Best Horse Riding Helmets for Safety and Function  

Horseback riding is the best. It’s fun, it’s freeing, it’s great exercise but, as riders, we just can’t pretend it’s not dangerous.

Having the best horse riding helmets that prioritize safety as well as function will help keep you riding for longer and with lower risk of injury.

That’s a win-win for everyone!

As we all know, falls are common…

There are a few ways riders can get injured during a fall. Bruises, broken bones and sprains can definitely happen.

But did you know that around 20% of horseback riding-related accidents cause head injuries?

When it comes to horseback riding, safety has to be a priority for us. The safer we are, the less time we take off for injuries and the more time we can spend with our horses!

Getting yourself a nice, durable helmet could literally save your life. To help you, in this article we review three of the best horse riding helmets to find the perfect one for you!

(Click here for the low-down on the different horse riding helmet safety ratings.)

Find Your Fit

Before we start with the list, it’s important to know your head measurement and helmet size. Proper fit is the best criteria to know which helmet is for you.

So, how do you find your helmet size?

Wrap a tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows, to measure your head circumference. Secure a copy of your preferred helmet brand’s sizing chart. Your head circumference should match with a specific size.

Try to make sure that your helmet is not too tight or too loose. Having an ill-fitting helmet provides less protection and may cause discomfort.

Best Horse Riding Helmets: Our Top Three

The three products below were manufactured with the best interest of the riders in mind. We recommend these three based on functionality, cost-effectiveness, style, and comfort.

We browse the internet looking for the best of the best of everything horse-related so we can share these things with you. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 

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In 3rd Place – Troxel Spirit Performance Helmet

If you are on the search for a helmet that will not only fit you but your family as well, then the Troxel Spirit Performance Helmet is exactly what you need.

This helmet it has great adjustability, with DialFit technology that makes it easier to fit snugly on any head size and shape. Additionally, this helmet fits absolutely true to size, and you will get four size options starting from XS and going all the way up to large.

It also comes in a variety of colors, like turquoise, pink, and purple, all with different overlay designs. But if you’re looking for something simple, there’s something for you too: it comes in glossy black, or a lovely matte grey named ‘Smoke’.

What is great about this helmet is that it is extremely lightweight. I have sometimes found that my neck is really sore after a long day wearing a heavy helmet. But you won’t find that with this helmet. You can wear it all day, if you want, without causing discomfort. Likewise, it has flex top visor to ensure that your eyes are always protected while you’re out riding.

I think one of the most important features of this helmet is that it maximizes airflow. The vent placement allows great breathability to give enough air circulation inside the helmet to prevent too much sweat — not what you want if you have long hair like me!

But on the rare occasion that it does need a wash, the helmet has removable liners. They are machine washable, but I would recommend that you just hand wash and air dry them instead. This will do a better job preserving them over time.

Pros:

• Removable and washable liner
• Fits children and adults
• Features DialFit System for snug fit
• Comes in different colors, sizes, and designs
• Comfortable to use
• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) / SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) Certified
• Vents are strategically placed to promote air circulation

Con:

• The buckle may tend to be difficult to shut or open at times

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In 2nd Place – Ovation Protégé Helmet

The Ovation Protégé Helmet is probably most well-known for how lightweight it is.

This helmet weighs in at just under a pound!

It has a great fit, all thanks to the adjustable dial that will make it feel as if it is custom made for you. This product is available in five various sizes, from XS to XL.

There are also a number of cool colors to choose from like classic black and white, blue, pink, and amethyst.

This helmet comes with vents on top which will offer you sufficient air flow to keep your head feeling fresh and also keep sweat at bay. The vents feature a mesh design, to prevent any bugs or even debris from getting stuck inside, which is not what you want.

Pros:

• Comes in a huge number of sizes, colors, and designs
• The helmet has an adjustable dial that offers you a snug fit
• Large air vents with mesh to keep you cool while keeping bugs and debris at bay
• Comfortable to wear
• ASTM / SEI Certified, and CE Certified to European Standards

Con:

• Not the best helmets for kids

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In 1st Place – IRH 4G Helmet

IRH (International Riding Helmets) is a well-known brand which has been manufacturing high-quality helmets for years.

The company really does a good job at combining a sleek aesthetic with awesome function. Meet the IRH 4G Helmet – one of the trendiest horseback riding helmets you’ll ever see.

This helmet combines sleek design with high functionality, and the streamline profile gives a professional and powerful look.

Altogether, there are four sizes that this helmet is available in, running from small to extra-large.

The helmet is available in black and navy blue, with each color coming in matte and glossy variants.

This helmet comes with superior comfort standards since it has two snap-in liners that provide the rider with a custom fit. These liners have moisture wicking, and dry super quickly if they do get wet or sweaty. They are also interchangeable and can be machine washed and dried.

As a bonus, the company offers the inserts in two different thickness for every one helmet purchased. This is to ensure that your helmet feels custom fit for you.

This helmet has two sets of vents: one on the side and the other on the rear. This kind of placement ensures that your head remains cool at all times and also reduces the amount of sweat that can accumulate on long or hard rides.

This helmet also has a chinstrap that has a quick release mechanism and a Velcro closure with easy adjustability. The harness is placed at the back of the neck, to avoid any pinching, which is a feature I really like.

Pros:

• Vents are placed intelligently for efficient airflow
• This product is very comfortable to wear and can easily fit any person
• The chinstrap is easy to remove, adjust, and lock
• Certified to be safe for use with ASTM F1163-15 standards
• High-quality, modern, and washable liners

Cons:

• The chinstrap tends to be slightly uncomfortable after prolonged use
• Only two colors to choose from

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Conclusion: The Best Horse Riding Helmets Are…

The products above are amongst the three best horse riding helmets on the market right now. All of these helmets are top notch, high quality, and great value for money.

You will also be safe wearing them: they all meet American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

My Favourite Riding Helmet for Teens & Adults: IRH 4G Helmet

The IRH 4G Helmet is sleek, classic and excellent quality. You can’t go wrong with the classic equestrian look and feel.

My Favourite Riding Helmet for Kids: Troxel Spirit

On the other hand, if you are just a new rider who is looking for a helmet for everyday use or if you are buying one for your child, then the Troxel Spirit Performance Helmet is perfect for you.

It’s on the cheaper side, it comes in fun colours and you won’t be compromising on safety.

It will be a great helmet your child can grow up using.

A Bit of Maintenance Goes a Long Way:

Once you’ve purchased your helmet, remember that proper use and maintenance are key, and can add years to the life of your helmet.

Clean and care for your helmet as prescribed and instructed based on the material and brand.

Always use gentle soap or other types of cleaners to prevent damage. Also, air dry your helmet, and its parts, after using (if you get sweaty or rained on!) and after washing it.

Oh, and if you’re worried about helmet hair (a real concern for me!), you can check out my post on horseback riding hairstyles.

Do you have any more helmet questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Riding

Martina