Best Horse Riding Helmets 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Horse riding can be a dangerous sport, especially for beginners. The best horse riding helmets are ones that are comfortable and safe.

If you’re like me, then you love to ride horses. There’s nothing better than galloping through the countryside on a horse, but it can be dangerous if you don’t wear a helmet! Helmets for horse riding are essential because they have all the safety features that riders need to stay safe while enjoying their favorite hobby. 

Today, we will cover some of my favorite and most trusted brands- how they differ from each other and which is suitable for your needs. It will also detail what features make these helmets so great and what makes them different so that no matter who reads this article, they’ll know which one is perfect for them! 

Let’s have a look at our list of the 5 best horse riding helmets.

  1. Troxel Rebel Horseback Riding Helmetbest overall horse riding helmet.
  2. Ovation Equestrian-Helmets Deluxe Schoolerbest price horse riding helmet.
  3. TuffRider Starter Horse Riding Safety Helmet best safe horse riding helmet.
  4. TIPPERARY Equestrianbest comfortable horseback riding helmet.
  5. IRH 4G Helmet with Interchangeable Comfortbest looking horse riding helmet.

How to Choose and Buy a Riding Helmet? 

Riding a horse is an exhilarating experience for many people, but it can also be dangerous. There are many hazards that you may not even see coming your way. To protect yourself from these dangers, wearing the best horse riding helmet is essential. Here, we will give you some tips and tricks to help make buying a riding helmet less of a headache! 

Size: Please do not buy a riding helmet without knowing its size. It is essential to make sure the helmet fits correctly and comfortably before purchasing one, so try it on in person if possible. If you are buying online, pay attention to reviews of other people who have purchased that particular style of helmet and what their thoughts were. 

Fitting: What do I need to know about fitting? -The fit should be snug but not uncomfortable; there should be no more than two fingers between your eyebrows and the inside rim of the shell or visor (if applicable). 

Air-flow: The other important factor to consider is the proper air ventilation of the helmet to ensure your head is not overheating. There are two types of air vents: front and rear. Front vents are often more effective at releasing heated air from the top of the helmet, while rear vents can better expel warm air that accumulates inside a rider’s jacket collar.

Weight: The other important consideration when choosing a riding helmet? -Helmet weight! Riders should always try to select helmets with as little weight or bulkiness as possible. 

Comfortable: A good quality riding helmet will be comfortable and fit securely around your face without feeling too heavy or unfit. 

Visibility: The perfect riding helmet should offer excellent visibility, be durable, and be made of quality materials. But most importantly, it must provide adequate protection for your head in the event of an accident.

Now, it’s time to go through a detailed review of our top 5 picks, so at the end, you get to know what is a perfect choice for you.

Best Choice

Troxel Rebel Horseback Riding Helmet

 best overall horse riding helmet.
  • SureFit Pro fit system.
  • Mesh-covered vents.
  • FlipFold removable and washable headliner.
  • ASTM/SEI & CE certified.

Helmet Review: 

The Rebel is the most advanced horseback riding helmet available. It has a bold, high-end look with performance features that will keep you comfortable and protected when you’re out on your next adventure. 

Troxel’s exclusive Airflow Ventilation System™ allows air to pass through the helmet, cooling your head while keeping you safe from debris or falling branches. In addition, the adjustable visor keeps glare at bay for improved visibility, and the ear flaps can be tucked away when they’re not needed. 

Highlighted Features: 

COMFORTABLE: 

  • Troxel Rebel Horseback Riding Helmet is designed to be lightweight and comfortable.
  • The animal print headliner adds a fun touch to a serious helmet.

ANIMAL PRINT HEADLINER

  • This horse riding helmet will make you feel like you’re on the back of a wild stallion!
  • The animal print headliner makes it easy to find your helmet in the tack room or trailer. 

MATTE DURATEC FINISH:

  • The Riding Helmet has a matte dramatic finish that gives this riding helmet its signature look.
  • It’s also scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged during use.  

PRO MESH-COVERED VENTS: 

  • The vents are covered with pro mesh material for maximum airflow and cooling properties while riding your horse or just hanging out at the barn! 
  • These vents allow for extra airflow, which helps keep you cool and comfortable even when wearing this helmet for long periods. 

