Riding With Brains: A guide to choosing the right riding helmet

1. why is a riding helmet important?

Riding helmets are crucial in equestrian sports as they guarantee your safety. There are various reasons why a riding helmet is now much more than just a fashion accessory.

Head protection:

As we all know, horseback riding can be dangerous, especially when it comes to falls or accidents. Riding helmets provide important protection for your head and minimize the risk of head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures and other serious injuries.

Legal requirements:‍

In many countries and equestrian organizations, riding helmets are mandatory, especially for children and young people. Wearing a helmet may be required by law to ensure the safety of riders.

Accident prevention:

Riding helmets can help prevent accidents by minimizing injuries from falls or collisions. They protect not only from direct blows to the head, but also from damage caused by falling branches or other objects.

Confidence and comfort:

Wearing a helmet can boost your confidence as a rider, as you feel safer knowing your head is protected. Modern riding helmets are also designed to be comfortable and well ventilated to make them more comfortable to wear.

Role model for young riders:

When experienced riders wear helmets, they set a good example for young or inexperienced riders. This promotes a culture of safety in equestrian sports and encourages others to take protective measures as well.

Long-term health:

Head injuries can have serious long-term consequences. Wearing a helmet not only protects you from acute injuries, but also contributes to your long-term health by reducing the risk of permanent damage.

Overall, riding helmets are essential in equestrian sports to ensure the safety and well-being of riders. Therefore, you should always make sure to wear well-fitting helmets that meet safety standards to protect yourself from injury.

After first explaining the importance of riding helmets in equestrian sports, you will get more information on how to find your right riding helmet in this article.

2. history and development of riding helmets

The development and history of riding helmets is closely linked to the development of equestrian sports and the realization of the need for head protection. 

Throughout the history of riding, there have been attempts to protect the head from injury. Early forms of head protection often included simple leather caps or cloth caps that offered little protection and served mainly to protect the head from the elements. The development of riding helmets received an important impetus from military requirements. In the 19th century, armies began to develop special riding helmets to protect their cavalry units. These helmets were often made of metal and were designed to protect horse cavalrymen from head injuries in battle.

With advances in materials science and technology, lighter and safer materials such as plastics and fiber composites were developed. These materials enabled the production of lighter yet more durable helmets.

In the 1950s, the first safety standards for riding helmets were introduced in the USA. These standards specified which requirements helmets had to meet in order to be considered safe. This led to improved quality and safety of riding helmets.

Over time, the design of riding helmets has continued to improve. Modern riding helmets are aerodynamically designed, offer good ventilation and are designed to effectively protect the head.

In many countries and at various equestrian events, laws and regulations have been enacted in recent decades that have made the wearing of riding helmets mandatory, especially for children and young people. This has helped to continuously improve safety in equestrian sports.

The continuous development of riding helmets is an example of the progress in safety technology and the growing awareness of the importance of head protection in equestrian sports. Modern riding helmets are designed to provide optimum protection for the head without compromising comfort, and they have undoubtedly helped to significantly reduce the risk of injury to riders.

3. helmet standards and tests of riding helmet

The riding helmet protects the most important part of the rider: the head. All helmets in specialized stores meet certain standards. However, some helmets are safer because they meet several standards. 

Among the most famous helmet standards are:

CE Marking: In Europe and many other parts of the world, riding helmets that meet safety standards must be CE marked. This marking indicates that the helmet meets the minimum requirements to be considered safe.

ASTM/SEI Certification: In the United States, ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) is the organization that develops standards for riding helmets. Riding helmets that meet ASTM standards can carry an SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certificate.

PAS015 and VG1 standards: In the UK, the PAS015 and VG1 standards are relevant. These standards are used by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and other recognized organizations to assess the quality of riding helmets.

SNELL Certification: The SNELL Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, has also developed standards for riding helmets and offers certification for helmets that meet these standards.

DIN standards: In Germany, the DIN standards are relevant. These standards are set by the Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) and concern the safety of riding helmets.

