Unlike their predecessors riding helmets of today serve a purpose beyond making people look good: they are worn for the primary purpose of safety. Although many people don’t stop to think about it, competitive horse riding is a sport that can be fraught with danger. This is the reason why helmets of today are designed and standardised to make sure that a rider does not suffer serious cranial injuries when riding.

 
“Riding or equestrian helmets have sport-specific differences from those used in other sports. For this reason, a helmet designed for another sport, such as bicycle riding helmets, are not deemed suitable for horse riding. The riding helmet covers more of a person’s head than does a bicycle riding helmet, fitting lower on the head, particularly at the back of the skull, and has protection distributed evenly around the head rather than being concentrated in the front and back. Aside from the safety features, aerodynamics are less important in a horse riding helmet than in a bicycle helmet. The appearance of horse riding helmets is frequently based on that of an English hunt cap. Additionally good ventilation and comfort are considered important features of a horse riding helmet”.*

 “Certified helmets are required headgear for a number of competitive riding events, particularly where horse and rider must work or jump at high speed. Helmets are worn more often by English-style riders and are gaining acceptance as required headgear for children. They are most widely accepted in activities such as eventing, show jumping, or horse racing. They are required in eventing, in endurance riding and other types of competitions. Riders who take their horses hacking or trail riding sometimes wear helmets, though there are tremendous variations in helmet use in different regions and countries. However, for general safety reasons horse riders helmets are recommended at all times when one is near or on a horse”.*

 The helmet itself has an outer layer of plastic, which resists impact and prevents injuries in case of a fall. However, some riding helmets are designed with a cloth covering the shiny plastic in order to make the helmet look more attractive. The brim of the helmet is designed to protect the eyes of the rider from the harsh glare of the sun. It also makes the helmet more attractive in terms of design. However, the brim is not made of the same materials as the ’shell’ of the helmet. Rather, it is designed to crumple during a fall. This makes the helmet safer in the event that a rider lands on the brim.

 The inside of the riding helmet is designed with both comfort and safety in mind. Added padding makes sure that the helmet takes the brunt of the impact in case of a fall. The design is also very sport-specific being one of the reasons why an equestrian helmet is easily recognisable.

 There are many variations on the equestrian helmet based on the competition. Horse racing jockeys, for instance, mostly wear helmets that are brimless and covered with a cloth matching the color scheme of their uniforms. Traditionalists in everyday riding are inclined to frown upon the spreading use of brilliant colored helmets, but more and more people find the colors black, brown and grey boring.

 There are also some varieties of equestrian helmets today that have been adapted to more “western” designs. These helmets, however, are yet to be embraced by riders in rodeos (where they are obviously more needed).

 Standardisation varies from country to country. However, a rider who joins a competition must have a standard riding helmet or that rider will not be allowed to compete. People who are qualified with the competition requirements and who have performed a “conformity assessment” judge whether the helmet being worn is up to standard.

 The conformity assessment is a series of tests that show how safe the helmet is. Some assessments involve various tests that simulate a rider falling from a horse and even getting kicked by a horse in the head.

Today, the equestrian helmet is not yet required for riders. However, their use is becoming common practice. In fact, riding instructors today are required by insurance companies to make their students wear riding helmets in order to get an insurance policy. Even although some people may feel that equestrian helmets are uncomfortable and hot, you should always remember that the real purpose of wearing a helmet is to help keep you safe.

* Modified from Wikipedia

Recommended reading:   Centered Riding (A Trafalgar Square Farm Book) by Sally Swift,

Related posts:

1. Selecting the Right Horse Riding Saddle is Vital: Tips on Selection and Fitting.
2. Safe Riding: Tips On Keeping You And Your Horse Safe
3. Equestrian Wear – Tips On The Use Of Horse Rugs, Boots, and Bandages.