Helmet Details:

The helmet comes from the famous brand Troxel. The color of the helmet is an arrow, and the inner material has meshed for proper ventilation. There are three sizes available in this helmet: small, medium, and large. So you can pick what size fits your best. The product weighs 2.01 Pounds. There are three different sizes available in this helmet. The hat size up to 7, or up to 22 inches Medium.

Why Do We Recommend This Helmet? 

This product is a horseback riding helmet for women and men. It has a breathable mesh liner that keeps you cool, while the impact-absorbing EPS foam padding provides the protection needed for your head when riding.

Pros

Rose, Rocker, and cross headliners
Availability of multiple colors
Airflow design

Cons

Not too lightweight.
Best Price

Ovation Equestrian-Helmets Deluxe Schooler

best Price horse riding helmet
  • low profiles & lightweight.
  • adjust dial for snug fit.
  • washable liner.
  • High flow ventilation.
  • ASTM standards.

Helmet Review: 

The Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet is a lightweight helmet for horse riding designed with an easy-adjustable dial for perfect fitting. The rubberized finish makes the helmet durable and easy to clean. The removable liner which is washable, keeps your head cool and comfortable, while the breakaway visor offers added protection from sun and rain. This helmet has an exclusive adjuster clip to fit all riders comfortably. Available in so many colors. 

Highlighted Features: 

EASY ADJUSTABILITY

  • The helmets have a design that fits all head sizes. 
  • The adjustable dial on the back allows you to adjust the helmet for a comfortable, snug fit. 

VENTILATED DESIGN: 

  • The helmet has been tested and certified by independent labs to ensure that they meet safety standards regarding heat retention. 
  • Moreover, officially it is approved by ASTM standards. It is due to a patented design that maximizes airflow while minimizing wind resistance. 

WASHABLE LINER: 

  • Wash your liner with mild soap or detergent and warm water.
  • Hang dry only! Do not put in a washing machine or tumble dryer as this will damage the helmet’s ability to protect your head from injury! 

STYLISH AND SAFE DESIGN: 

  • The helmet comes in a modern design to make sure to turn heads at any show!
  • However, at the same time, the helmets have been designed with safety in mind, so you can rest easy knowing that you will be protected when wearing them! 

Helmet Details: 

Ovation is the manufacturer of this safety helmet. The helmet has an adjustable dial for a snug fit. Moreover, the fabric of linear is washable. There are multiple colors available in this horse riding helmet. It is specially designed for girls. The product has dimensions of 12.83 x 9.29 x 7.4 inches, and the weight is 1 Pound.

Why Do We Recommend This Helmet?

There are multiple reasons for recommending this product. The Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet is made with the same high-quality materials as the original Ovation Schooler. The difference is that this helmet comes with a padded liner and chin strap, making it perfect for everyday schooling or showing.

Pros

Stylish and safe design
Availability of multiple colors
Airflow design

Cons

The size of the helmet runs small, according to the chart.
Safe Choice
  • ABS Shell Material.
  • Coolmax Washable EPS Liner
  • Adjustable Dial for Custom Fit.
  • SEI Certified.

Helmet Review: 

The TuffRider Starter Schooling Protective Head Gear is an SEI-certified, rugged, and durable protection for equestrian riders. Overall, it is the best equestrian helmet with enhanced safety features. This schooler helmet is designed to provide comfort and protection during riding lessons. 

The Starter equestrian Helmet features a padded chin strap with quick-release buckle closure to ensure your safety while riding. It also has a detachable visor that can be easily removed when not in use. The shell of this starter helmet is made from ABS plastic which makes it lightweight yet very strong and durable enough to withstand any impact without breaking or cracking. 

Highlighted Features: 

EASY ADJUSTABILITY: 

  • The TuffRider Starter Helmet is designed to fit the smaller head of a young rider. 
  • The adjustable dial in the back allows for easy adjustments, and the padded chair strap makes it comfortable for everyone to wear. 

