The 15 Best Horse Riding Helmets
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Barry Buttler
Depending on how you ride, horseback riding may be calming or thrilling. Horses are able to go at a far greater rate of speed than humans are capable of.
It is possible for thoroughbreds to attain speeds of 44 mph, whereas Quarter Horses may sprint at speeds of 55 mph. Falls from horses, even though they are significantly slower, may have serious effects.
Skateboarding, bicycling, and motorcycling are among the high-risk hobbies for which helmets are widely seen as a must or at the very least a recommendation.
Horses, on the other hand, may reach heights of over six feet. Helmets are also available for equestrian usage due to the danger of a fall from that height.
However, given that equestrian helmets vary significantly from those used by participants in other sports, how can you make an informed decision about which horse helmet is suitable for you?
As a resource, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has compared eight of the best horse riding helmets so you can determine which one is most likely to keep your brain safe in the event of an accident.
Buyer's Guide
Here, you can see that horse-riding helmets have many of alternatives. There’s a lot to choose from. You have to compare them somehow. What distinguishes one helmet from the rest? What makes one helmet superior than another?
In this buyer’s guide, we want to make it easier for you to answer these questions. In this article, we’ll go through the most critical attributes and functions to keep in mind while evaluating various models. It is our hope that at the conclusion of this tutorial, you will have a better understanding of the many options available to you.
Adaptability in terms of sizing
It doesn’t matter how well-made your helmet is if it doesn’t fit you properly. Snug but not too tight is the goal when it comes to choosing a helmet. While it shouldn’t move, you shouldn’t get a headache from it. In order to maintain a tight fit, the garment must also be comfortable to wear.
In many cases, helmets may be adjusted by turning an adjustment dial, which tightens or loosens the helmet. Other helmets, even the most expensive, do not have the ability to be adjusted. To ensure a proper fit, you must get the correct size for these helmets. Before placing an order, make sure to measure your head to the nearest inch. Even if you have the correct helmet size, if you don’t have the capacity to modify it, you may never get the optimum fit.
Ventilation
The majority of the time, horseback riding takes place in a natural setting. While you may be able to ride in the cooler months, most of us will ultimately have to cope with riding in hot temperatures. While biking in the heat isn’t a deal breaker, it may be unpleasant. On hot rides, having a well-ventilated helmet may make a significant difference in your level of comfort. If you want to keep your head cool, search for a helmet that has a lot of ventilation.
Safety
Since you’re wearing it to protect your head, safety is the most critical consideration for any helmet. The ASTM and the SEI are the two primary regulating organisations for safety certifications. Both of these organizations certify high-quality helmets. Even if a helmet only has one certification, it’s not necessarily a bad one; yet, we feel more secure knowing that it has both certifications. As an example, a few of the greatest helmets are even CE-certified according to European EN standards by organizations based in Europe!
Appearance
You don’t want to appear silly in your helmet, even if safety is your first priority. There are a lot of good-looking riding helmets out there, but they tend to be somewhat dull. You may express yourself in a variety of ways with certain helmets that come in a wide variety of colors and styles. For those who care about the additional design possibilities, you may want to hunt for a helmet that does.
Conclusion
Finding a good riding helmet isn’t difficult since there are so many of the best horse riding helmets available.
The most difficult part is deciding which one to buy after going over all of the options. Hopefully, our evaluations have been of some use.
We’ll briefly recap our suggestions one more time to help you remember them. Ovation Schooler deluxe helmet is our top selection for all-around protection.
Removable and washable liner in lightweight design with easy dial adjustment for a comfortable fit. Breakaway and washable visor.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) believes that the Troxel Sport horseback riding helmet is the finest value for your money.
Despite its inexpensive cost, it comes with an ASTM and SEI-certified, machine-washable, detachable headliner with a highly breathable design.
Also, the IRH 4G helmet comes highly recommended if you take your riding seriously and don’t mind spending more money on a quality riding helmet.
It has removable, machine-washable liners that wick away moisture. If you’re looking for the most comfortable and form-fitting helmet, go no further than this one thanks to the liners.
Reviews
Overall, the Ovation Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet is the best choice.
