Measuring Your Head for a Horse Riding Helmet

When it comes to horseback riding, a helmet is an essential safety measure to protect your head in the event of an accident. Head injuries are a major cause of fatalities in horse-riding accidents, so wearing a properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce your chances of sustaining a serious injury.

Not only does a well-fitted helmet provide protection, but it also ensures optimal performance. A poorly fitted helmet can negatively impact your riding abilities, whether it's too tight and uncomfortable or too loose and obstructing your vision.

If you're in the market for a new horse riding helmet, follow these steps to ensure you find the right fit:

• 1. Measure your head

Using a soft fabric measuring tape, measure around the widest part of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure the tape is snug and goes over the curve of your head above your ears. Note the size in both inches and centimeters.

2. Try on a helmet

Try on a helmet that you're considering, making sure it sits flat and level on your head. The helmet should fit snugly and comfortably within the width of one or two fingers above your brow. Style your hair as you would when riding, but keep it flat under the helmet. If the helmet has built-in pads or an adjustable fit system, make sure to adjust them accordingly.

3. Evaluate the fit

Make sure the helmet covers your entire skull without any gaps. It should have even pressure all around to absorb shock in the event of an accident. If it sits too low on your eyebrows, it's too big, and if it shows gaps or doesn't sit properly, it's too small.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or replacing a damaged helmet, finding the right fit takes effort. It's essential to measure your head accurately and try on various helmets to determine which fits your head shape and feels the most comfortable.

When looking for the perfect helmet, it’s not just about size, but also shape. Different helmets have varying shapes, and not all shapes work for every head. If your head is more rounded than the helmet you’re trying, the helmet might wobble front to back, while if your head is less rounded than the helmet, it might wobble from side to side.

Comfort is key when it comes to helmets that fit well. They should feel snug, but not loose. If you move your eyebrows, the helmet should move the skin on your forehead as well.

Once you’ve found a helmet that fits, secure it in place by buckling the chin strap. Make sure it’s tight enough to keep the helmet in place, but not so tight that it causes any discomfort. The front brim should be positioned 1-2 fingers’ width above your eyebrows to ensure clear vision.

There is no one-size-fits-all helmet chart as sizes and shapes may vary between manufacturers. It’s important to compare your head measurement to the size chart for each manufacturer and keep this in mind when trying on helmets. The Samshield helmet size chart, for example, ranges from Small (52-56 cm) to Large (57-61 cm), while the Ovation Schooler helmet size chart ranges from XXS/XS (46-50 cm). It’s important to find the right size and shape to ensure the best fit.

KASK Helmet Size Chart

Find your perfect size with KASK's helmet size chart:

• KASK Size / SIZE (inches) / SIZE (cms)
• - XS/S: 6 - 6 ½ / 48 - 52
• - S/M: 6 ½ - 7 / 52 - 56
• - M/L: 7 ⅛ -7 ⅝ / 57 - 61
• - L/XL: 7 ¼ - 7 ¾ / 58 - 62

For more information, check out our Kask Equestrian Helmets Size, Fit, and Style Guide.

How to Choose the Perfect Riding Helmet

When in search of a new riding helmet, keep these tips in mind:

• - Always select a helmet that is specifically designed for horseback riding and not one intended for other activities.

- Different manufacturers may use different measurements for helmet sizing. Take your head measurements in both inches and centimeters when making your purchase.

- Each helmet brand's sizes vary, so a helmet from one brand may not fit in the same size from another manufacturer. Be sure to try helmets on to ensure a proper fit.

- Once you find a suitable brand and size, you can generally purchase new helmets from them without trying them on. However, remember to check the fit before making any purchases.

For more tips on choosing and buying a riding helmet, read our complete guide.

Why a Helmet Designed for Horse Riding is Crucial

Helmets designed for horseback riding undergo rigorous testing to ensure performance in riding-related accidents. They also meet specific specifications and standards that differ from those for other helmets.

Equestrian helmets supply essential protection for the sweatband area and the back of the head. They also undergo testing for chinstrap retention, impact absorption, and penetration by sharp objects.

Having a well-fitted and correctly designed helmet for horseback riding is imperative for safety and performance. Finding the right fit ensures comfort and confidence that you're protected in the event of an accident.

Additional resources:

- Explore our collection of horse-riding safety helmets.