Test Procedures: Most helmet standards include specific test procedures to ensure that helmets meet requirements for impact resistance, penetration protection, and other safety aspects. The exact tests may vary depending on the standard. In Germany, riding helmets are subjected to three different tests at TÜV, shock tests, penetration tests and roll tests, among others. The shock test simulates the type of forces that can occur during a fall on the head and verifies that the helmet effectively absorbs these forces to minimize injury. The helmet is dropped from a specified height onto a hard, flat surface. This simulates the impact of the head during a fall from a horse. The drop speed and angle are adjusted to replicate as closely as possible the real conditions of a fall. This can vary depending on the standard. During the test, sensors are used to measure the forces acting on the helmet. This allows an evaluation of whether the helmet reduces the forces to a safely acceptable level. An artificial head or head model can be used to simulate the effects on the head. This model is equipped with sensors to measure the resulting loads. Some tests also verify that the helmet provides protection against penetration to ensure that sharp objects cannot enter the helmet. Helmet manufacturers typically conduct multiple shock tests to ensure that the helmet provides consistent and reliable results. 

The roll test is a special type of safety test performed on riding helmets to ensure that the helmet meets the necessary stability requirements. The aim of the roll test is to ensure that the helmet remains secure on the rider's head even when subjected to lateral forces and impacts and does not roll or slip easily off the head.

Regular updating: Helmet standards are regularly updated to reflect the latest findings and developments in safety technology. Manufacturers must ensure that their helmets comply with the latest standards. When purchasing a riding helmet, it is therefore important to pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications. This information should indicate which standards the helmet meets.

Riders should always make sure that they use riding helmets that meet the respective national or international standards. Buying a certified helmet is an important measure to ensure safety in equestrian sports and minimize head injuries. It is also advisable to check the helmet regularly and replace it after a fall or a strong impact, as helmets may no longer have their full protective effect after such events.

4. the anatomy of a riding helmet

The anatomy of a riding helmet can vary by manufacturer and model, but in general, a typical riding helmet consists of several main components that help protect the rider's head from injury. Here are the basic parts and features of a riding helmet:

Outer shell: The outer layer of the helmet, often made of durable material such as plastic or fiberglass. The outer shell serves to absorb and distribute external impacts.

Shock-absorbing layer: Directly under the outer shell is a shock-absorbing layer, usually made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) or a similar material. This layer absorbs the energy of impacts and distributes it over a larger area to protect the head from injury.

Inner padding: The inner lining of the helmet is made of soft and comfortable material that stabilizes the helmet on the rider's head and provides comfort. This padding can be made of different materials such as foam, fabric or gel.

Chin Strap: The chin strap is an adjustable strap that runs under the rider's chin and is used to hold the helmet securely on the head. It is usually equipped with a locking mechanism that can be easily opened and closed.

Vents: Many riding helmets have vents or openings to improve air circulation and ventilation in the helmet. This helps keep the rider's head cool and comfortable.

Visor: Some riding helmets are equipped with an integrated visor or sun visor to protect the rider's eyes from sunlight and the elements.

‍Additionalsafety features: Some modern riding helmets may have additional safety features, such as MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), which reduces rotational forces during oblique impacts, or similar technologies.

Certification label: A valid riding helmet will usually have a certification label indicating that the helmet meets the relevant safety standards.

The exact construction and design of riding helmets can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. It is important to choose a helmet that fits well, is properly adjusted and meets current safety standards to ensure optimal protection. Riding helmets are an essential part of the riding equipment and contribute significantly to the safety of the rider.

5. the selection and fitting of the right riding helmet.

The proper fit of a riding helmet is critical to the rider's safety. Many make the mistake of simply selecting a helmet based on appearance without paying attention to fit. Common helmet fitting mistakes:

• ‍Noproper fit: The helmet wobbles or sits crooked‍
• Chin straps that are too loose: This can be dangerous as the helmet can get caught‍.

