Riding Helmets: Safety, Performance, and Comfort for All Riders

The riding helmet, also known as a riding cap, is an essential piece of safety equipment for all riders, from beginners to competitors. Designed to absorb shocks and protect the head in case of a fall, it must offer maximum protection while remaining comfortable, stable, and well-ventilated. Modern helmets combine advanced technologies, refined design, multiple finishes, and visor options to suit every discipline and body type.

Different Types of Riding Helmets

1. Classic / Versatile Helmets

• Hard shell
• Simple design
• Ideal for: club, leisure, training
• Good value for money

2. Ventilated Helmets

• Front and side ventilation grilles
• Ultra comfortable in summer or for long sessions
• Very popular in modern show jumping and dressage

3. Adjustable Helmets (with dial)

• Precise adjustment
• Great adaptability comfort
• Ideal for children, teenagers, amateur riders
• Perfect models for sharing (club)

4. Fixed Size Helmets

• Adjustment via internal foams
• Superior comfort
• Optimal stability in competition
• Sought after by experienced riders and professionals

5. Show Jumping Helmets

• Lightweight
• Large vents
• Modern sporty style
• Perfect for show jumping, hunter, speed riding

6. Dressage Helmets

• Elegant, sober, and neat look
• Velvet, Alcantara, glitter finishes
• Often wider visor
• Integrates with traditional dressage outfits

7. Helmets with MIPS® Technology

• Anti-rotation system
• Reduces the impact of oblique shocks
• Not mandatory, but an excellent additional level of safety
• Available from certain brands

8. Cross-Country Helmets

• Helmet without visor, with a short or detachable visor required (increased safety)
• More encompassing shell
• Excellent shock absorption at high speed
• Compatible with airbag vests
• Used in: eventing / complete competition, hunter derby

These are the most technical helmets on the market in terms of safety.

Different Types of Visors

1. Standard Visor

• Versatile
• Good vertical vision
• Suitable for most disciplines

2. Wide Visor

• Superior sun protection
• Elegant aesthetic
• Very popular in dressage or outdoors

3. Extra-Wide Visor

• Maximum protection against the sun
• Ideal for riders who spend a lot of time outdoors

4. Flexible Visor (soft)

• Bends slightly in case of impact
• Reduces the risk of facial injury
• Recommended for children and leisure activities

5. Detachable Visor (cross-country helmets)

• Detaches in case of a fall
• Mandatory safety for cross-country
• Helps prevent dangerous neck twists

6. Interchangeable Visor

• Allows you to change the width or style
• Very common on high-end helmets

How to Choose a Riding Helmet?

According to Discipline

• Show Jumping → ventilated helmet
• Dressage → wide visor + elegant finishes
• Outdoor / trail riding → wide or extra-wide visor
• Cross-country → specific helmet with flexible, short, or no visor mandatory
• Club leisure → adjustable helmet

According to Morphology

• Oval head → more elongated shell
• Round head → deeper helmet
• Child → dial system essential to accommodate growth

According to Safety Level

• Standard → VG1 or EN 1384
• Enhanced safety → MIPS® or premium shell

Helmet Maintenance

• Air dry after each session.
• Wash removable foams regularly.
• Never leave the helmet in the car in direct sunlight.
• Replace after a fall, even if no visible damage.
• Change every 3–5 years depending on use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a helmet that is too big
• Wearing a used helmet that has been impacted
• Confusing a riding helmet with a cycling helmet
• Using a non-compliant helmet
• Thinking a helmet lasts "a lifetime"

Case Studies: Which Helmet for Which Rider?

• Beginner or young rider → Adjustable helmet + flexible visor.
• Show jumper → Lightweight, highly ventilated helmet.
• Dressage rider → Elegant look, wide visor.
• Trail rider / outdoor → Extra-wide visor + ventilation.
• Cross-country / Eventing rider → Dedicated cross-country helmet + flexible visor mandatory.
• Professional / intensive → Fixed-size helmet + high-density foams.