Choosing an Equestrian Helmet

Equestrian helmets are made to protect riders’ heads while they are riding horses. They are worn by professional equestrians as well as recreational horse riders. The current equestrian helmet standards are: BS EN1384:2017, ASTM F1163-15, and Kitemark PAS015.

Helmets are tested for safety to ensure that they are made to the proper standards. The Snell Memorial Foundation is responsible for testing equestrian helmets, and it also certifies them. In addition, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) both test helmets to ensure that they meet their specifications.

The outer shell of the equestrian helmet usually is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It must be durable and impenetrable. Typically, the lining is made of expanded polypropylene (EPS) or polycarbonate. Some models feature a removable liner.

The inner layer is made of foam or polyester. These types of helmets can also have a velour coating. This provides added comfort and makes the helmet easy to clean. A retention strap is used to keep the helmet in place during a fall. Better quality retention straps are made from leather or suede.

The hazard anvil test is another standard that equestrian helmets are evaluated for. It simulates a sharp rock or a horse’s hoof landing on the helmet. This test is very hard and requires the helmet to be reinforced.

Another safety standard is the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which was introduced in mountain biking in the 1990s. It has recently been adopted by equestrians.

One of the most important considerations when choosing an equestrian helmet is the shape of your head. Many equestrians have an oval shape, while others are more round. Choosing a helmet that fits your head properly will provide the best protection and comfort. Fortunately, there are several brands that fit both round and oval heads. For example, Trauma Void helmets are known for their rounder proportions.

Other brands include Charles Owen helmets, which are often oval-shaped. IRH and One K have round-shaped models as well.

Some equestrians prefer a helmet that can be worn with a low neat bun. This is most commonly seen in dressage and eventing. Wearing a hairnet can also help with this. If you have long hair, however, you can use a hair tie to hold it in place. You can even tie a ponytail around the back of your head and pull it down to create a low ponytail at the base of your skull.

Finally, there are helmet bags available that can be purchased to match the rest of your barn outfit. Whether you choose to carry your helmet on your head or in a bag, make sure it’s comfortable. Try on several helmets before purchasing.

While an equestrian helmet is intended to protect the rider’s head, it is not an effective means of preventing injuries. However, it is recommended that you wear a helmet while participating in any sport that involves a high degree of risk.