We propose the Ovation Girls’ Schooler deluxe riding helmet for the greatest all-around helmet. With numerous of vents to keep the wearer’s head cool, it provides enough protection. If you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a 10-gallon hat attached to your head, this is the hat for you.
With this helmet, you have a lot of possibilities. In terms of color, there are a lot of options. While the color selections are appealing, the large number of available sizes isn’t. The adjustment dial on each size allows you to fine-tune the fit to your specific head size. There are seven sizes available, so you’ll want to take a measurement of your head to make sure you receive the correct one.
You may machine wash the liner when it needs to be cleaned. You may remove the visor in the event that you choose to ride without it. Even so, it’s a fair price given the high level of quality. This is the greatest riding helmet in our opinion, and we have no hesitation in recommending it to you.
Pros
- For a tight fit, all you need to do is make a few simple adjustments.
- Liner may be taken out and washed.
- Breakaway visor that can be removed
- Breathable and lightweight.
- In a variety of hues.
Cons
- Sizes are too numerous
Horseback Riding Helmet – Best Value – Troxel Sport
Horses are a costly pastime. The horses themselves are pricy, but so is all of the equipment, and there’s a lot of it. We recommend the Troxel Sport riding helmet if you’re wanting to save money on your helmet. Because it’s less expensive than most of the competitors, we believe it’s one of the finest horse-riding helmets for the money.
Because it’s ASTM (previously known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) and Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) approved, Troxel didn’t skimp on safety while developing this helmet. It’s less expensive than other helmets, but that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality.
This helmet also has a lot of ventilation, which is a huge plus. The headliner can also be removed and machine washed, making it easy to keep this helmet clean. White or black are the only colors you may choose from, but it appears like that’s about the only sacrifice you have to make when you buy this helmet.
Pros
- Easily afforded
- Remove and clean the headliner.
- The design is very breathable.
- Certified by ASTM and SEI
Cons
- Both white and black are the only options.
The IRH 4G Helmet is a top-tier option.
International Riding Helmets, or IRH for short, is a well-known and renowned name in the horse industry for producing reliable riding helmets. While this helmet is our top recommendation, it comes at a high price since it is more expensive than most other helmets on the market today.
If you get this helmet, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate size since there is no way to make substantial size alterations. It is, however, possible to achieve a bespoke fit with the removable moisture-wicking liners, making this helmet more comfortable than others. It’s true that customizing the fit takes time and effort. When it’s time to run your liners through the washing machine, don’t forget where you put them!
Both the ASTM and the SEI have certified this expensive helmet, as one could expect from such a high-end product. Aside from that, the design is quite breathable because to the many ventilation vents it has. Even though this helmet is expensive, you’ll get a lot of value for your money if you can afford it.
Pros
- Customizable fit with interchangeable lining
- The liners may be washed in a regular washer and dryer.
- The standards of ASTM and SEI have been met.
- There are several air vents.
Cons
- Incomparably more expensive than possible substitutes
Horseback Riding Helmet by Troxell Spirit
Our choice for the greatest value goes to Troxel’s Sport model, not the Spirit model. The remarkable amount of choices, however, is where this helmet really shines. It’s hard to find a cool riding helmet these days. In terms of design, they tend to be quite similar and come in neutral hues like black, white, and gray. Numerous color possibilities are available with the Troxel Spirit. These include a metallic blue hue and images of dinosaurs, scarlet Aztec design elements, and the American flag, to name just a few.
To remove perspiration, the detachable lining inside this helmet may be machine cleaned. As a result, the helmet’s considerable ventilation will keep you from overheating. You’ll be able to breathe a lot easier thanks to the fact that 20% of this helmet is made of mesh. Because it is just one pound, you won’t feel it on your head.
The dial-fit mechanism on this helmet makes it simple to get a secure fit. However, finding the right helmet size might be a challenge. It’s important to take your measurements carefully before purchasing one of these bracelets.
Pros
- A wide variety of styles and colors are available.
- Breathable while being light in weight
- Liner that is washable and removable
- Snug fit with dial-fitting system
Cons
- It might be tough to find the right size.
