How to Fit a Helmet for Horseback Riding
If you ride a horse it’s not a matter of if you fall off, but when, where and how.
This is wisdom shared with me by a lifelong friend, and always a good reminder. The best riders fall off from time to time. It isn’t always about your balance or ability. Freak accidents happen. I could go on all day about amazing riders who had accidents on good horses.
Needless to say, I am a believer in helmets. If you’re on a horse, you should have a helmet on.
But, if you’re here you are probably in agreement. So, let’s get into the good stuff, the reason you clicked. The best helmet you can wear for protection is the one that fits the best. How do we fit the helmet?
Determine your head shape
Is your head round or oval? Not sure? Have a friend check. This is a very important first step. If you put on a helmet and you feel pressure on the front and back of your head, the helmet is too round for your head shape. If you feel pressure on the sides, it is too oval. Don’t try to fit a round head into an oval helmet. Or an oval head into a round helmet for that matter.
Determine your head size
Next we need to know if your head is small, medium, or large. As a parent fitting a child this is especially important. Choose a helmet that fits your child today, not one that they will “grow into.” If they fall off their pony today we want them to have the maximum protection for that precious little brain.
Many helmets have a handy little dial in the back that can help make small adjustments. This key word here is small. This is designed to account for hair style changes or minor fit adjustments, not jumping between entire sizes. If you fit a large helmet, don’t try to crank down the knob and let your medium sized friend borrow it. Your friend needs to wear a medium sized helmet to be protected.
Get upside down
Before you buckle the strap, hang upside down and see if the helmet stays on. If it stays on, you’re golden. If it falls off, you have some adjusting left to do. You can also try standing upright and vigorously nodding your head “yes.” If the helmet shifts, it needs to be adjusted.
Fit the chin strap
Finally, it’s time to adjust the chin strap. The chin strap’s job is to hold the helmet on if your head hits the ground. Not to keep it in place while you are riding or hold it on your head. That said, the strap should be snug under your chin, but not tight. You should be able to talk and move comfortably.
It is important to note that any helmet is better than no helmet. However, if you’re going to go to the trouble of buying and wearing a helmet, it is critical that you try them on. This is not an online purchase type of thing.
What about MIPS?
MIPS helmets are designed to decrease rotational force in the event of a fall. They have a bright yellow friction-less surface inside the helmet to allow the helmet and head to rotate independently in the event of impact. These are expensive and kind up to preference as there isn’t a whole lot of science behind this yet, however in the interest of full disclosure, I wear a MIPS helmet. I feel that no expense is too much when we are talking about my brain. Maybe that’s just me…
If you want more information about choosing riding gear for your kids, check out this free guide. I cover everything from boots, to protective vests, and clothing, as well as where to buy.