Riding Helmets

A serious fall is just as likely to occur during a short schooling ride as during a hunt. A proper riding helmet protects the rider’s head from potential damage caused by impact with the ground and strikes from the horse’s hooves in the event of a fall. Traditionally worn in riding disciplines that involve jumps and high speeds, certified riding helmet are required headgear in eventing, endurance, hunter/jumper competitions and are commonly worn during training, schooling and exercise rides. Even when not required, proper equestrian head gear is gaining popularity in many English and Western disciplines, especially for riders under the age of fourteen. All helmets designed by International Riding Helmets and Trauma Void meet the criteria for ASTM/SEI certification set forth by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Don’t gamble with your safety. Wear a proper riding helmet every time you mount a horse.

Riding Helmet Fit & Sizing

Correct fit is critical to ensuring that your riding helmet provides the highest possible degree of protection. While uniform sizes for men, women and children are helpful starting points, it is important to take care that your helmet fits you and not someone you think is the same size as you. If possible, make sure to try on your helmet to make sure it’s a comfortable match for your head shape.

Before purchasing a helmet online, be sure to measure your head and compare your findings the helmet sizing chart provided by each manufacturer. In order to take your helmet measurements you will need a fabric measuring tape and a friend. Have your friend measure the circumference of your head from about one inch, two finger lengths, above your eyebrows, just over the top of your ears, and over the bump at the back of your head. Be sure to record your measurements in both inches and centimeters.

A properly fitting helmet should feel snug, but not uncomfortable around the top and sides of your head. The helmet should sit level on the top of your head and cover your forehead, stopping about one inch above your eyebrows. When trying on helmets be sure to wear your hair in the style you plan to ride in since ponytails, clips and headbands can affect the helmets overall fit. It is important to note that unlike many equestrian clothing items, riding helmets feature a hard shell exterior that will not stretch or conform to your head over time. Your helmet should fit snugly, but comfortably from the start. To double check that helmets size and shape, try shaking your head. The helmet should stay in place even without secured straps.

Retention strap systems help keep the helmet secured to your head. The straps should fit comfortably around your ears and buckle tightly under your chin. Our helmets feature tidy, simply chin straps available in clip closure and quick release options. Our selection of retention systems or harnesses include an elegant three point harness option and a soft comfort wrap option depending on your individual preferences and needs.

Riding Helmet Appearance

Our riding helmets feature an innovative low-profile geometry giving them a streamlined modern look. They are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Black is the traditional color of choice among competitors. We offer classic black helmets in Amara suede, velveteen, suede with gloss vents, suede with matte vents, matte with gloss vents, matte with matte vents and matte with rose gold vents. For those looking for a less traditional option, International Riding Helmets offers schooling helmets in a variety of exciting colors such as blue, pink and purple. Ventilation ports are available on the front, top and back of the helmets to help keep you comfortable and cool headed during long, challenging rides.

International Riding Helmets

International Riding Helmets is a trusted name and a premier designer of helmets for all riding disciplines. IRH is at the forefront of rider safety and is currently operating under the direction of Frank Plastino, who served as an original member of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) committee on equestrian headgear and helped develop the F1163.90a industry safety standard. International Riding Helmets produce elegant protective equestrian headgear at the highest of safety standards. We are proud to offer a number of their product lines including IRH Elite Helmets, IRH Equi-Pro Helmets, IRH Equi-Lite Helmets and IRH IR4G Helmets.

Trauma Void Helmets

Trauma Void Helmets provide the highest level of brain protection technology available to the equine industry. Affordable, comfortable and stylish, Trauma Void Helmets are not only ASTM-SEI certified, but also feature cutting edge Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (“MIPS”) technology. MIPS is a state of the art brain protection system designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain caused by angled impact and has been used and tested in motorcycle and snow sport helmets. We are proud to offer the Trauma Void EQ3 and Trauma Void Lynx-Smooth helmet lines.