Helmet for riding horses IRH Equi-Lite by IRH
There are more costly versions from IRH, such as the premium selection 4G, but the Equi-Lite horse riding helmet is much less expensive. The Equi-Lite model’s cheaper pricing is due in part to the fact that it is designed for children. Adults will not be able to wear these helmets since they are not yet full-size.
Small, medium, and large sizes are all that are offered for this helmet. Each helmet includes a dial-fit mechanism that allows for simple sizing adjustment. The rider’s head is kept cool by five front vents and four rear vents. CE certification to European EN standards is included, as well as regular ASTM and SEI certifications. Of course, this helmet passes all relevant safety criteria
Like other comparable helmets, this one employs thick foam to keep your head safe. Because the foam protrudes from beneath the shell’s base, it is vulnerable to injury. If you place the helmet on the foam, even if it may be durable, the accumulated damage will be seen very quickly.
Pros
- Well suited to newcomers and children
- Easily afforded
- Sizing may be easily altered.
- All relevant safety requirements are met with this product.
Cons
- Full-size motorcycles will not fit.
- The edges of foam may be destroyed easily.
The TuffRider Starter Safety Helmet for Horseback Riding
The TuffRider beginning horse-riding helmet has two huge vents on the front to keep you cool during extended rides. It’s fortunate that the vents are coated in stainless steel mesh, ensuring that the sufficient ventilation does not compromise safety. Although this helmet is SEI-certified, it does not meet ASTM standards.
The process of determining your ideal fit is as simple as turning a dial. You’ll have to pay attention to your measurements, however. Each size of this helmet only spans around 0.25 inches in width, so it’s suitable for adults and children of all sizes. For individuals with long hair, the fact that this helmet can be worn with a ponytail makes it a perfect option.
Pros
- Breathable while being light in weight
- Stainless steel mesh covers the vents.
- It has an adjustable dial for a precise fit.
- A ponytail is an option for styling.
Cons
- Not accredited by ASTM
- You have to be very specific about the measurements you use.
Western Riding Helmet Tipperary Sportage
Tipperary Sportage western riding helmets may appeal to you if you like an aggressive look in your riding headgear. Extreme sports helmets like those used in skateboarding or BMX have more aggressive style than this one does. This helmet, on the other hand, is designed for horseback riding and is composed of carbon for a light and durable helmet. As a result, it has earned certification from both ASTM and SEI.
As a result of all that strong style, there are a lot of vents available. However, you’ll have to sacrifice some level of fit and comfort in order to do this. This hat looks nice, however it doesn’t fit well. There is no way to alter the fit, and the overall appearance is unflattering. Despite this, it’s more expensive than a lot of the other helmets on our comparison list.
Save your money and acquire something more comfy, in our opinion. Then then, you’ll be wearing it for long periods of time. You won’t have as much fun riding if your helmet isn’t comfy.
Pros
- Styling that is abrasive
- A lot of fresh air
- Certified by ASTM and SEI
Cons
- Adjustability is lacking
- The design isn’t the most comfy.
- Costlier than other options.
It’s a One K Defender Suede helmet
There is no question that the One K Defender suede helmet is a quality product. On this list, it’s one of the priciest alternatives. A quick-drying anti-microbial lining and a protective ABS composite outer shell are just some of the perks you’ll receive for the price. However, in our opinion, this excessive price does not justify it. A single One K Defender helmet might buy you numerous helmets from other manufacturers.
However, the high cost of this helmet is just the beginning of our concerns about it. This highly pricey helmet lacks the adaptability that can be found on many lower-priced models, making it difficult to get a perfect fit. To ensure you get the correct size, please take the time to carefully measure your existing clothing and consult a size chart. Even if you obtain the appropriate size, you can’t modify the helmet to make it more comfortable. To us, this helmet is a letdown, and we don’t suggest it for the price.
Pros
- Quick-drying liner with anti-microbial properties
- Crafted from a high-tech ABS composite material.
Cons
- Due of the very high cost
- Too many sizes make it difficult to find a suitable match.
- Adjustment is impossible.
Dr. Barry Buttler
Dr. Barry Buttler, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is an experienced veterinarian who specializes in the care of small animals, specifically dogs. Dr. Barry K. Buttler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds multiple certifications in small animal emergency medicine and geriatric pet health.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Barry Buttler
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