Riding Helmets: These Are the Best Equestrian Helmets to Buy Now, from Samshield, Charles Owen, and More
In the market for a new riding helmet? We get it—the task may feel daunting at first. Even if you love your current horse riding helmet, if you’ve had it for five years or have taken a tumble, it’s time to consider buying a replacement. Follow our guide below, then shop the latest Samshield helmets and other options from the most trusted equestrian brands.
How to Buy a New Riding Helmet
Do your research. Make sure your helmet is certified by both the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).
Evaluate your needs. Which discipline you’re going to be using your helmet for? Are you an eventer, showjumper, or dressage rider? All of these disciplines might require subtlety different riding helmet variations to keep you as safe as possible. If you’re used to colder temperatures, a velvet-lined riding helmet might be a great choice, but if you’re in sunnier climates, think about an option with more ventilation.
Find the perfect fit. Having a horse riding helmet that doesn’t fit you correctly will endanger you. If you’ve had a previous helmet, what did you like about it, what didn’t work well? Test out a new riding helmet by leaving the strap unbuckled and moving your head around. It shouldn’t fall off, but it also shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Don’t forget to test out the straps and make sure they’re comfortable as well. Many helmets will arrive with extra padding so you can test what fits most comfortably for you.
Ready to shop? Take a look at some of our top picks for the season, below.
Riding Helmets: 13 Best Horse Riding Helmets to Buy in 2022
Shopping for equestrian needs? Take a look at our ultimate shopping guides for winter riding breeches, all-season riding pants, riding boots, saddles, and personalized horse gear just for you!
Charles Owen AyrBrush Reflection Riding Helmet
This helmet is one of our favorites. It’s a great helmet for general riding, dressage, and show jumping. It’s customizable, has the latest technology like the Soft GRpx® technology harness, and meets multiple safety standards. Reviewers appreciated that the helmet extends further down the back of the head than most other helmets, therefore protecting a greater percentage of your head. It’s also easy to size, thanks to the Charles Owen online size guide and video that walks you through measuring for the perfect fit. Not convinced? Well, the Charles Owen brand is Olympian Charlotte Dujardin’s brand of choice.
BUY NOW: Charles Owen riding helmet, starting at $570, charlesowen.com
Tipperary Equestrian Windsor Riding Helmet
Tipperary Equestrian makes this beautiful helmet with the latest technology to keep you safe and stylish. It features MIPS® Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, crush-resistant banding, and a removable washable liner.
BUY NOW: Tipperary Windsor MIPS Smoked Chrome helmet, $350, amazon.com.
Ovation Sync Carbon Fiber Horse Riding Helmet
This stylish helmet utilizes the lightweight material of carbon fiber while offering the ultimate protection for your head. It has a clean, rubberized finish, reflective piping, and a stainless steel air vent mesh. To ensure a perfect fit, it has an easily adjustable dial. It features a Coolmax® liner that is both removable and washable.
BUY NOW: Ovation Riding Helmet $98, statelinetack.com.
Ovation Jump Air Helmet
We love this Ovation helmet for so many reasons––it includes a genuine leather visor, removable and washable Coolmax® liner, and an exclusive YKK® adjuster clip and buckle to keep your fit comfortable and enjoyable for all your rides. Set with a nylon carrying bag, this is the perfect helmet for schooling.
BUY NOW: Ovation Horse Riding Helmet, $120, statelinetack.com.
Troxel Avalon Competition Helmet
One of our new favorites, this fashionable helmet from Troxel features metal cooling vents, a newly designed FlexVisor™, and a Matte Duratec™ finish. Troxel uses their best technology to create a safe and comfortable fit with its SureFit™ Elite system. This stylish helmet comes in a variety of colors, so you can easily find the one that works best for you.
BUY NOW: Troxel Riding Helmet, $115, statelinetack.com.
Troxel Spirit Schooling Helmet
One of the best schooling helmets on the market, this model from Troxel® puts safety as their priority. Despite being a more reasonably-priced helmet, it still carries a luxurious and professional look. If you’re looking for a helmet that suits children, this is the ideal helmet for you––and for riders of sizes.
BUY NOW: Troxel Riding Helmet, $56, statelinetack.com.
Samshield Premium Horse Riding Helmet
Inspired by motorcycle helmet technology, Samshield brings you this outstanding helmet. It assures that your helmet will fit you with foam linings you can add or eliminate, as well as internal comfort foam that adjusts to the shape of your head. The outside of the helmet is made from polycarbonate, which is used for high-end motorcycle helmets, and is equipped with original Alcantara®, an all-weather suede-like fabric. Bonus, this riding helmet is available in a plethora of classic hues, including brown, navy, and black.
BUY NOW: Samshield Premium helmet, $662, doversaddlery.com.
Samshield Shadowmatt® Riding Helmet
Samshield® did a stunning job creating this helmet. With a polycarbonate outer shell, this helmet is designed to be both durable, lightweight, and resilient. On the inside of the helmet, it has internal comfort foam that forms to the shape of your head to give you complete comfort and an excellent fit. It also features a removable and washable liner, making it very easy to clean.
BUY NOW: Samshield Helmet, $549, smartpakequine.com.
*Editor’s Note: For a more affordable yet safe Samshield helmet, we like the Samshield Luna helmet as well. From $275, statelinetack.com.
One K Defender Bling Helmet
Okay, we’re not personally huge fans of adding Swarovski crystals to all our riding gear (or to our horse’s!), but One K’s subtle bit of bling is fun. This luxurious helmet by One K™ also features Chamude® synthetic suede-covered Polycarbonate, and their Advanced ABS Composite outer shell. It’s washable, quick-drying, and features a Fastex buckle for ultimate functionality.
BUY NOW: One K Horseback Riding helmet, $470, statelinetack.com or horse.com.
One K Defender Helmet
Want all of the above, without the bling, at a more affordable price? This everyday riding helmet has all the technology above, for less.
Buy Now: One K Defender Helmet, $279, amazon.com.
Champion Evolution Puissance Riding Helmet
This helmet is perfect for those who like a shallower helmet fit. Handmade in the UK, all Champion helmets are tested and approved before they’re sold, so you’re guaranteed to have perfect quality. It features a highly ventilated airflow system, high-tech microfiber for the crown, and a four-point padded suede harness for excellent comfort.
BUY NOW: Champion helmet, $382, statelinetack.com.
Kask Star Lady Riding Helmet
This helmet is a great option for your needs, especially if you’re riding in a sunny climate. It features Kask’s self-adapting fit technology, a merino wool interior padding to maintain body temperature, extra sun protection, and a state-of-the-art venting system. These are just a few features on a long list of what makes this helmet so special.
BUY NOW: Kask Star Lady horse riding helmet, $640, kask.com.
Disclaimer: All helmet recommendations are suggestions. It is extremely important to do your own research and due diligence when buying and using a helmet.