Which riding helmet is best?
Which Riding Helmet Should I Choose?
A riding helmet is one of the most important investments you make as a rider. It should not only be stylish and comfortable, but above all, fit correctly and be approved according to current safety requirements. Whether you ride every day, compete, ride out in the woods, or buy your first helmet for a child or junior, the fit is crucial.
Many search for “best riding helmet” or “how should a riding helmet fit”, but there is no simple answer that fits everyone. The best riding helmet is the one that is approved, fits stably on your head, and feels comfortable enough to use every time you ride.
What is EN 1384:2023?
EN 1384:2023 is the new European standard for riding helmets.
The standard includes requirements and test methods for, among other things, the helmet's shock absorption, resistance to penetration, mechanical strength, chin/retention system, field of vision, and visor properties.
The Swedish Equestrian Federation writes that new helmets within the EU are tested against EN 1384:2023 for CE marking and that the new standard includes improved requirements for shock absorption and mechanical strength.
In this guide, we go through how a riding helmet should fit, which safety standards you should know, common mistakes when buying, and recommended riding helmets from the Swedish Equestrian range (which are also carefully selected).
Why is the Right Riding Helmet So Important?
Riding always involves a risk of falling, even for experienced riders and calm horses. A good riding helmet is designed to protect the head in the event of an impact and reduce the risk of serious injury. But the helmet can only do its job if it fits correctly.
A helmet that is too large can slide in a fall. A helmet that is too small can cause pressure, headaches, and make the rider not want to use it. Therefore, you should never choose a riding helmet solely based on appearance, brand, or price. Always start with the fit.
how the helmet should fit
How the riding helmet should fit
A riding helmet should sit horizontally, stable, and comfortably on the head. It should cover the forehead properly, stay still without sliding, and have a chin strap that sits close without pinching.
Adjustable Riding Helmets – Why They Are a Smart Choice
An adjustable riding helmet is a great choice for riders who want to fine-tune the fit more precisely. Unlike a helmet with a fixed size, adjustable models often have a dial or screw system at the back that allows the helmet to be tightened or loosened to fit the shape of the head. This makes the helmet more flexible, comfortable, and easier to fit securely.
Another advantage is that the helmet can be adjusted for small changes in daily life. Hair can be styled differently from day to day, you might ride with a thinner or thicker hairstyle under the helmet, or you may want to adjust the fit slightly depending on the weather and usage. It's convenient to quickly fine-tune the helmet before riding.
Dial Adjustment
A dial at the back allows you to fine-tune the helmet's circumference.
This is, for example, the solution on Hansbo Sport Vision Mips.
The helmet is available in S, M, and L and is then adjusted within each size range with a dial system.
The advantages are clear:
- Easy fine-tuning,
- Practical for growing youths,
- Convenient when hairstyle or hair volume changes,
- And relatively easy to find a comfortable everyday fit.
But the dial doesn't solve everything.
If the basic shape of the helmet shell doesn't fit your head, tightening it won't help.
Adjustable riding helmets can also be practical in families or stables where several people sometimes need to use the same helmet. Since the fit can be adjusted within a certain size range, the helmet can fit more than one rider, provided everyone is within the same size range and the helmet fits correctly on each person. It's important that the helmet is always tried and adjusted individually before each ride. It should not slide, tilt, or feel loose.
Common mistakes when trying on riding helmets
Avoid incorrect fit
A helmet that sits too far back, feels too loose, or has a too loose chin strap provides less protection. For best safety, the helmet should fit snugly even before you adjust it completely.
Safety Stamps on Riding Helmets – What to Look For?
When choosing a riding helmet, safety certification is one of the most important things to check. An approved riding helmet is tested to withstand various types of stress, such as impact, pressure, and penetration. This doesn't mean the helmet can protect against everything, but it shows that it meets specific safety requirements.
For those buying a new riding helmet, it's wise to choose one marked according to current standards. In Sweden and Europe, CE marking and EN 1384:2023 are important to know. CE marking shows that the helmet meets the EU's basic requirements, while EN 1384:2023 is a European standard for riding helmets.
Many riding helmets are also marked with VG1, which has long been a common safety standard in equestrian sports. On some premium helmets, you may also see international markings like PAS 015 and ASTM F1163. These are often used on helmets from established brands and show that the helmet has been tested according to more safety requirements.
Is my old VG1 helmet suddenly banned?
No.
This is important because otherwise, unnecessary helmet panic can easily arise.
The Swedish Equestrian Federation states that CE-marked VG1 helmets are still approved until 2031 according to Swedish transition rules.
So if you have a well-fitting, undamaged, and approved VG1 helmet, you don't need to automatically discard it today just because EN 1384:2023 exists.
But:
if you buy a new helmet, the Swedish Equestrian Federation recommends EN 1384:2023 and CE marking.
