Horse riding helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment that should be worn by all riders. When selecting a helmet, make sure it fits correctly and provides comfortable comfort.
Equestrians can select from a wide range of styles and materials to suit their requirements. Helmets come in various shapes and sizes, so it is essential to try them on before purchasing one.
The shape of your head
A quality helmet will keep your head and face warm and dry during a long day in the saddle. However, finding one that fits perfectly can be tricky. To get the best results, try on several styles before selecting one; this will enable you to find which model best meets your individual needs and give yourself an advantage over competitors.
Finding the ideal helmet requires measuring your head with either a soft measuring tape or meter stick. This will give an accurate measurement for an appropriate fitting helmet and also help decide which styles best suit your needs and budget. The key here is finding a style that looks professional without appearing like you’re wearing prison garb.
The materials
Equestrian helmets are constructed from a variety of materials to offer riders protection. Usually, an outer shell – typically polycarbonate or Elium – and an inner layer composed of expanded polystyrene (EPS) provide the outer shell.
Helmets can often come equipped with a headband to provide comfort and moisture-absorption. Furthermore, they feature an interior lining to secure the helmet during wear.
The liner allows your helmet to slip slightly across your head on impact, decreasing the force that could cause brain shear. This significantly lowers the risk of serious injury in case of a fall off your horse.
The helmet’s shell and EPP layer are designed to protect you in a variety of scenarios. This could include a horse-related fall, kick to the head, or sharp edge from jumping.
The design
Horse riding helmets provide significant protection for the head. They can be worn by both novice and experienced riders alike.
Horse riding helmet design is heavily determined by fit and comfort. Helmets must not slip or feel uncomfortable while a rider wears them, as this can make the experience unpleasant for them and distract from focusing on their horse.
Additionally, the helmet must appear fashionable. This can be achieved through various options such as a smooth or matt finish and velvet/ suede cover.
It is essential to select the proper size helmet for your head. A helmet that is too small may cause discomfort and even pinch at either front or back of your skull, leading to headaches.
The fit
It is essential to find helmets that fit your head and riding style. Selecting an inappropriate helmet could result in a bad fall and serious injuries.
To guarantee you buy the correct size, measure your head with a soft tape measure. Measure around the widest part of your head just above and below your eyebrows, just above where your ears are located. This should take approximately an inch.
Your final size will depend on the measurement taken. Refer to each helmet manufacturer’s sizing chart to find your ideal fit.
Helmets that fit too tightly can slip and rotate on your head during a fall, leading to discomfort and even injury.
Helmets that are too loose are less protective, and can shift or sway while you ride, potentially distracting the horse and leading to a fall. Before making your purchase, try on several different helmets to find one with just the right fit for you.