How to find the right size helmet:

‍Measurethe widest part of your head with a tape measure. The helmet should fit tightly but comfortably and not wobble.‍

Adjustment of the helmet:

‍Thehelmet should sit straight, neither too far forward nor too far back. Make sure that the helmet does not sit too high on the head to avoid injury in the event of a fall. The fitting system in the helmet should be adjusted individually to ensure an optimal fit.

Chin strap adjustment:

‍Thechin strap should not be too tight or too loose. Ideally, two fingers should fit between the chin and the strap. The straps should sit evenly under the earlobes.

Important points for safety:

‍Thehelmet should optimally cover your head and must not fall off your head or move during a fall. A helmet that is too big, especially for children, can be dangerous. It is advisable to seek advice from a professional to find the perfectly fitting helmet.

Safety should always be a priority. A well-fitting helmet can be life-saving in the event of a fall. Therefore, when choosing one should pay attention not only to the appearance, but especially to the fit and safety.

6. care, storage and durability of your riding helmet

The riding helmet protects the most important thing we have: our head. But it must be treated properly to fulfill its protective function.

Storing the riding helmet: The helmet should be stored in a safe place, preferably not under pressure or in confined spaces. It should be given enough air to dry after riding. Store your riding helmet in a dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat and UV rays can affect the material of the helmet. Do not hang your helmet on a hook, as this can damage the helmet's structure. Instead, place it on a flat surface.

Falls: A helmet that has been dropped or has experienced a fall may have internal damage that is not visible from the outside. In such cases, the helmet should be replaced.

Durability: Helmet manufacturers recommend replacing riding helmets every five years after use or eight years after production date. The production date can be found in the helmet.

Cleaning the riding helmet: Clean your riding helmet regularly from sweat, dirt and dust. Use a mild detergent and warm water. Be careful not to use harsh chemicals or solvents, as they may damage the material of the helmet.

The inner padding of the helmet can wear out over time. Regularly check the padding and replace it if necessary according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Make sure that the fastening system (usually a chin strap) always works properly. It should fit securely and comfortably to ensure protection in the event of a fall.

Stickers: Avoid attaching stickers, as they can corrode the surface of the helmet.

‍7Common Myths and Misconceptions about Riding Helmets

Finally, we want to clear up common myths or misconceptions about riding helmets.

"Riding helmets are uncomfortable." A common misconception is that riding helmets are uncomfortable to wear. However, modern riding helmets are designed to be comfortable and well ventilated. There are several models and styles you can choose from to make sure the helmet fits well and is comfortable to wear. Therefore, why not try out different models.

"A hat or cap protects just as well as a riding helmet." This is a dangerous myth. A hat or cap does not provide the same protection in a fall as a specially designed riding helmet. Riding helmets are designed to absorb impact and protect the head from serious injury.

"Riding helmets don't look good." Some riders think helmets detract from their appearance. However, this should never be a reason to forgo a helmet. There are many stylish helmet models available in a variety of colors and designs to suit personal taste.

"My horse is calm, I don't need a helmet." Even with calm horses, there is always a risk for accidents. Horses can react unpredictably, and falls can occur for a variety of reasons. A helmet should always be worn, regardless of your horse's temperament.

"An expensive helmet is safer." Expensive riding helmets may offer additional features or conveniences, but price alone is not an indicator of safety. All riding helmets must meet the same safety standards, regardless of price.

"An old helmet is just as good as a new one." Riding helmets have a limited shelf life. The material and protective features can deteriorate over time. It is important to replace a helmet regularly, even if it is still in good condition on the outside.

"A helmet protects the head first and foremost." A helmet not only protects the head, but also the neck and spine. In the event of a fall, the helmet distributes the force of impact and reduces the risk of injury to the entire head and neck area.

8. conclusion

Wearing a riding helmet should always be a priority, regardless of circumstances or opinions. Proper information and education are critical to preventing injuries and raising awareness of the importance of riding helmets.