Why Are Horse Riding Helmets Different?

Riding helmets are designed and made for different types and disciplines of horse riding. This is because the activities, risks and culture vary with each. A racing jockey or cross-country event rider is at higher or different risk of injury than a showjumper or dressage rider.

What is the difference between a bike helmet and an equestrian helmet?

One of the biggest differences you can see between a youth horseback riding helmet and a bicycle helmet is in the shape. Equestrian helmets tend to cover more of the skull, especially providing greater protection to the lower portion and back of the head—the most common area for horse-related head injuries.

What kind of helmet do I need for horse riding?

Horse riding helmets come in four primary types – traditional velvet, premium, skull cap, and polo. They all offer a level of protection, but certain features make one type more suitable than another for specific riding disciplines. The determining factors are the risk of injury and competition rules.

Why are cycle helmets different?

Bike helmets are designed with different features depending on where and how they are intended to be ridden, so it’s important to consider what kind of riding you want to do when deciding which bike helmet to buy. You should wear a helmet on every single ride, no matter how long or short.

What is the purpose of a riding helmet?

ONE IMPACT
Equestrian helmets are designed to help protect the rider’s brain and head from one serious impact, such as a fall from a horse.

Is it safe to ride a horse with a bike helmet?

You can wear bike helmets while horse riding, but they aren’t safe because they don’t adequately protect your head. And most horse riding facilities that require riding helmets only accept certified horse riding helmets and will not allow you to ride with a bike helmet.

Can I use a motorcycle helmet for horse riding?

They are also designed to be secured properly to a rider’s head and be light enough to not interfere with a rider’s balance. Other sporting helmets such as a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet either don’t provide adequate head coverage, or they are too heavy and bulky to be used for riding.

What type of helmet should a rider most use?

Full-face
Full-face. A full-face helmet covers the entire head and face down to the base of the skull and the lower jaw, with an opening for visibility (visor). The full-face helmet provides the best protection and is the most popular type of helmet.

What is the current standard for horse riding helmet?

Competition riding hat rules for 2022 and 2023
American: All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and Snell E2001 and Snell E2016.

Is it better to have a tight or loose helmet?

The helmet should have a snug fit all around but not so tight that it hurts or strains your chin, forehead, or neck. In the event of a crash, a loose helmet will not offer protection, and a tight helmet could injure you. Also, a loose helmet can shift position with a lot of movement, causing it to move off your head.

Why do helmets only last 5 years?

Helmets have a limited lifespan because the resin and other materials used in the manufacturing process over time can be effected by your body fluids, hair oils, ultraviolet light and normal wear and tear. It is prudent advice to replace your helmet 5 years after purchase or 7 years after the production date.

Why do cyclists wear tiny hats?

Why Wear a Cycling Cap? The practical reasons for wearing a cap are to keep sweat from dripping into the eyes, likewise rain, and the peak is a sun shield in bright conditions.

Why do horse riders wear pom poms?

Earplugs, or pom-poms, or no-hear-ums, are an option for some horses that are sound sensitive. These little balls of fluff or foam act to reduce noise, so (in theory) your horse is not distracted by or spooked by sounds.

Why don t Western riders wear helmets?

This very simple fashion reason is at the top of the list when it comes to Western riders avoiding wearing a safety helmet. It’s a matter of peer pressure and fashion consciousness. It’s also a matter of comfort. Helmets can tend to be hot, and they don’t have a nice wide brim to shade your face and shoulders.

Can you ride horses without a helmet?

Wearing a helmet is highly recommended and often compulsory when riding a horse. In the event that a rider falls off the horse, a riding helmet offers the best possible protection for the head from hard impact with the ground or being struck by the horses’ hooves. It can be lifesaving.

What should you not wear while horseback riding?

Horseback Riding Wear Mistakes to Avoid
Never wear high heels or flip-flops: We said above that riding boots should have heels; however, they shouldn’t have high heels. If you attempt to ride a horse while wearing a cute pair of pumps, your foot might slide through the stirrup while the heel gets caught in it.

Does it hurt horses to ride on concrete?

Horses can’t run on asphalt, tarmac, and paved roads since it can hurt their bare feet. Walking or trotting on asphalt, tarmac, or pavement is not harmful to horses. If you plan on walking your horse for lengthy periods on hard concrete, he may get painful legs or feet, therefore adequate training is vital.

Should a horse riding helmet be tight?

How should a riding helmet fit? A new helmet will break in as you wear it and mould to the shape of your head. It should fit like a new pair of boots: snug, with a firm and even pressure all the way around.

How long do horse riding helmets last?

5 years
You should always replace your helmet after an accident or a fall where your helmet has suffered an impact (i.e., hitting the ground). Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet after 5 years of use regardless.

Can you wear a belt while horse riding?

Many equestrians wear an equestrian belt while schooling at home or competing. Horse riding belts are generally considered as a necessity, since they keep riding pants with a proper fit on your body. And there is no doubt that they add a stylish look to riders who wear them.

What is the smallest horse riding helmet?

Ovation Deluxe Toddler Schooler Helmet
Another popular name in the riding world, Ovation makes what may be the smallest helmet currently on the market. With a classic look, this lightweight helmet comes in a solid black and a couple of fun colors.