries.
The European standards of PAS015 and VG1 01.040 include more testing than the ASTM/SEI certification. These European safety standards include additional testing for penetration and crush resistance. This will provide additional protection for your head should it come in contact with the ground, a hoof, or another object.
The final safety rating is SNELL E2016, these standards require the same tests as the European standards, however they also do impact tests from greater heights and test higher crush amounts as well. They also utilize more sharp edges for penetration testing. There are only a few horseback riding helmets that meet this safety standard.
If you are unsure which horseback riding helmet is best for you, go to a local store to have a professional fit you for a helmet.
What kind of helmet do you need for horse riding?
You need a comfortable, well-fitting helmet that meets one or more safety standards that apply to riding helmets. If your helmet is not safe and somewhat comfortable, you aren’t going to wear it – and you have to wear it for it to fit!
Now that we’ve talked enough about the features a horse riding helmet needs to have, let’s look at some of the best riding helmets.
The Best Horse Riding Helmets:
- Tipperary Sportage Riding Helmet
- Tuffrider Carbon Fiber Helmet
- Troxel Liberty Helmet
- One K MIPS CCS Helmet
- Trauma Void EQ3 Helmet
- Charles Owen 4 Star Helmet
Tipperary Sportage Riding Helmet
The Tipperary Sportage horse riding helmet is a favorite of many people because it is comfortable, meets ASTM/SEI standards, comes in a variety of colors, and offers nice ventilation. It is a comfortable helmet that looks great on your head as well. The ventilation holes are excellent in hot weather, but remember that it will not provide as much protection with the large ventilation holes. The Tipperary Sportage helmet is typically $149.99, though I often see sales on helmets so check around if this is the helmet you want!
See the Tipperary Sportage Riding Helmet on Adams Horse Supply
(At the time of this post, Adams has this helmet on sale for $119.00)
See the Tipperary Sportage Riding Helmet on Amazon
Tuffrider Carbon Fiber Shell Helmet
This Tuffrider helmet was one of the top helmets in a recently published Virginia Tech Study. The helmet is SEI certified with a strong carbon fiber shell to help protect your head.
This helmet offers an adjustable dial for a more customized fit as well as Coolmax lining and ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable.
Check out this Tuffrider Helmet on Amazon here.
Troxel Liberty Helmet
The Troxel Liberty Helmet is an excellent choice for a safe helmet with a low profile and not added frills or colors. My first helmet was a Troxel and I wore it until it had holes in the padding. Troxel is a well known brand and this is a nice helmet with a flattering look.
See the Troxel Liberty Helmet on Amazon
One K MIPS CCS Helmet
This One K Helmet meets the ASTM/SEI standards and also includes additional MIPS technology. MIPS helps protect the brain during falls so it can’t hurt to have this technology included in the helmet. Another feature of this helmet that many people like is the customization available with colors on the front vent, top and stripes across the top. These can be changed out for a custom helmet which can make it more personal and fun!
See the One K MIPS CCS Helmet on Adams Horse Supply (at the time of this posting, it was on sale for $268.00, the usual price is $335.00)
See the One K MIPS CCS Helmet on Amazon
Trauma Void EQ3 Riding Helmet
The Trauma Void EQ3 Riding Helmet meets ASTM/SEI standards And has MIPS technology. This helmet comes in a couple colors and many reviewers say it is comfortable and offers excellent protection with a flattering fit.
See the Trauma Voice EQ3 on Amazon
See the Trauma Void EQ3 on Adams Horse Supply
Charles Owen 4 Star Helmet
The Charles Owen 4 Star Helmet is the only helmet in this list that meets the Snell guidelines for safety. This helmet has gone through the most rigorous testing and is an excellent choice for a safety conscious rider. This helmet does not have a visor but you can buy different helmet covers that can change the color and add a visor to this helmet.
See the Charles Owen 4 Star Helmet on Adams Horse Supply
Choose a helmet and wear it! It doesn’t protect your brain unless you actually wear it. Choose one with a safety rating so you know the helmet has undergone some testing to ensure it works effectively in a fall.
Want to save money on a helmet purchase?
Here a few ways you can save (though you should ALWAYS buy a helmet if you need one, whether or not it is a “good deal”)
- I do NOT suggest buying a used helmet. It could have been involved in a fall and you do not want to risk your brain at the expense of saving a few bucks.
- Check all websites for the best price on the helmet you want – I have found the best prices on Amazon and Adams Horse and Pet Supplies. However, I like to check, Smartpak, Statelinetack, Jeffers, and Bit of Britain before buying something.
- Buy a helmet during helmet awareness week – almost all equestrian retailers will run sales during helmet awareness days which is in September. Keep an eye out for emails from your favorite retailers during this time.
What horse riding helmet do you wear when you ride?
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