Helmets

Choosing the right horse riding helmet comes down to three key factors: safety certification, correct fit and the type of riding you do. While style and appearance are important, your helmet should always fit correctly and meet the appropriate safety standards before any other consideration.

Different riding disciplines often favour different helmet styles.

Dressage Helmets

Dressage helmets typically feature a sleek, low-profile design with elegant finishes such as smooth, matte, suede-look or gloss. They are designed to complement the traditional appearance of dressage while providing the same high level of protection expected from a modern certified riding helmet.

Jumping and Eventing Helmets

Jumping and eventing helmets are designed with active riders in mind and often feature increased ventilation to improve airflow during fast-paced work. Lightweight construction and modern styling make them popular for showjumping, cross-country, eventing and everyday riding.

Pony Club and Everyday Riding Helmets

Pony Club and recreational riding helmets provide excellent protection at affordable price points. They are ideal for junior riders, beginners and everyday riding, with many models featuring adjustable fit systems, comfortable liners and excellent ventilation. Regardless of price, every helmet should meet the required safety standards.

Show Riding Helmets

Show riding helmets combine traditional styling with modern safety technology. Popular finishes include velvet, suede-look and smooth leather-look materials, making them suitable for showing, hunting and other disciplines where presentation is important.

Regardless of the discipline, the most important consideration is choosing a helmet that fits your head correctly, is comfortable to wear and complies with the safety requirements of your chosen riding organisation.

At Ascot Saddlery, our experienced team will help you find the right helmet for your riding discipline, head shape and budget. We are also certified helmet taggers, so we can correctly fit and tag eligible helmets for competition where required. If you're unsure which helmet is right for you, visit our Flemington showroom or contact us on (03) 9376 5444 for expert advice.

Understanding Helmet Safety Standards

When choosing a riding helmet, safety certification is one of the most important factors to consider. Helmets sold for equestrian use must meet recognised testing standards that assess their ability to protect riders during a range of impact scenarios.

Many modern riding helmets are certified to multiple international standards, giving riders confidence that the helmet has undergone rigorous independent testing.

• AS/NZS 3838 (Australia & New Zealand): Australian and New Zealand safety standard for equestrian helmets.
• PAS 015 (United Kingdom): British equestrian helmet standard with stringent impact and retention testing.
• VG1 01.040 (Europe): Widely recognised European equestrian helmet safety standard.
• ASTM F1163 (United States): American equestrian helmet safety standard.
• SNELL E2016 (International): Voluntary independent certification with additional performance testing.

Each certification assesses areas such as impact absorption, retention system strength, stability and penetration resistance. While the testing methods vary between standards, they all aim to ensure the helmet provides an appropriate level of protection for equestrian activities.

If you compete, always check the current rules of your governing body, as approved helmet standards may change over time. If you're unsure which certification you need, our experienced team can help you choose a helmet that complies with the requirements of your discipline.

MIPS and Other Helmet Safety Technologies

Many premium riding helmets now feature additional technologies designed to help manage impact forces.

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)

MIPS is a low-friction layer positioned between the helmet shell and the liner. It is designed to allow a small amount of movement between the helmet and the rider's head during certain angled impacts, helping to manage rotational forces that can occur in a fall.

Koroyd

Koroyd uses thousands of welded tubular structures that are designed to compress in a controlled manner during an impact, helping to absorb energy while maintaining excellent airflow and ventilation.

WaveCel

WaveCel is a cellular structure engineered to flex, crumple and glide during certain impacts, providing another approach to managing impact energy.

EPS Foam Liners

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam remains the foundation of most modern riding helmets. During an impact, the liner is designed to compress and absorb energy, helping reduce the forces transmitted to the rider's head.

Each manufacturer uses its own combination of materials and engineering to achieve the required safety performance. No single technology is universally considered "best". The most important factors remain choosing a current certified helmet that fits correctly, is comfortable to wear and is appropriate for your riding discipline.

At Ascot Saddlery, our experienced team can explain the differences between helmet technologies and help you choose the model that best suits your riding, budget and personal preferences.

Helmet Fit: The Three Essential Checks

Even the safest riding helmet cannot provide the level of protection it was designed to deliver if it doesn't fit correctly. A properly fitted helmet should feel secure, comfortable and remain stable while you ride.

