![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Woman-with-helmet-horseback-riding.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Importance of Horseback Riding Helmets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wearing a horseback riding helmet is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from unwanted injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, choosing an equestrian helmet isn’t as easy as selecting a hat. You must follow certain instructions on how to get a perfect fit, check the materials and ventilation system, and the helmet certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, without further ado, let’s discuss everything you need to know about buying horseback riding helmets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do I Measure Myself for an Equestrian Helmet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most important things when looking for the best horseback riding<\/a> helmet is establishing the size you need so that it perfectly fits your head. This will keep you safe and healthy. If the equestrian helmet is too large, you’ll feel very uncomfortable, and it may even fall off. If it’s too small, the helmet can cause headaches and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So here’s what you need to do to measure yourself for an equestrian helmet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, we’d like to highlight that these are general guidelines for measuring yourself for an equestrian helmet. If you’re unsure how to do this correctly, it’s best to ask a professional for help, as your safety depends on this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you get the measurement, you can check it with the size chart of the helmet brand you want to purchase it from and try it on to see if it fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve gone through the best horseback riding helmets and chosen one, you should check if it indeed fits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you should place the helmet on your head. The helmet should be secure but not too tight. Moreover, it shouldn’t be too close or far from your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some things to check if you suspect an incorrect fit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are only some methods to help you check if a helmet fits your head. As we’ve already mentioned, since choosing a perfect fit is essential, you should consult a professional if you’re unsure whether your helmet is a good choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ve probably noticed that almost no western riders wear helmets – they’d rather put on a cowboy hat or a baseball hat or be brave enough to wear no hat at all, right?! So why do they do that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no medical or professional reasoning behind this; unfortunately, nobody knows for sure why they do that. Some people believe it’s related to fashion. Others say it’s for comfort and heat tolerance, as helmets can indeed be very hot and do not provide the shade cowboy hats offer. Moreover, many people lack safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, horseback riding without a helmet is hazardous, as most injuries related to this sport are head injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you’ve ever thought about riding a horse without a helmet, forget about it! Check the best helmets for horseback riding we’ve listed below and buy one for your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you can, at times, wear a bike helmet instead of an equestrian helmet, it won’t protect you just as well. Moreover, most horse facilities may not even allow riding with a bike helmet because they require certified horse riding helmets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So why shouldn’t you ride with a bike helmet instead of an equestrian helmet? Easy! Because manufacturers created them for different sports! They have different shapes meant to protect you in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, while bike helmets are aerodynamic and protect the front and side parts better, equestrian ones are more curved and cover your head’s lower back portion. Besides, bike helmets aren’t as durable as to “survive” and protect you if you fall from 8-foot (2.4 meters) heights, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the best helmet for horseback riding is crucial to enjoying the most pleasant equestrian experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, one that suits you best will keep you safe and secure. So, without further ado, let’s discuss some things you might want to consider before buying an equestrian helmet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although numerous horseback riding helmets are on the market nowadays, most riders prefer wearing products having smooth plastic or thin microfiber exteriors because they are excellent at repelling dirt and dust. As such, they’re easy to clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inner shell of the helmet usually consists of polystyrene. Besides, the foam padding improves the riding experience by providing comfort. The internal fabric lining has the goal of absorbing moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, horseback riding is undoubtedly an elegant sport! So the style of the helmet you’re buying is fundamental!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The helmet cover and finish depend on the brand you’re buying it from – some have a leather look or a crocodile skin trim, others consist of matt hard plastic or heat-reflective metallic paint, while some can even be rose gold or velvety. In short, there are many options you can choose from!<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you still can’t find something that suits your preferences, you can find a brand that allows you to customize your helmet by creating it from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, besides choosing a finish you like, helmets are generally of three styles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sizing is probably the most essential thing to consider when looking for the best helmets for horseback riding! We’ve already told you how to measure your head, so all that’s left is to choose a helmet and try it on to see if it fits! Remember that smaller or larger helmets can put your life in danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking whether the helmet has a safety standard certification is crucial for your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several certification standards developed based on various tests that evaluate different accident scenarios involving a horse. These tests mimic the accidents, and if a helmet “survives” the test, then it’s certified under that specific standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ASTM, or the American Society for Testing and Materials, creates those testing standards for manufacturers. However, this organization doesn’t do the actual testing. The organization that performs the test is the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). Ultimately, all the helmets manufacturers send for testing must meet the ASTM F1163:2015 standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The British Standards Institute is another organization that develops the standards and tests the helmets. Before issuing an approval level, the BSI Kitemark receives a batch of 800 to 3,200 helmets and checks one of every 200 pieces. The institute destroys all the helmets if they don’t meet the standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another helmet safety standard is the SNELL E2016, which involves testing for extreme situations, such as a higher drop onto a flat surface or measuring the crush resistance using greater force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some helmets feature a certification for multiple standards, meaning they are less likely to break in case of an accident. Even though no testing can predict every possible injury scenario, these certifications are reassuring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you’re unsure whether your helmet has a safety certification, you should seek professional help to avoid unwanted injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before choosing an equestrian helmet, ensure it has vents that allow airflow over your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re living and riding in an area with high temperatures during summer, you may want to go for a helmet that offers more ventilation than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, choose one that has both front and rear ventilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjustable helmets can fit several sizes. They are an excellent option for riding establishments or children, as they’ll be able to use the helmets as they grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, these helmets are great for both round and oval-shaped heads and are usually well-ventilated. They’re also easy to clean, as most adjustable helmets have removable interiors which you can wash in the washing machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All the criteria we’ve mentioned above are essential to ponder before buying an equestrian helmet. While horseback riding isn’t as dangerous as other sports, there’s still a risk of falling and injuring yourself, especially if you’re new at this sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to follow the guidelines on buying an equestrian helmet, ask for professional help if you don’t know whether the helmet fits you, and enjoy your riding experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Helmet prices vary depending on several factors: quality of materials, the finish, whether the manufacturer followed safety standards, and where and how the manufacturer made them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we’ve already discussed, many western riders do not wear helmets but often choose to wear cowboy hats or, which is even riskier, nothing at all. We do not recommend riding without a certified helmet protecting your head – if you’re both a beginner or an experienced rider!<\/p>\n\n\n If you’re wondering what we think the best horseback riding helmet is, check out the Troxel Equestrian-Helmets Spirit Helmet<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides the fact that all Troxel helmets have the ASTM\/SEI safety certification, being our top pick in terms of brand, this product has an adjustable strap, a drop-back design, and Dial-Fit technology, assuring excellent ventilation, comfort, and stability!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, it comes in different colors and designs, meaning you’ll have the liberty to choose what you like best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a quick look at some excellent helmets for horseback riding. If you’ve spotted one that you think will suit your needs, keep reading to learn more about it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How Does One Fit for a Horseback Riding Helmet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Do Western Riders Not Wear Helmets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I Wear a Bike Helmet Instead?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your Horseback Riding Helmet Buying Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Certification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ventilation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Adjustability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Riding Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Western vs. English<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Old](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Old-woman-with-helmet-riding-horse.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nOur Preferred Brand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Quick Look at Our Favorites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Troxel](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41nn1MqbSpL._SL160_.jpg\")
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<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n ![\"Troxel](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51acxlQRQdL._SL160_.jpg\")
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