Equestrian Riding Helmets
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Do You Wear a Equestrian Riding Helmet?
There is a lot of discussion in the equestrian world about riding helmets. It isn't really about whether or not you should wear one, but rather if wearing a helmet should be required for all riders. Currently there are only rules for Junior riders and anyone jumping a horse. Juniors are required to wear one at all USEF approved Hunter, Jumper, Huntseat Equitation, and the Paso Fino events. Most barns and trainers require anyone under 18 (sometimes 21) to wear a riding helmet. The in 2005 USEF enacted the certified head gear rule that requires ANYONE jumping a horse to wear an approved helmet and that rule is usually enforced outside of the show ring in private and public riding arenas. The helmet must be ASTM/SEI approved.
For adults not jumping a horse, it seems to be a matter of personal choice. Many choose to wear one but don't necessarily think that it should be required for everyone, while those that never or rarely wear a riding helmet feel strongly that it should be personal choice. But it is looking like the group that thinks that EVERYONE on a horse should wear a helmet is gaining strength. On January 8, 2011 there was a Helmet Safety Symposium 2011 sponsored by several riding helmet manufacturers to discuss head injury in equestrian sports and what can and/or should be done.
Continue on for more information about rules, helmet fitting, and helmet choices.
For adults not jumping a horse, it seems to be a matter of personal choice. Many choose to wear one but don't necessarily think that it should be required for everyone, while those that never or rarely wear a riding helmet feel strongly that it should be personal choice. But it is looking like the group that thinks that EVERYONE on a horse should wear a helmet is gaining strength. On January 8, 2011 there was a Helmet Safety Symposium 2011 sponsored by several riding helmet manufacturers to discuss head injury in equestrian sports and what can and/or should be done.
Continue on for more information about rules, helmet fitting, and helmet choices.
USEF Passes New Safety Helmet Rules
For Eventing, Hunter/Jumper and Dressage Riders
Effective March 1, 2011 the new helmet rule for Dressage states that anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear except riders age 18 and over that are competing only in FEI levels (including FEI Young Rider Tests, USEF Developing Prex St. Georges Test and USEF Brentina Cup Test). The helmets must meet or exceed ASTM/SEI standards for equestrian head gear. FEI riders have the option of wearing the standard top hat or a helmet. In recent FEI competitions several riders were seen wearing helmets instead of top hats.
For eventing the rule requires anyone on a horse to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet at all times while mounted on competition grounds at U.S. nationally rated eventing competitions.
Effective April 1, 2012 the USEF made it mandatory to wear a helmet at all recognized shows. Click on this article for a good explanation of the USEF rules concerning helmets.
The helmet manufacturers are offering a lot of options that meet the requirements and still offer some style in a price range for everyone. You can see some of these options below.
For eventing the rule requires anyone on a horse to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet at all times while mounted on competition grounds at U.S. nationally rated eventing competitions.
Effective April 1, 2012 the USEF made it mandatory to wear a helmet at all recognized shows. Click on this article for a good explanation of the USEF rules concerning helmets.
The helmet manufacturers are offering a lot of options that meet the requirements and still offer some style in a price range for everyone. You can see some of these options below.
Troxel Equestrian Helmets
Troxel was one of the sponsors at the symposium mentioned above. Their helmets are all ASTM/SEI certified and come in a variety of materials, styles, and price ranges.
Helmet Fashion
Make a riding helmet part of your riding wardrobe - match your breeches or mood!
What To Look For in an Equestrian Helmet
Many of the older riding helmets were ugly, uncomfortable, and hot. It is probably the #1 reason many people don't wear one. Helmet manufacturers today have designed lots of stylish, lightweight options so the helmet can become a fashion accessory in the equestrian wardrobe and the rider will not be tempted to leave it behind due to discomfort and vanity.What makes a great equestrian helmet?
The most important feature of any helmet is that it is ASTM/SEI certified. This certification ensures that the helmet provides adequate protection to absorb the dangerous energy of an impact to the head.
Helmet manufacturers now offer features that make the rider more comfortable and fashionable such as:
Lightweight
A narrow profile
Quick and comfortable to fit
Well vented
Removable/washable headliners
A variety of styles, colors, and materials
Ability to personalize
A price range for every budget
Find a helmet that offers the features that are important to you. Buy a helmet that you will want to wear every day! Even better - buy several so you can choose which one goes best with the weather, event, and the rest of your outfit!
Charles Owen Riding Helmets
Charles Owen Riding Helmets was another sponsor at the symposium discussed above. They carry high quality ASTM/SEI certified English riding helmets for show and schooling. These are very popular with many Hunter and Jumper riders. The AYR8 has the most ventilation and a low profile.
The GR8 in solid black would be perfect for the Dressage Rider as well as the Hunter/Jumper riders.
The GR8 in solid black would be perfect for the Dressage Rider as well as the Hunter/Jumper riders.
Why Helmets Matter
Some links about why helmets matter for equestrians, bikers, skiers, and other athletes.
- Why Helmets Matter
- From the Riders4helmet website.
- Helmets Matter
- From Every Monday Matters blog.
- Helmet Use
- From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Ski Helmets: Should You Wear One or Not?
- 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Wear a Helmet when They Ski
- Should I Wear a Bike Helmet
- Some food for thought about the current push to disparage bike helmets.
Important!
ALWAYS REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET
WEAR AN ASTM/SEI APPROVED HELMET WHEN MOUNTED ON YOUR HORSE.
The GPA First Lady Riding Helmet
One of many helmets by GPA, this helmet is made with a wider visor to protect against sun and weather damages, it is a lightweight, breathable, and safe riding helmet that is designed just for women.
Helmet Fit
You could buy the most expensive helmet on this page, but if it does not fit correctly, you have wasted your money and you will not get the protection you are expecting. Here are the key points to check for proper helmet fit.FIT - measure around your head 1 inch above the eyebrows - the helmet should fit snug with no pressure points. Be sure and measure with your hair in the appropriate style for the type of riding (ponytail, bun, etc.). Most of todays helmets have adjustments to accommodate minor differences.
POSITION - the helmet should set level and low on the forehead, approximately 2 fingers above the eyebrows.
STRAPS - the side straps should make a V with your ears inside and the chin strap should be tightened so that no more than 2 fingers can fit after it is tightened.
If the helmet can rock easily out of position after fastening the straps, it is not a proper fit.
Do not use any type of helmet other than one designed for equestrians - bicycle helmets are not adequate!
Tipperary Sportage Helmet
This low profile, sporty helmet by Tipperary will keep you cool . The light weight helmet is made of high density ABS material for superior resistance to high impact. It is very affordable and comes in 3 colors.
by LindaW
Hi! My name is Linda. I love horses and dogs. I like to write and so I have started out writing about what I love. I am especially interested in Warm... more »
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