Riding Helmets; My 3 Top Picks

Horse riding helmets have come a long way in the last couple of decades, even in my late teens (approximately 25 years ago), you could still compete in a helmet with no chin strap.

My choice at the time was an old Lexington helmet, and although there was nothing to keep it on my head it looked classy, so at the time I loved it.

Luckily nowadays us riders can have safety, style, and comfort regardless of our discipline. And with Internation Helmet Awareness Day, where many brands and stores will give you a discount on a new helmet, we really have no excuse to ride without adequate protection.

Riding Helmet Safety

For your helmet to meet current safety standards it should be certified by an appropriate safety standard organization such as ASTM International, SEI, or Kitemark.

The Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings takes safety a step further by scoring a selection of helmets based on their performance in a series of impact tests.

If you're looking for extra protection, and let's face it, if you stay riding horses long enough there's a good chance you'll be involved in an extreme situation at some point, take a look at their list of rated helmets before making a purchase.

How To Fit Your Riding Helmet

Properly fitting a horse riding helmet is crucial for your safety. Here are some steps to follow when fitting a horse-riding helmet:

• Measure your head: Use a soft tape measure to measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows and ears. This measurement will help you choose the correct helmet size.

• Choose the right size: Look at the size chart of the helmet brand you're interested in and choose the size that corresponds to your measurement. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one.

• Adjust the helmet: Once you have your helmet, adjust the fit to your head. Start by adjusting the chin strap so that it is snug but not too tight. Then, adjust the rear and side straps to ensure a secure fit.

• Check the fit: When on your head, it should fit snugly without causing any pressure points or discomfort. Shake your head gently from side to side and up and down to ensure it doesn't move around.

• Make final adjustments: If necessary, make final adjustments to the straps until you achieve a comfortable and secured fit.

The Helmets Of My Past And Future Riding

There are a lot of helmet models to choose from, a lot of people stick with the same brands throughout their riding career but here are some of my favorites.

Whenever I write about a product you can trust that I either own it or have used the product in the past, the exception to this is going to be the Charles Owen helmet.

Once my Antares has run its course I'll most likely invest in a Charles Owen, not only are they really nice to look at but their overall safety standard is higher than most.

Antares Reference

I'm on my second Antares and this was the first model I bought the year I jumped at Spruce Meadows after moving to Canada.

I love the way it looks, it's a very comfortable helmet to wear and on the days that I ride a lot I don't get tired of having it on my head.

My biggest issue with a lot of helmets is they drop close to my eyes while jumping, especially when the fences get bigger in a Grand Prix.

This helmet doesn't move on my head no matter how big the fences get. It also wears very well, after 4 years of use my current helmet looks great and shines up really nicely.

The Antares Reference Riding Helmet is made with a durable and lightweight shell, which is designed to absorb impacts and reduce the risk of a head injury in the event of a fall. It's also designed to provide excellent ventilation, which helps to keep riders cool and comfortable during long rides.

Although Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings hasn't tested this yet Antares takes safety very seriously and carries out their own standard of tests.

Antares Reference Helmet

Champion Evolution Classic

I bought 2 of these within a relatively short period of time. I accidentally left the first one on the side of a trailer at a show in Ireland and drove away, but I liked it enough that I went out and bought the same helmet.

You can't see the helmet clearly in this photo but this is the show where I lost it.

One of the standout features of the Champion Evolution Classic Helmet is its ventilation system. The helmet is designed with multiple vents that allow air to flow through the helmet, keeping the rider cool and comfortable during long rides and warmer days.

It features a low-profile design that sits comfortably on the head and reduces wind resistance.

The helmet is made with a tough, durable but lightweight shell that is designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a fall.

I particularly liked how light the helmet is without compromising its safety features.

Champion Evolution Classic Helmet

Charles Owen Halo With MIPS Technology

I probably have another year or so left in my Antares before I have to change it for a new helmet and this'll be the one I'll go for.

I've liked these helmets for quite a while now and the main reason I won't buy Antares again is that they changed the shape of the shell in the newer models and they, unfortunately, don't work for the shape of my head.

Charles Owen has for a long time been at the forefront of helmet safety and is often the choice of eventers. MIPS regarding this helmet stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System and is designed to reduce rotational motion on the brain caused by angled impacts.

The Halo helmet has a sleek and modern design with ventilation holes to keep riders cool and comfortable during long rides. It also features a removable and washable Coolmax® liner to keep the helmet clean and fresh.

Charles Owen Halo Regular Brim

Charles Owen Halo Luxe Brim

Also Read:

Three Non-Horsey Brand Rain Coats That Continue To Keep Me Dry

Horse Riding Gloves, The Best And The Worst