When trying on a helmet, check these three things:

Position

The helmet should sit level on your head, with the front edge resting approximately two finger-widths above your eyebrows. It should never be tipped backwards or pulled too low over your eyes.

Fit

The helmet should feel firm and evenly snug all the way around your head without creating uncomfortable pressure points. It shouldn't move freely when you gently shake or turn your head, but it should also remain comfortable for extended periods of riding.

Chin Strap

Fasten the chin strap so you can comfortably fit two fingers between the strap and your chin. With the strap secured, gently try to move the helmet forwards, backwards and side to side. It should remain stable without excessive movement.

Head shapes vary considerably, and different helmet brands and models are designed to suit different head profiles. If one helmet doesn't feel comfortable, another model may provide a much better fit. That's why we recommend trying on several options before making your final decision whenever possible.

As certified helmet taggers, our experienced team can professionally fit your helmet and help ensure it sits correctly and complies with current competition requirements where applicable.

Helmet Sizing

Horse riding helmets are sized according to head circumference, measured in centimetres.

To measure your head, place a soft tape measure around the widest part of your head, approximately 2cm above your eyebrows and just above your ears.

• 52–54 cm: XS
• 54–56 cm: S
• 56–58 cm: M
• 58–60 cm: L
• 60–62 cm: XL

These sizes are intended as a guide only. Helmet sizing and fit can vary between manufacturers and even between different models from the same brand.

If you're between sizes, the correct choice will depend on the helmet's shape, adjustment system and how it fits your head. Many modern helmets feature adjustable fit systems or interchangeable liners to achieve a more precise fit.

For children, always choose a helmet that fits correctly now rather than one to "grow into". A helmet that is too large cannot provide the level of protection it was designed to deliver.

If you're unsure about sizing, our experienced team can help you choose the right helmet before you buy, either in-store or over the phone.

When Should You Replace Your Riding Helmet?

Your riding helmet is designed to protect you during an impact. Even if damage isn't visible, the helmet's protective materials can be compromised after a fall or through normal ageing.

We recommend replacing your helmet:

• Immediately after any significant fall or impact, even if there is no visible damage.
• If the outer shell is cracked, dented or damaged.
• If the harness, buckle or adjustment system becomes damaged or no longer functions correctly.
• In accordance with the manufacturer's recommended replacement period, as the protective materials naturally deteriorate over time through normal use, age and exposure to the elements.

Never purchase a second-hand riding helmet. You cannot know whether it has been involved in a previous impact or how it has been stored, and internal damage is often impossible to detect.

If you're unsure whether your current helmet should be replaced, our experienced team will be happy to inspect it and discuss your options.

Why Buy Your Riding Helmet from Ascot Saddlery?

At Ascot Saddlery, we've been helping Australian riders choose quality riding equipment since 1977.

Our achievements include:

• Saddleworld Store of the Year – 2007 and 2010.
• PDS, Pessoa & Trainers Dealer of the Year – 2024 (Inaugural Award) and 2025.

Choosing a riding helmet is about much more than selecting a size or colour. Correct fit is essential, and different helmet brands and models are designed to suit different head shapes.

Our experienced team will take the time to help you find a helmet that fits correctly, is comfortable to wear and meets the requirements of your chosen riding discipline.

We are also certified helmet taggers, allowing us to professionally fit and tag eligible helmets for competition where required.

If you're purchasing a helmet for a child, we strongly recommend visiting our Flemington showroom for a professional fitting. Children's helmets should be checked regularly as they grow to ensure they continue to provide the correct fit and level of protection.

Buying a Riding Helmet Online

If you can't visit our showroom, we're committed to making online helmet shopping as easy and stress-free as possible.

When you purchase from Ascot Saddlery you'll enjoy:

• Detailed product descriptions, specifications and sizing information.
• Advice from our experienced equestrian team before you buy.
• Free Australia-wide shipping on eligible orders over $150.
• Returns and exchanges in accordance with our published policy if the helmet isn't the correct size (please try the helmet on indoors and keep it in new condition).
• Finance options available on selected premium helmet models.

You can also complete your riding safety equipment with our range of body protectors, helmet accessories, replacement helmet liners, hat reducing tape, riding glasses and goggles, helping you stay comfortable and protected every time you ride.