A Heads-Up on Equestrian Helmets

By: Travis Moore



Equestrian helmets have pretty much stayed true to their original design of yesteryears. They may not be the equestrian getup's fashion focus, but there are a number of interesting stories behind them. They have managed to retain their distinctive style even in today's age of cutting-edge designs and modern materials. Current equestrian helmets still reflect the conservatism propagated by early English riding headdresses.

Equestrian Helmets 101

Present-day equestrian helmets serve a dual purpose. Aside from making riders look good, they also provide safety while on the field. Competitive horse riding is not exactly the safest sport. This is why present equestrian helmets are designed as well as standardized. Equestrian helmets must pass quality specifications, ensuring that serious cranial injuries while riding are avoided.

What are equestrian helmets made of? Well, they consist of an outer plastic layer capable of resisting impacts and preventing injuries in case of falls. But some equestrian helmets come with a cloth that covers the shiny plastic. This is purely for aesthetic purposes, to make the headgear appear more attractive.

The equestrian helmet's brim is there to provide protection for the rider's eyes against the sun's harsh glare. It also helps improve the helmet's overall appearance. However, the brim is not made of the same materials as the helmet's “shell.” It is basically designed to scrunch up during falls, making the equestrian helmets safer in the event of landing on the helmet's brim.

With regard to the interior of equestrian helmets, safety and comfort were both taken into consideration. Extra padding ensures that the equestrian helmets take most of the impact in case of falls. The helmet design is likewise highly spot-specific, which explains why equestrian helmets are easy to identify.

Equestrian helmets' overall design see to it that the entire head is protected. They are not like skating or bicycle helmets that concentrate on protecting the head's front and back portions. These head coverings provide enough ventilation along with proper positioning so riders feel comfortable while wearing them.

A wide variety of equestrian helmets exist depending on the type of competition. Horseracing jocks wear brimless equestrian helmets that are covered with cloth that match their uniforms. While traditionalists disapprove of using brilliantly colored equestrian helmets, an increasing number of people are finding the usual colors of gray, black and brown dull and boring.

Some contemporary equestrian helmets adapt the “western” patterns and designs. These helmets are perfect for participants in rodeos. But such helmets have yet to gain wider acceptance among rodeo riders. There are also full face helmets that sometimes come with wrist guards to ensure riding safety.

Equestrian helmet standardization tends to vary from one country to another. However, riders joining competitions need to have standard equestrian helmets. Otherwise, they risk being barred from competing. Those who have done conformity assessments are the ones who determine whether a particular helmet meets the set standards.

Conformity assessments consist of series of tests that demonstrate equestrian helmets' degree of safety. Some involve tests simulating riders falling from their horses and getting kicked in the head by their horses. Other tests include dropping equestrian helmets onto anvils with sharp edges to imitate the impact produced when coming into contact with a jump standard's or horse hoof's edge.

These days, equestrian helmets are still not a major requirement for riders. The good news is they are fast becoming a common practice. As a matter of fact, insurance outfits now require riding instructors to make students wear helmets as part of getting approved for insurance policies. Most people feel equestrian helmets are hot and uncomfortable to wear, but remember, these items could be just what save your life.

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