Although an exciting sport, it can also be dangerous at times. After all, you’re sitting on a thousand-pound animal. And to protect yourself and prevent serious injuries, it’s essential to wear a helmet.
With the myriad of options available, riders find it difficult to select the best horseback riding helmet. So let’s find out which are the best options available.
Best Horseback Riding Helmet Reviews
Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet
The best horseback riding helmet should provide not only safety but also comfort. The Troxel Spirit is among the most popular riding helmets. It’s available in 17 different colors, so there’s no question that you won’t find one that’s just perfect for you. Monochrome helmets are great for those participating in competitions and colorful ones, particularly appealing to children.
As a leader in helmet technology, Troxel was among the first to come out with ASTM-approved helmets, which would, of course, include the Spirit helmet. That means that all of its products are safe and capable of protecting the head from serious injuries.
The felt interior with thick cushioning provides extra comfort.
With the advanced flex-tip visor technology, there’s little risk of cuts on the face. The polymer visor will not break on impact, such as during a spill or if you’re to hit a low-hanging branch. The Troxel helmet is user-friendly and easy to use. The soft dial allows you to adjust the strap as snuggly as you want.
Pros
- ASTM approved
- Available in a range of colors
- Comfortable
- Premium materials
Cons
Tipperary Sportage Equestrian Sport Helmet
The Tipperary Sportage helmet is made of carbon fiber, making it light and strong, and highly protective. The mesh enclosure allows the head to breathe, especially when riding in the summer. Moreover, the helmet has excellent ventilation with small vents on top and the sides.
The best feature of this helmet is that it also protects the lower part of the head. This is due to the impressive design of the contoured shell and foam that cradles the head, protecting you from being concussed. This is a comfortable and safe helmet overall.
The helmet isn’t bulky at all. It’s affordable enough for those who are just beginning to explore the joy of horseback riding.
Those with an ovular-shaped head may not find the helmet to fit all that well. That said, this helmet is perfect for those with a rounder head.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lower head protection
- Not bulky
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with an oval-shaped head
Ovation Women’s Protege Riding Helmet
Not every women’s helmet is safe and cool at the same time. But with the Ovation Protégé, the first thing you’re going to notice is the beautiful design. It’s available in 10 monochrome colors and perfect for trail riders who enjoy a minimalist style.
The helmet has excellent vents that make it quite airy when worn – no more sweaty hair after riding! Speaking of hair, many women like to wear a ponytail when getting on a horse. But this may prove problematic if the helmet doesn’t have a soft interior. However, there’s no need to worry about it not being ponytail-friendly with this model.
The fit is crucial when buying a riding helmet. If it’s too wobbly, for instance, the risk of injury will go up in a fall. Fortunately, most people say that this model fits nicely, snugly, and not too tight.
There’s some room to adjust and move the head. Furthermore, the chin strap has a soft lining, making it gentle on the face. However, it isn’t directly attached to the helmet so keep this in mind when you aren’t riding.
Finally, the helmet is excellent for those who prefer a lower profile.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Fantastic vents
- Great fit
- Low profile
Cons
- Lining not attached to the chin strap
An IRH helmet can be a smart choice for competition riders. It isn’t a helmet for beginners, but rather for pro riders to wear during competitions and practice when they’re not competing. Although there are several available options, the matte finish looks exceptionally sleek and attractive.
The dial-fit system makes the helmet a great fit for anybody. With this model, adjusting the helmet to fit the shape and the head’s size has never been easier. Just look for the DFS wheel in the back and turn it one way or another to adjust the helmet to fit. The adjustability means that this helmet may fit children just trying horseback riding.
Once you put this helmet on, you’ll notice that it sits on the ears. Although not a huge issue, some riders might find it uncomfortable. It might not be the best choice for those with a low or narrow forehead as the helmet tends to fall to the eyebrows.
Pros
- Washable lining
- Classic design
- Adjustable system
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with a low forehead
Tontron Velvet Texture Equestrian Helmet
The velvet cover on the Tontron helmet immediately attracts attention. It covers the sturdy shell and is capable of withstanding a strong impact.
The helmet passes the CE 1384 equestrian helmet safety standard, which should give all riders a high level of peace of mind. Meanwhile, to adjust it, there’s a dial that snaps when you need to adjust the fit.
With seven vents, you can rest assured that this helmet is breathable. The mesh on the inside is machine washable for your convenience. The shell of the helmet feels sturdy and long-lasting.
The only problem is that some female riders with thick hair may find the helmet too small for them. If this doesn’t pertain to you, then this inexpensive velvet helmet could be the right choice.
Pros
- Seven vents
- Meet safety standards
- Attractive velvet cover
- Sturdy shell
Cons
Not as suitable for those with thick hair
The Final Verdict
A riding helmet is an essential piece of equipment because it protects the head if you should have a severe fall. And if we had to choose one that’s the best of the best, it would have to be the Troxel Spirit horseback riding helmet.
It meets ASTM standards, comes in a variety of colors, and feels incredibly comfortable. On top of that, it employs advanced flex-tip technology that ensures that the visor isn’t going to shatter during a fall and cause even more injuries. The runner-up would be the Tipperary Sportage Equestrian Sport Helmet. It’s affordable, provides enough protection, and feels lightweight a
