Horse Riding Helmets – Which Helmet Is Right For You?

September 6th, 2009 by Horse Riding John

For a new rider, horse riding helmets can be confusing.

There’s never just one, is there? Like everything else related to horse riding clothing, there are many different kinds of horse riding helmets. There are even some horse riding hats. Some helmets are sleek and dark and covered in velvet; some are bright and colorful and look like bicycle helmets; some have visors, some look like cowboy hats, and only a few are allowed in the show ring.

So which horse riding helmet do YOU need?

The answer to that question depends on what kind of riding you’ll be doing. Are you riding English? Western? Showing? Schooling? What event? I can’t answer any of those questions for you — even with my super-duper psychic abilities — so that means it’s time to get interactive! Follow the steps below to find the right helmet for your head…

STEP 1: Choose your riding style.

Horse riding helmets are optional in upper level flat classes.

English riding is a style that is both elegant and powerful. From the delicate control of dressage and equitation, to the mastery of strength and will that is jumping, English riding is classic and beautiful in the grand European tradition.Click here to learn more about English Riding Helmets and English Riding Hats.

Horse riding helmets are required for jumping!

English Riding Helmets (for Dressage, Hunter, Jumper, Eventing)

Like English riding, English riding helmets go back to the days of royal fox hunts and are based on the look and feel of the English hunt cap. Whether they’re colorful and informal, velvety and classic, or strong and striped, English helmets are designed to protect your head while maintaining a classic profile. If you want to ride dressage, hunter/jumper, or the dressage phase of eventing, Click here to learn more about English riding helmets.

English Horse Riding Hats (optional for Dressage above Level 4, adult Hunter flat classes)

Horse riding hats are just that: hats. Whether it’s the velvety hunt cap on which the English riding helmets are based, or the top hat worn at higher levels of dressage, horse riding hats are not helmets and offer no protection for your head. Still, they’re deeply rooted in English riding tradition and are seen at higher levels of competition. Click here to learn more about English horse riding hats .

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