Best Horseback Riding
Helmets of 2023

A horseback riding helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear an equestrian can have. Protecting your head in the event of a fall is essential to safety, and as every rider knows, falls are going to happen to everyone. Whether you are buying your first equestrian helmet or your tenth, it can be a challenge to choose the perfect helmet for your safety and riding needs. In an effort to help narrow down your search, we at Riding Warehouse have put together this handy buying guide for our best helmets!

From trail to dressage, jumping, and even western riding, we know there's a suitable helmet for every rider and price range. We have hand-selected our staff and customer favorites based on what we ride our own horses in! If you are buying your first helmet, we highly recommend reviewing our riding helmet safety guide to learn about the different levels of safety standards, as these standards should be a primary focus in deciding which helmet could be best for you.

The Best Riding Helmet Category Winners

Why We Love This Helmet:

Customer reviews across all Trauma Void helmets rave about their high level of comfort, safety, and affordable pricing. Many riders say they forget the helmet is even there! With plenty of beautiful styles available, riders in every arena can find a perfect Trauma Void helmet. In 2023, we specifically chose to highlight the Pardus model, as the original and best-selling EQ3 has a round shape that will only fit correctly on those head shapes. The Pardus comes in for our long oval riders, so everyone can have this sought-after helmet!

Why We Love This Helmet:

Charles Owen is an equestrian household name for a reason. With testimonials from professional to amateur riders, these helmets have long played a major role in minimizing head injuries in the event of a fall. Designed and tested under some of the most rigorous safety standards, the My PS is built to keep your head as protected as possible. The full coverage is functional and keeps the wearer comfortable without adding heat. Carefully placed vents pass testing standards while providing steady airflow throughout the helmet. Plus, the subtle, modern look makes the My PS a great choice for any arena!

Why We Love This Helmet:

One K's helmets boomed onto the market with their high-end look, customizable features, and affordable price point. Offering full coverage with breathability, these helmets have become a fast favorite across every riding discipline, One K's helmets have a slightly different fit than many of the popular high-end brands; they feature a shallow profile from the top to the brow, fitting best for riders with smaller foreheads. The MIPS Safety CCS has changeable front shields, top panels, and stripe rail, so riders can create a variety of personalized looks, ranging from subtle to vibrant.

Why We Love This Helmet:

KEP Italia helmets have always brought an elevated look to the world of safety gear. Direct from the fashion gurus in Italy, the Cromo 2.0 combines a high-fashion look with remarkable technology. Not only do their helmets meet the tough safety standards of European testing, but the 2.0s feature a new integrated microchip to allow easy transmission of emergency medical information to first responders. The customization options put this helmet over the top for us. Instead of needing two helmets, the Cromo 2.0 has changeable inserts that allow either a conservative or an expressive look in the show ring. You can swap to a wide brim for sun coverage or remove it completely for cross-country. The options are limitless!

Why We Love This Helmet:

Kask helmets have become a favorite among the Riding Warehouse staff. This brand has mastered the perfect blend of classic and modern styling, for a design that is sure to stand the test of time. The sporty look of the Star Lady makes it perfect for jumpers or eventing, yet it remains classic enough for the hunters or dressage ring. The honeycomb aeration grids provide maximum airflow from front to back to keep you cool during the hardest rides. We love the self-adjusting FIT system, which features a back cradle that adapts to different factors, like hairstyles, which can change helmet fit from day to day.

Why We Love This Helmet:

Troxel continues to create helmet designs that bridge the gap between rider safety and Western tradition. The Cheyenne features an embellished leather design that embodies the spirit of Western style, while the beautiful, low-profile shape was made to blend in among a sea of cowboy hats. Lightweight and comfortable, the Cheyenne is perfect for riders transitioning from a hat to a helmet. For barrel racers and other Western riders who might want something with more flair, the Troxel Spirit line brings vibrant solid and print styles that are perfect for those with bolder sensibilities.

Why We Love This Helmet:

Tipperary has been one of the top players in the Endurance community for years now, and it's easy to see why. With its lightweight construction and full coverage ventilation, you can practically feel the breeze through the Sportage 8500. The lower back cradles the base of the skull for full-coverage protection. For a rider traveling long distances in sometimes hot weather, the Sportage 8500 checks all the boxes for both safety and comfort.

Why We Love This Helmet:

TuffRider outdid themselves with their Starter Riding Helmet, bringing a high-end and sporty look at an affordable price point. This helmet is a great option for growing kids and riders who want to avoid breaking the bank. The Dial-Fit system on the Starter allows for easy adjustability, perfect for growth spurts or hair changes. This design is ready to keep you cool with vents and Coolmax liners that wick away moisture, so you'll be comfortable in the saddle all year long.

Why We Love This Helmet:

Ovation made the Deluxe Scooler with a lightweight design that is perfect for growing kids who may not be accustomed to wearing a helmet yet. This helmet is light and comfortable enough that even the fussiest kids won't complain about having to wear it! The low-profile shaping creates a flattering look in a variety of fun colors to suit every rider's style. The Dial-Fit system in the Schooler is versatile enough that growing riders should be able to wear it for years. This helmet is available in a wide range of sizes, for everyone from our tiniest riders all the way to adults!

We hope this comprehensive list aids in your search to find your next helmet! Safety technology and styling have made many advancements over the years to provide gear that does its job while looking beautiful. As always, a proper fit is the number one priority in your helmet doing its job the way it was intended. Check out the articles below for more information on helmet fit and safety certifications. If you need more assistance in picking out the right helmet for you, please contact us at info@ridingwarehouse.com or by calling 1-800-620-9145. Happy riding!