No Nonsense Guide to Buying Equestrian Helmets
Whether you’re new to riding or looking to upgrade your current style, buying a new riding hat takes some consideration. In addition to thinking about the most important feature, safety, you also need to think about style, comfort, and the style of riding you’ll be doing. Here are a few things to think about when buying a new riding helmet.
Where To Buy a Helmet
There are a plethora of places to pick up a new helmet, from local tack shops to trade shows to event booths. The main thing you want to focus on is that you’re purchasing your riding hat from a well-establish retailer who specialized is equestrian equipment. You may even purchase from a trusted equestrian gear website that has equestrian helmets for sale. The important thing is to purchase from a dependable company with an in-depth knowledge of equestrian gear and helmet requirements.
What To Know About Safety
What a helmet must do best is protect the head of the rider. The key to a safe helmet is to have as much protection as possible. The first indicator of safety to check for are international safety certifications such as ASTM/SEI certifications or Kitemark certifications. You will usually be able to find the logo on the helmet/box or within the listing. In addition, your helmet must fit properly. The helmet should never rock backward, forward, or sideways and you should feel a firm pressure all around your head. Err on the smaller side as helmets will mold to your head as you wear them. Of note, you should always replace your helmet after five years of use or any significant impact. Remember to never borrow or purchase a secondhand helmet. A poor fit is a risk you do not want to take!
What To Consider About Style
When you’re picking out your new helmet, you’ll want to think about what sort of riding you’ll be using the helmet for. There are different helmets for different disciplines and events and each one is designed for the variant activities, risks, and regulations within each. For instance, if you’re purchasing a helmet for dressage or showjumping, you will want to make sure the helmet fits the sale, standards, and rules required for the competitions you’ll be entering. Should you be planning for higher risk riding such as hacking or cross-country, you’ll want a helmet designed for extra protection.
Picking out a new helmet is a fun and exciting task when you know where to go, what to look for, and how best to pick a safe and protective helmet.
