If you’re like me a kid who just loves horses, you’ve probably dreamed of riding on the back of your favorite equine. Unfortunately, not every child is lucky enough to have access to a horse so riding lessons or a horseback riding experience might not be an option.
There are many riding helmets for kids to choose from. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re looking for the best horseback riding helmet. I’ve spent some time researching the subject and I’m going to share with you what I think are the top five best horse riding helmets available on the market.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ovation Girls' Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet | Best Overall |  |
| Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet | Budget Pick |  |
| Charles Owen jR8 Helmet | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Ovation Girls' Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet
Pros:
- Durable
- Has vents to prevent overheating
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Stylish with vibrant colored trim
- Comes in various sizes and colors
- Great for improving your balance and posture
- Has an adjustable dial
- Has a padded chin strap
- Has a soft inner lining and visor
- Easy to put on and adjust
Riding your horse can be a bit challenging if you don’t have the proper safe equipment. When it comes to the helmet, you want something that will protect you from head injuries in case of an accident.
The girls’ riding helmet from Ovation is a perfect pick for beginners thanks to its lightweight and comfortable design. It’s a much more simplistic design suited for smaller heads.
Keeping your head protected is important, but you can’t forget about your ears and your chin. This helmet has those areas covered, too, with a padded chin strap and a chin curtain for extra protection. It also has padded air vents to prevent you from overheating on especially hot days.
2. Charles Owen jR8 Helmet
Pros:
- Has a ventilation system in the back to allow air to circulate
- Front facewind guard
- It’s possible to adjust the chin strap
- Shock absorbing suspension webbing
- Available in 6 different colours
- Offered in a variety of sizes
- Very durable
- Not very heavy
- Good quality
This is a child helmet that has a strong grip which will keep your kid safe and secure with style when riding. It’s good for beginners in the equestrian sport. It comes in a variety of sizes, which is really great because it’s important that you find the right one for your child in order for both of you to be comfortable.
It comes in classic black, lemon or forest green. It’s durable, made of polycarbonate ABS which makes it light and is accompanied with a suspension system that absorbs impacts so the helmet wont clunk on your back.
It has a facewind plate that will keep your kid secure in the wind and the ventilation system inside will maintain a great level of comfort for both him/her and the rider. The nasal pads are removable and the chin strap is fully adjustable.
3. Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet
Pros:
- Fits perfectly on children’s heads, but also adult
- Has an affordable price tag
- Vented for maximum air flow and comfort
- Comes with a shock-absorbing liner
- Adjustable chin strap
Cons:
- Not as well-vented as other helmets
- Some complaints about the design of the chin strap
It’s not an easy task to find a good helmet if you have a tiny head, but fortunately, Troxel has you covered.
The Spirit is a good-looking helmet built to exceed ASTM safety standards and take your child on a wild adventure. The adjustment is 14 ””–20 ”” so that even adults can wear it comfortably.
As we already mentioned, this helmet has a breathable liner, which allows proper air flow, keeping your child safe and comfortable. The chin strap can be adjusted according to your child’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best horse riding helmets?
There are just two main types of helmets—the English-style and the American-style.
They are both meant to protect a rider from injury while riding. The main difference between them is the security of the helmet on the horse. An American style helmet uses a skull cap, a padded strap that goes around the chin, under the ears, and attaches to the helmet without a clip like the English-style does.
An American-style helmet is very secure but depending on how well a rider wears it, it may not protect the back of the head. It also has the disadvantage of having to be worn correctly all the time and can easily be mis-positioned on occasion.
A majority of horseback riders prefer the security of an American style helmet. Try on both to see which you like best.
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How do I choose a horse riding helmet?
I feel this is a really personal choice since it’s affected by so many factors like: horse experience, child’s level of security, terrains, weather conditions, and style of riding. But I’d suggest you get a helmet with side straps, a chin strap to be adjusted properly, and a quick release mechanism. Also consider weight balance and stability because once the helmet is on, it should not move and be comfortable.
How often should you replace your horse riding helmet?
Some people reading this might feel appalled at the suggestion that a helmet needs to be replaced after a year. You need to know that in many states, the law could compel a rider to replace their helmet after one year. In some places, it’s not uncommon for a rider to replace their helmet every year … and in some cases, even after six months! This is to ensure that the helmet is in good condition: there are no cracks or damage to the shell, the straps and chinstrap are in fine condition, and the harness is clean and free of tangles or anything that could impede its effectiveness.
How do you measure a child for a riding helmet?
Always go by the helmet size, not the child’s head size. When picking out a riding helmet, always check the sizing so that it fits well, even when the chin strap is snugged.
Conclusion
Choosing a helmet for your child is not a decision to be made quickly. You will want to make sure everything is reviewed as well as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled this buying guide to help you make the right decision. We’ve only included brands we trust, and made sure to review the ones that we have used to see if it’s as good as the manufacturer claims. Our guide should help you see what can help you make the right decision when buying a children’s horseback riding helmet.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ovation Girls' Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet | Best Overall | |
| Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet | Budget Pick | |
| Charles Owen jR8 Helmet | Upgrade Pick | |