STAINLESS STEEL AND MESH FOR VENTILATION

  • This helmet has stainless steel hardware and mesh panels that allow airflow through the helmet, keeping your child cool while riding. 

PADDED CHAIR STRAP: 

  • The padded chair strap on this helmet adds comfort and safety, making it a great choice for the best equestrian helmet. 
  • It is easier for your little one to keep their helmet on when they are riding.

DIAL BACKSTRAP:

  • The Dial Back Strap makes it easy for you to adjust the helmet so that it fits securely and comfortably on your head. 
  • This strap also allows you to loosen or tighten the chin strap as needed

DETACHABLE BRIM: 

  • When not needed, this brim can be removed from your TuffRider Starter Helmet so that it doesn’t get in your way when you’re playing with your friends or practicing new tricks! 

Helmet Details: 

The safety helmet comes in black color. The outer material of the helmet is ABS plastic for rigidity in case of an accident. The inner material is Black EPS Liner. Moreover, the product comes from the brand TuffRider. Moreover, the product comes in small sizes 6.13″- 6.5. 

Why Do We Recommend This Helmet?

The TuffRider Starter Schooling Helmet is a perfect choice for riders who are just getting started. It’s the ideal helmet for schooling or, horseback riding, and it can be worn over your riding hat or under your bridle. The Starter’s SEI-certified design offers protection against head injuries, and its comfortable fit makes it easy to forget you’re wearing it at all! 

Pros

Comfortable, with high quality
Rigid material
Detachable brim

Cons

The size of the helmet is small, be careful if you have a large head; it may not fit you.
Best Comfortable

Tipperary Sportage Equestrian Helmet

 best comfortable Horseback riding helmet
  • ABS Outer Shell
  • customizable fit system
  • removable inner padding
  • ASTM F1163-15 | SEI Certified.

Helmet Review: 

The Sportage is the best lightweight, comfortable horse riding helmet that meets the highest safety standards. It is designed to be worn for any riding discipline and has been developed with Equestrian athletes. The shell is made from tough polycarbonate and the lining is from breathable mesh fabric. Available in 4 vibrant colors, the Sportage also features a removable visor, an adjustable dial fit system, and ponytail-friendly vents. 

It is a high-performance helmet designed for riders and horses in all disciplines. It features an integrated visor, which offers protection from sun and rain, while the removable ear flaps can be worn to provide extra protection against wind. 

Highlighted Features: 

UNMATCHED COMFORT

  • The Equestrian Helmets has a design to provide the ultimate comfort for your head.
  • interior lining is soft and smooth, providing you with a comfortable fit that will last. 

REINFORCED HARNESS: 

  • Reinforced harnesses allow you to adjust the helmet size according to your needs. 
  • If you find yourself in an accident, the rear reflective strip provides extra visibility at night or in low light conditions. 

IMPACT ABSORPTION

  • If you’re looking for a helmet that can handle any impact, look no further! 
  • The helmet has been tested to withstand falls from all angles, keeping your head protected at all times. 

CUTAWAY DESIGN

  • The cut design makes you able to see what’s going on around you while riding!
  • The unique cutaway design allows for full peripheral vision without compromising safety. 

VENTILATED HELMET 

  • Don’t let sweat ruin your day! The helmet comes equipped with ventilation holes that allow air in and out of the helmet as needed, preventing sweat build-up and discomfort while riding.

Helmet Details: 

The helmet is made in the USA. The material of the helmet is ABS Plastic for solid rigidity. The helmet has a carbon fiber design. The inner material is expanded polystyrene. The product comes in various size. Moreover, the brand of the product is TIPPERARY EQUESTRIAN. 

The product has a dimension of 24 x 24 x 4 inches and comes with 1.5 pound weight.

Why Do We Recommend This Helmet?

The Sportage is a great helmet for schooling or competition. It has a nice fit and an attractive look. The Sportage has the same great features as our other helmets including a soft, padded chin strap; fully adjustable dial system that allows you to get your perfect fit every time.