The most important thing is not just to look at design, price, or brand. Always check that the helmet has a clear safety marking before purchase. If you compete, you should also check what helmet requirements apply to your discipline, as rules can be updated.
A helmet with multiple safety stamps can be a good choice for those who want to prioritize extra safety, especially if you ride often, compete, ride young horses, or want a helmet with a broad international approval profile. At the same time, it's important to remember that safety stamps are only part of the whole. The helmet must also fit correctly. A well-certified helmet that is too large, sits crookedly, or slides on the head does not provide the same protection as a helmet with the correct fit.
Common Safety Markings to Know
- CE: Shows that the helmet meets basic EU requirements.
- EN 1384:2023: Current European standard for riding helmets.
- VG1: Common safety standard for riding helmets.
- PAS 015: British standard often found on premium helmets.
- ASTM F1163: American standard found on several international helmet models.
In short: choose a riding helmet with approved safety marking, preferably according to the current European standard, and always prioritize the right fit. The best helmet is one that is both safety-approved and fits stably, comfortably, and correctly on your head.
How to measure the right helmet size
Start with the right size
Measure the head with a soft tape measure about one centimeter above the eyebrows and around the widest part of the back of the head. The right measurement makes it easier to find a helmet that fits stably and comfortably.
Fly mask – protection for eyes, ears, and face
The fly mask is one of the most used fly protections for horses. It protects the eyes from flies and can also reduce irritation around the ears and forehead. For horses with watery eyes or strong reactions to insects around the head, a good fly mask can make a big difference.
The fly mask is best suited when:
- The horse gets many flies around the eyes and face
- The horse shakes its head in the pasture
- The horse has sensitive eyes
- The horse needs protection without covering the whole body
- You want to complement a fly sheet or sweet itch blanket
Choose a model according to needs. A mask with ears provides extra protection against small flies and gnats, while a model with a nose piece can be good for horses that get bitten or are sun-sensitive around the muzzle. Always check that the mask does not press against the eyes.
Checklist before buying a riding helmet
This is what you should check
Always look at fit, safety certification, chin strap, and comfort before choosing a helmet. A good riding helmet should feel secure to wear every day and provide the right protection in case of an accident.
Riding Helmets with MIPS – extra safety for angled impacts
When choosing a riding helmet, fit and approved safety marking are always the most important. But for riders who want to prioritize extra safety technology, a riding helmet with MIPS can be a good choice.
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is a technology developed to reduce rotational forces on the head during certain types of angled impacts. When falling from a horse, you rarely land completely straight. Often the impact occurs at an angle, and then the head can be subjected to rotational forces. MIPS is designed to allow the helmet to move slightly relative to the head during such an impact, which can help reduce the strain.
Advantages of riding helmets with MIPS
- Extra safety technology for certain angled impacts
- Good choice for riders who ride often
- Suitable for those who want to prioritize modern helmet technology
- Available in several models with adjustable fit
- Can be a safe choice for jumping, trail riding, and competition
- Provides an extra safety focus beyond the helmet's usual protection
care guide
A riding helmet needs to be maintained to stay fresh, comfortable, and functional over time. Ideally, store the helmet in a helmet bag when not in use, especially during transport or in the tack room. This protects it from dust, scratches, and unnecessary impacts.
When should the riding helmet be replaced?
After a hard impact:
replace the helmet.
The Swedish Equestrian Federation explicitly recommends replacing a helmet that has been subjected to hard impacts.
This applies even if the exterior looks fine.
The helmet's shock-absorbing structure may have been affected.
This is also why the federation recommends not buying a used riding helmet.
You simply don't know what the helmet has been through.
A helmet can look perfect on Marketplace.
That doesn't mean you know its history.
If I drop the helmet on the stable floor – does it need to be discarded?
Here, a bit of common sense is needed.
A minor fall from a shelf is not the same as the helmet being on your head during a severe fall from a horse.
But if the helmet has been subjected to a significant impact or if you are unsure whether the structure may have been damaged:
contact the manufacturer or retailer.
And after a real fall where the head has hit:
replace.
Safety equipment is the wrong category to take chances with.
Quick guide – which riding helmet should I choose?
I am buying a new helmet in 2026:
Look primarily for CE + EN 1384:2023.
I already have a VG1 helmet:
It is not automatically unusable; the Swedish Equestrian Federation's Swedish transition rules apply until 2031. Always check current competition rules.
I want extra technology against rotational movement:
Look for an approved helmet with, for example, Mips.
I get pain at the temples:
Try a different size or especially a different helmet shape.
The helmet slides when I shake my head:
It does not fit correctly.
I am buying for children:
Never buy too large to grow into.
I ride many horses:
Prioritize ventilation, weight, and washable liner.
I have fallen and hit my head:
Replace the helmet.
I am considering second-hand:
Don't do it. You don't know the helmet's history.