Do you have a little equestrian in the family? Then you need to make sure that they wear protective gear and follow all the necessary safety precautions before riding their horse.
Protecting your child’s head when they’re riding a horse can prevent them from serious injury in case they fall off the horse, and a bike helmet won’t be enough for that. And because we care about your child’s safety, we’ve scanned the market for some of the most top-rated horse riding helmets for kids and tested their safety and comfort for you!
3 Best Horse Riding Helmets for Kids in 2021
Alright, let’s dive straight into the reviews and see what each of these helmets has to offer.
1. Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet – Best Overall
The Troxel Spirit helmet flaunts a low-profile design that makes it comfortable while also providing uncompromised protection against severe head injuries. With 20% of the outer shell made of a mesh material, the Troxel Spirit is suitable for all weather conditions.
On top of all that, this helmet is ASTM certified according to the highest safety standards, so you can rest assured that your child will be safe and sound in their horse riding adventures.
The headline is removable, allowing you to wash it conveniently. Additionally, the helmet is provided with a Dial-Fit knob so that your child can adjust it without breaking a sweat, whether they have an oval or round-shaped head.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh-covered vents
- Removable washable headliner
- Dial-fit system for quick adjustments
- Low-profile design
Cons:
- Might require to be re-adjusted frequently
Bottom Line
With a low-profile design, a removable liner, and a dial-fit knob, the Troxel Spirit leaves little to be desired.
2. Equi-Lite – Best for Comfort
The Equi-Lite helmet has all the bells and whistles your child could ask for in a horseback riding helmet. For starters, it’s equipped with 4 rear vents and 5 front ones, ensuring adequate air circulation to keep your kid’s head cool. Another notable feature is the quick-release 3-point harness that makes taking the helmet on or off easier than ever.
Not to mention, your child can quickly adjust the fit by spinning the adjustable dial thanks to the built-in Dial-Fit system. It’s also worth noting that the Equi-Lite helmet is compliant with the ASTM, SEI, and CE European standards.
Pros:
- Maximum ventilation
- Adjustable harness with easy on/off buckle
- Dial-Fit system for fit adjustments
Cons:
- The materials are somewhat cheap
Bottom Line
The Equi-Lite ticks many of the boxes with its quick-release clip, excellent ventilation system, and ease of adjustability.
3. Ovation Protege – Best Quality
With a durable outermost shell made of high-density ABS material, the Ovation Protege provides a high level of protection while keeping weight in check. Add to that the low-profile design, and your kid won’t even notice there’s a helmet on their head.
The harness has a quick release buckle, allowing your little one to take off the helmet quickly. What’s more, the Ovation Protege features an extended back shell mesh liner, ensuring adequate air circulation around your kid’s head. It also features a removable visor, which can be machine washed conveniently.
In addition, the Ovation helmet is ASTM and CE certified to the European EN 1384 standards for guaranteed safety.
Pros:
- Low-profile design
- Lightweight
- Washable back shell mesh liner
- Quick-release strap
- ASTM certified
Cons:
- Tight inner padding
Bottom Line
The Ovation Protege is made of high-quality materials that will keep your kid comfortable and safe. Not to mention, adjusting its fit is a breeze!
How to Choose the Right Horse Riding Helmet for Your Kid
If you want to pick a safe and comfortable horseback helmet for your little one, keep these factors in mind.
Size
A safety helmet should fit snugly on your kid’s head without feeling too tight. It shouldn’t keep moving while they’re on the horse, either.
Also, keep in mind that your kid’s head shape may change as they grow, which is why opting for an adjustable helmet might be a good idea.
Ventilation
A child helmet should have some high flow vents to keep their head cool when riding on the horse. After all, you want your child to enjoy doing their favorite sport in all weather conditions.
Materials
What’s the point of a horse riding helmet if it won’t protect your child’s head in case of accidents? That’s why you need to ensure the helmet’s exterior shell is made of a shock-absorbent material like fiberglass, ABS, or hardened plastic.
Additionally, the inner shell of trail riding helmets must be well-padded to maximize comfort and offer the best protection.
Weight
A high-quality horse riding helmet is supposed to feel lightweight without sacrificing protection. This is usually linked to the material choices of the helmet. A helmet made for riding horses is usually made of denser materials than those used in bike helmets.
Harness
When shopping for a horse riding helmet, make sure that the harness is easy to clip on and off while also securing the helmet tightly to your child’s head. Many equestrian helmets have a quick release clip, which should get the job done.
Final Verdict
Alright, it’s time to announce a winner of the best horse riding helmets for kids! The Troxel Spirit helmet seems like a pretty solid choice for most kids, with its snug fit, low-profile design, and airflow vents. This is arguably the best horse riding helmet you can find on the market.
That’s not to say the other two options aren’t worth it; both of them will provide your kid with more than enough protection without annoying them with too much load on their head.
On a final note, don’t take safety equipment for granted. It can save your child’s life!