Pros

Ventilation holes
Comfortable and stylish
Carbon fiber design

Cons

We don’t find any technical con in this product.
Sleek Design

IRH 4G Helmet with Interchangeable Comfort 

best looking horse riding helmet
  • Sleek Design.
  • moisture-wicking Absorb liner.
  • comfortable Quick-Release chinstrap.
  •  ASTM F1163-15 Standards.

Helmet Review: 

IRH 4G Helmet with Interchangeable Comfort/Sizing Liners combines the latest best design with superior comfort and protection. IRH helmet is a low-profile and sleek design helmet for horse riding combined with a lightweight shell to create a helmet that looks as good as it feels. 

The IRH is comfortable, affordable, lightweight, stylish, and most of all, safe! Independent labs have tested IRH for safety standards. The low profile and sleek lines of this helmet provide an elegant look that is sure to turn heads. It has an adjustable visor for optimum sun protection, and it comes with interchangeable comfort/sizing liners for a comfortable fit. This helmet is perfect for any rider who wants to look good while riding their horse. 

Highlighted Features:

SLEEK DESIGN: 

  • The elegant design of this helmet will have you feeling like you are riding in style.
  • With its cool-on-fabric microfiber suede covering and ventilation ports, you will be able to ride in comfort all day long. 
  • In addition, its machine washable liners make it easy to clean after a long day on the road. 

The COOL-ON-FABRIC

  • The cool-on fabric will keep you cool while riding; it also has an air vent for better ventilation. 
  • This helmet can be machine washed, so it’s easy to clean. 
  • It comes with two different liners: one for summer and one for winter.

SAFETY:

  • This helmet has been designed with your safety in mind! 
  • It comes complete with an adjustable chin strap so that you can ensure that your helmet stays securely fastened while you’re out riding. 
  • You’ll also love the fact that it comes with removable ear pads so that if they get dirty or sweaty, they can easily be removed and washed separately from the rest of the helmet.

Technical Details: 

A helmet is essential safety protection for any rider. IRH horse riding helmets are designed to be durable, comfortable, and stylish. It has a small size that can fit anyone 6’5″ -6 3/4″. It’s black with the brand name on it, and the manufacturer of the products is IRH – Equestrian. The product comes in dimensions of 13 x 9 x 8 inches and the weight is around 1.92 Pounds. 

Why Do We Recommend This Helmet?

The IRH 4G helmet is a revolutionary new design in helmets. The helmet is constructed with an innovative, patent-pending, injection-molded ABS shell that allows for interchangeable comfort and sizing liners to be easily changed out. The 4G has a very low profile and sleek look that makes it perfect for any horseback rider.

Pros

Multiple features
Comfortable and stylish
Washable

Cons

No storage case

Compsarison Chart: Top 5 Horse Riding Helmets

PICTURE NAME DETAILS   SHOPS
Troxel Rebel Troxel Rebel Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feature: Mesh covered vents
FlipFold removable washable headliner
SureFit Pro fitting system
Check Price
Ovation Equestrian-Helmets Deluxe Schooler Ovation Deluxe Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feature: Lightweight 
Removable washable liner
Removable breakaway visor
Check Price
TuffRider Starter TuffRider Starter Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feature: Mesh Covered Vent
ABS Outer Shell
Rear Adjust Dial

SEI Certified
Check Price
Tipperary Sportage Tipperary Sportage Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feature: Carbon fiber design
Rubberized low profile visor
Top and rear ventilated 
Check Price
IRH 4G with Interchangable IRH 4G with Interchangeable Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feature: Custom fit machine Washable liners
Comfortable chinstrap
Rear and side ventilation ports
Check Price

How To Measure And Fit A Horseback Riding Helmet? 

There are a few different ways to measure your head for the best size helmet. The easiest is measuring around your forehead and then following it with an inch of giving while ensuring that the tape measure stays level. Once you’ve done this twice, measure in inches and find which number corresponds to a specific motorcycle helmet size. 

An excellent way to make sure that you get an accurate reading on how much room there should be between your chin and the top of your ears is by looking at where they line up when wearing the helmet over them. You want about one finger gap between these points because if they touch together too closely, air cannot circulate properly inside of it during events like collisions or falls from motorcycles–this can potentially result in a head injury. 

What Are Some Best Types of Horse Riding Helmets? 

