Horseback riding is a risky sport and the rider being totally exposed, therefore, he or she has to limit the risks that exist in the practice of this sport. After the upper extremities, the head is the part of the body that is most exposed to blows. To practice your favorite sport with maximum safety, you have to choose the right helmet for your practice and your goals.
We offer you the following advice so that you can choose your helmet well.
What regulations does the case you choose have to comply with?
To choose the right helmet, you must take into account the criteria of comfort, type and level of practice. Whatever your style, the helmet must always comply with the protection regulations of the country of use. In Europe, the current standard is CE EN1384.
It is the only standard that includes equestrian protections for all practice disciplines. The main function of the helmet is to protect and absorb the shock wave of the blow that could traumatize the skull and, above all, the brain. The most common material is expanded polystyrene. When a blow occurs, the polystyrene absorbs the energy and deforms to protect the rider’s head.
There are two types of helmets, depending on the type and level of practice: size-to-size helmets and adjustable helmets.
Recommendation: When a blow occurs, the consequences are not necessarily visible to the naked eye, which is why it is essential to change your helmet after a fall. To limit dirt or scratches, it is recommended to store and transport it in a specially designed bag.
If in your case you do not have any helmet cover or you want to renew it, we invite you to view all Charles Owen Riding Hat products.
Important advice: Do not expose the helmet to a heat source, it can alter the polystyrene and reduce its protective qualities.
Sizes
Generally the sizes are between 53 and 61 cm. They can have a traditional appearance (textile covering) or a very modern one (a combination of different materials such as fabric, leather, metallic-looking plastic…). They are the most used in classical riding or in competition, in rather short practice sessions.
Advantages
When the size corresponds well to the head circumference, the helmet is very comfortable and very stable on the head. They wrap well around the neck and guarantee very good protection.
Disadvantages
Children have to change helmets as they grow, usually until they are 11 or 12 years old. This is why adjustable helmets are recommended. These helmets are not always very well ventilated and sometimes have a round or oval shape that is not suitable for all heads.
Adjustable helmets
Adjustable size helmets generally cover head sizes from size XS to size L. They are the most used in the initiation phase, in leisure riding and outdoors (walking, excursion, resistance, shooting…).
These are the correspondences between centimeters and head circumference sizes:
44-48CM = Size XS
48-52CM=Size S
52.56 CM = Size M
56-60CM=Size L
They have an adjustment wheel that allows you to adjust the head circumference, so children can keep the same helmet for several years. In addition, the wheel allows you to adjust the helmet to round or oval heads. They are also very light and very well ventilated.
Ready to buy your riding helmet?