Safety is a very important aspect of horse riding. Here are our tips to help you choose your helmet and stay safe while you ride.
Your choice of helmet should be based on your skill level. You can then refine your choice according to the level of comfort, ventilation and even the fit needed. All our helmets meet the current standards and provide the same level of protection.
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You are starting horse riding and need help with your riding and getting your horse ready. You haven't yet mastered the three gaits. You should be looking at lighter, easy-to-adjust helmets that will fit you snugly. Some models come with a dial at the back that lets you adjust the helmet to your head size or so that the helmet can grow as a child gets older.
You can get your horse ready by yourself, even if you still need help with your riding during group or individual lessons. For this level, helmets have a foam lining for more comfort. You may also want to opt for a helmet with a removable liner that can be washed easily.
You can get your horse ready by yourself and do not need help when riding. For the most intensive riding, helmets should have soft fabric finishes inside for even more comfort, as well as foam padding and an effective ventilation system.
Think carefully about the conditions you'll be riding in before choosing your helmet. If you often ride in warm conditions, or if you start to sweat quickly, choose a model with more ventilation for greater comfort. For intense rides, plenty of ventilation will be needed.
There are three ways of ventilating a helmet, and more than one may be used together:
- Front and/or back ventilation zones
- Ventilation channels
- A ventilated neck protector
To ensure that your helmet is suitable, choose a model that covers your head completely.
The helmet should fit perfectly around your head, without any space between your head and the sides of the helmet. It should not be too tight either but should stay in place when you move your head.
The visor or rim of the helmet should come down to just a few centimetres above your eyebrows and your entire upper forehead should be covered.
The chinstrap should fit snugly so that it doesn't slip over your chin but should be loose enough to not hinder your neck movements.
Helmets can be either one-size or adjustable. We recommend using the measurers available in our stores or the size guides on each helmet's web page to help you find the right size.
Helmets with an adjustable head size have a dial or an elasticated strap for adjusting the fit. They come in sizes S, M, L etc. (e.g., S = 48 to 52 cm, M = 52 to 56 cm and so on). The size can be increased or decreased by up to 4 cm. These helmets are practical because children can wear them for longer, even as they grow. They are also a great solution for occasional riders or when several family members want to use the same helmet.
One-size helmets are "traditional" helmets for which the size cannot be adjusted. You need to choose the right size for your head circumference (e.g. 58 cm). However, it is worth being aware that this kind of helmet may not fit properly if your head is very round or oval. In this case, buy one size up from your normal size or opt for a model that can be adjusted.