What are some types of horse riding helmets? Some kinds of horse riding helmets include the neck, head, and face. 

Neck Helmet:  A neck helmet is designed to protect your whole head from above. It usually has a chin strap that you can adjust for comfort. The disadvantage with this type of helmet is that it covers up your lower face, which means you cannot see anything on the ground as you ride your horse. 

Head Helmet:  What is a  head helmet? A head helmet protects the whole of your head and has straps that fit your chin snugly under the chin. The disadvantage with this type of horse riding helmet is that it does not cover up any part of your neck, which leaves you vulnerable if there’s an accident when playing polo or eventing across countries. 

Face shield:  What is a face shield? A face shield you can wear for more protection than just wearing a bull riding helmet to ride horses. It covers all parts of both cheeks, from below the nose back as far as possible towards ears without touching them but still protecting them while riding on horseback! 

Some Essential Safety Tips for Horse Riding

Safety is a top priority for horse owners and riders, which is why it’s so important to follow these safety tips when getting on the back of your horse. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting, being safe will ensure that you can enjoy riding for years to come! 

Wear a helmet: A good rule of thumb is that if you are riding a horse with less than one year of experience, then you should wear a helmet at all times while mounted. It includes leading it around or in any work. It may seem like overkill but trust us – accidents happen quickly and result in serious injury when they do occur. 

Fitted saddle: The other important tip for safety is to get a good-fitting saddle. An ill-fitting saddle can cause chafing and sores on the back of your horse, which will make them uncomfortable while riding. 

Good seat: Next safety tip for horseback riding is to have a good seat. It is not just about how comfortable you feel but also about the safety of both yourself and your horse. 

Evenly distributed: A rider should always ensure that their weight is evenly distributed across the saddle to avoid any discomfort or strains for themselves and their horse. It’s crucial to find a position that feels natural before riding so that you can do it safely and comfortably. 

Communicate with your animal: The next tip on our list is to use gentle pressure when riding to communicate with your animal without causing undue stress or pain. There are many ways riders can do this – some will tap their heels gently while others will say “whoa” softly to slow down an excitable animal seeking attention from spectators nearby. Horseback riding is a partnership between the rider and horse, so it’s essential to ensure that you have your animal’s trust before riding them. 

Use reins: A good way riders can keep their horses under control or stop them in one spot is by using reins. The pressure on these should be firm but not hurtful – this will allow you to steer your pony without pulling its head up too high, which can cause discomfort over time. If the horse does start to run away with an inexperienced rider, they should never pull back on the reins as this could result in injury due to being dragged behind at speed while sitting awkwardly upright.

FAQS:

What is the best horse riding helmet?

The best helmet for a horse rider is the one that fits your head shape. We will recommend IRH 4G Helmet with Interchangeable Comfort. It’s affordable and lightweight, which means it won’t get in your way while you ride.

What is the safest horse riding helmet?

The safest horse riding helmet is one that fits appropriately and complies with safety standards. I think the safest horse riding helmet would be an ABS Plastic one. It’s fashionable and comfortable, which is always nice when you’re spending hours upon hours at the barn!

How do I choose a horse riding helmet?

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a new helmet. First, you should make sure it offers protection for your head and neck. Style is also essential because horse riding helmets come in many different styles, such as western, equestrian.

What makes a good riding helmet?

A good riding helmet is comfortable and protects your head in case of a fall. A helmet should be snug without being tight, so it doesn’t move around on your head. You also need to make sure the chin strap fastens securely.

Are bike helmets safe for horseback riding?

Bicycle helmets you can wear for horseback riding as well. However, I advise you to wear a helmet because a fall could still cause a severe head injury.

Conclusion:

When it comes to the best horse riding helmet, you want a helmet that will protect your head and neck from injury if you fall off the horse. We’ve compiled our top 5 best recommendations for significant experience finding the perfect helmet for this activity. 

Whether you are looking for something basic or need more protection against falls, we have found options that work well with horses of all types and sizes. Find out what works best by reviewing these five helmets above so that when you go shopping next time, you know exactly which one is right for you!

You May Read..