How to Size a Horseback Riding Helmet

Our crew here at Riding Warehouse knows how important it is to protect yourself by wearing a riding helmet because we are all active equestrians ourselves! Even if you choose to not wear a helmet, we welcome you to read our guide on how to size for one, as it is similar to sizing for a cowboy hat and just good general knowledge.

Wearing a horseback riding helmet can drastically reduce the risk of injury to your head and brain in the event of a fall or impact. The University of Connecticut reports that 60% of horse-related deaths are caused by head injuries, and helmets can reduce this possibility by 70 to 80%. Often, riders want to buy the helmet they view as most fashionable without considering how it will fit their head shape or size.

A proper fit is required for the helmet to do its job protecting your head, so knowing how to size for a helmet, how to recognize good or poor fit, and how to adjust a helmet will help optimize your safety and comfort. Watch our helpful how-to video and read about our helmet sizing and fitting experience below to learn more!

Step #1: Measuring Head Size

• Using a soft measuring tape, measure about an inch above your eyebrows around the widest part of your head. It is easier to have a friend help with this step to ensure that the tape is level and snug when taking this measurement. Take note of both the inch and centimeter measurements to better determine the helmet (or hat) size you need. If you are measuring the head circumference of a child, the process will be the same.

Step #2: Refer to the Riding Helmet Size Chart

• Compare your head measurements to the helmet sizing chart of the particular brand and model you are interested in purchasing. Many helmet makers use centimeters to determine helmet size, while others use inches. If you are in between sizes, it is typically best to go with the smaller of the two to ensure a tighter fit for proper head protection. The padding in most helmets will compress over time, making the overall fit of the helmet a bit larger as you wear it.

Step #3: Finding the Correct Helmet Placement

• Before you try on the helmet, style your hair how it will be when you ride. If you have so much hair that it drastically alters helmet fit, you should consider leaving it in a bun or ponytail at the base of your neck, so that the helmet can protect you as it was made to do.
• The helmet should sit level on your head so that the visor (or where the visor would be, in the case of a skull cap helmet) is parallel to the floor. If the helmet is perched on top of your head, it is too small; if the helmet is unbalanced and falling down over your eyebrows, it is too large.

Step #4: Check for Proper Helmet Fit

• Consider how easy it is to place the helmet on your head. If it is very easy to slip the helmet on, it might be too big. New helmets will start quite snug, then conform to your head as they break in. However, they should not be so snug that they will cause discomfort or give you a headache.
• Run your fingertips around the edge of the helmet to make sure it fits evenly around your head. It should feel like a rubber band: snug, but without pressure points.
• If you wiggle the helmet forward and backward, it should make your eyebrows move. If it does not, it may be too loose. You can also gently shake your head with the harness strap undone. If it feels like the helmet may shift or fall off, it is likely too big or not the right shape for your head.

Step #5: Adjust the Harness

• Place the chin strap and latch the harness. Make sure the chin strap is adjusted to the point where you can fit about one finger underneath your chin. If you can slip the chin strap forward and over your chin, it is too loose and can cause your helmet to pop off in the case of a fall. The chin strap should not feel restrictive, but it is designed to keep your helmet in place and provide adequate protection for your noggin.

It is very helpful to consider your head shape when searching for your perfect helmet fit. There are two helmet shapes: round and oval (also known as long oval). If you try on a round helmet and feel pressure on your forehead and the back of your head without contact at the sides, then you have an oval head shape. If you feel tightness near your temples in an oval helmet, then you have a rounder head shape.

Various helmet brands fit better for long oval or round head shapes. Some even have specialized features to alter helmet size and shape for a more custom fit, as each head is unique. Provided below is a table with a few popular brands we offer, and how they generally fit:

It is worth noting that some brands may have models in only one specific shape, or they may offer both an oval and a round option:

• KEP and One K offer different helmet shells and liners, depending on your head shape.
• Champion helmet shapes differ, depending on the model.
• Ovation, Tipperary, Trauma Void, and Troxel offer some models with a dial-fit system or customizable padding to fit a wider range of head shapes and sizes.

Sizing a riding helmet for a child is the same process as it is for adults. Before purchasing a new helmet for your young rider, measure their head and then consider their head shape. It is great to have an adjustable helmet, like the Troxel Spirit Number One DialFit Riding Helmet, for your child to grow into, so they can wear the same helmet for longer. You can also customize the helmet to fit different kids if you teach horseback riding lessons or share helmets.

Consider the various helmet shapes and design features to determine what would be best for your situation. See below a generalized children's riding helmet sizing chart:

Many children actually fit better in the lower size range of adult helmets; however, kids-specific riding helmets are great for smaller children, like toddlers. Please be aware that different brands tend to size their helmets differently, so always refer to the manufacturer's specific sizing chart for the best fit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to wear a riding helmet?

A: Horses are independent-thinking animals with natural instincts that have a degree of unpredictability. Wearing a riding helmet is highly recommended for basic safety reasons. Head injuries from horse accidents are common; if you suffer a severe head injury, it can be detrimental to your overall quality of life or even lethal. Should you experience a fall in your helmet and bang your head, your helmet should be replaced afterward. Helmets are often mandatory for horse-related events, like showing or lessons for beginner riders.

Q: What is the best safety rating for riding helmets?

A: Horseback riding helmets with a safety certification have been put through some or all of the following tests: impact, retention, penetration, and deformation. Going for a helmet with higher safety ratings may be ideal for your discipline, like riders who participate in higher-risk sports. See further information on the different safety ratings in our Riding Helmet Safety Standards & Replacement article!

Q: Which horseback riding helmet is best?

A: Riders have a bias toward the helmet they think looks best, as do we! The real best horseback riding helmet is one that properly fits and protects your head. However, if you are looking to narrow down your search to a tried-and-true option, check out our helmet buying guide for our crew's favorite choices.

Fitting yourself for a helmet can take some trial and error. We hope this guide has helped you become a more educated equestrian! If you are uncertain of your helmet size, we recommend ordering two different sizes for comparison's sake and then returning whichever one does not fit properly. Remember that if you are ordering online and receive a helmet that does not feel quite right, Riding Warehouse offers free return and exchange shipping on qualifying orders. We want you to have happy and safe rides! As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly customer service at info@ridingwarehouse.com or by calling 1-800-620-9145. Happy riding!