Yes, you absolutely need to measure your head to find the right horse riding helmet size. A proper fit is crucial for safety and comfort when you ride. This guide will show you exactly how to do this important task.
The Critical Importance of Proper Helmet Fit
Wearing a helmet while riding is not optional; it is the single most important piece of safety gear you own. But a helmet only works if it fits correctly. An ill-fitting helmet can shift during a fall, leaving your head unprotected. A loose helmet might fly off. A tight helmet causes headaches and distraction. Getting the right size is step one for safe riding.
Safety Standards and Helmet Certification
All approved riding helmets meet strict safety standards. These standards (like ASTM/SEI in the US or VG1 in Europe) test how well the helmet absorbs impact. However, these tests only matter if the helmet stays put on your head when you need it most. Proper fit ensures the safety shell sits correctly to manage impact forces.
Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Head Circumference for Helmet
Accurate measurement is the foundation for finding the right size. You need to know your head circumference measurement for helmet before you look at any product. This measurement determines the base size you need.
Gathering Your Tools
You will need just two simple things for this:
- A flexible measuring tape: A soft helmet tape measure equestrian style works best. If you do not have one, use a piece of string or ribbon.
- A ruler or flat tape measure: You need this to measure the string later if you used one.
Finding the Correct Placement
Where you measure on your head matters greatly for determining proper helmet fit. Do not guess. Follow these steps precisely:
- Stand Up Straight: Keep your head level, looking straight ahead.
- Locate the Widest Part: Place the tape measure around the largest part of your head. This is usually about one inch (or two fingers width) above your eyebrows.
- Wrap It Snugly: Wrap the tape measure around your head. It should feel snug, not tight. You should be able to feel the tape, but it should not press hard into your skin or move easily.
- Measure Both Sides: Ensure the tape wraps evenly around the back, covering the bump at the back of your skull (the occipital bone).
- Read the Number: Look at where the tape overlaps. Write this number down in both centimeters (cm) and inches.
Tip: If you used a string, mark where it overlaps. Then, lay the string flat against a ruler to get your exact measurement. This final number is your basic head circumference measurement for helmet.
Interpreting the Measurement: Using a Helmet Sizing Chart
Once you have your measurement, you need to compare it to a helmet sizing chart. Different brands use slightly different sizing scales. Therefore, always check the specific brand’s chart before buying.
Common Sizing Systems
Riding helmets often use one of three main sizing systems. Your measurement helps convert between them.
Round vs. Oval Heads
It is important to know that most people’s heads are slightly oval, not perfectly round. Helmet companies make helmets for slightly rounder heads or slightly oval heads.
- If a helmet feels too tight at the sides but fine at the front/back, you might need an oval-shaped helmet.
- If it feels too tight front-to-back but has space on the sides, you might need a rounder-shaped helmet.
Sample Helmet Size Conversion Chart
This table gives a general idea of how horse riding helmet size conversion often works. Remember to check the specific manufacturer’s helmet size guide for equestrians.
| Head Circumference (cm) | Head Circumference (inches) | Typical US/UK Size | Typical European Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 – 54 cm | 20.8 – 21.2 in | 6 5/8 | 6 5/8 |
| 55 – 56 cm | 21.7 – 22.0 in | 6 3/4 | 6 3/4 |
| 57 – 58 cm | 22.4 – 22.8 in | 7 | 7 1/8 |
| 59 – 60 cm | 23.2 – 23.6 in | 7 1/4 | 7 1/4 |
| 61 – 62 cm | 24.0 – 24.4 in | 7 3/8 | 7 1/2 |
| 63 – 64 cm | 24.8 – 25.2 in | 7 1/2 | 7 5/8 |
Note: Converting hat size to helmet size horse riding can be tricky, as traditional hat sizes differ slightly from modern safety helmet standards.
The Art of Fitting a Horse Riding Helmet
Once you have your approximate size based on the chart, the real work begins: fitting a horse riding helmet. This is where you check comfort, stability, and coverage.
Testing the Initial Fit
Put the helmet on your head without adjusting any straps yet.
Coverage Check
- Front Position: The helmet should sit level on your head. The front brim should be low enough to shield your forehead, but it should not block your vision. A good rule is that the helmet should sit no more than two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- Side Check: The helmet should sit squarely on your head. If it tilts back, it is too big or the wrong shape. If it presses painfully on your temples, it is too small or the wrong shape.
The Shake Test
With the helmet sitting level, try shaking your head firmly from side to side, and then up and down.
- What should happen: The helmet should move only slightly, if at all. It should not slide significantly forward, backward, or sideways over your eyes or the back of your neck.
- If it slides a lot: The helmet is too large. Try the next size down.
Adjusting Straps and Internal Systems
Most modern helmets use internal adjustment systems (like dial-fit wheels) and adjustable chin straps. These fine-tune the fit once the shell size is correct.
Using the Retention System
Many high-quality helmets feature a dial or ratchet system in the back padding.
- Turn the dial slowly until the helmet feels secure all the way around your head. It should feel snug against your skull without creating pressure points. This tightens the internal cradle, providing excellent safety helmet sizing for riding support.
Chin Strap Adjustment
The chin strap secures the helmet so it cannot be knocked off during a fall.
- Buckle Placement: The buckle should sit directly under your chin, not off to the side.
- Side Strap “V”: The side straps should meet just below your earlobe, forming a neat “V” shape around your ear. Adjust the sliders on the straps to achieve this placement.
- The Mouth Test (The True Test): Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can (like a big yawn). The helmet should press down slightly on the top of your head when you do this. If you cannot feel pressure when yawning, the strap is too loose. If it chokes you or restricts movement, it is too tight.
Checking the Side Padding
The side padding or foam needs to contact your head evenly. If the front padding pushes your forehead down hard, but the back barely touches, the fit is uneven. This often means you need a different helmet shape (oval vs. round).
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have measured carefully and are still unsure, or if your head shape is unusually round or oval, seek professional guidance. Good tack shops employ staff trained in fitting a horse riding helmet. They can often check your head shape and recommend brands known for fitting your specific needs.
Common Fitting Problems and Solutions
Even with the best intentions, riders sometimes face specific fitting challenges.
Problem 1: The Helmet Tilts Backwards
Why it happens: The helmet is too big, or it is the wrong shape for the back of your head.
Solution:
* Try a smaller size if the overall measurement is borderline.
* If the size is correct, try a helmet designed for a slightly rounder head shape, which might cradle the occipital bone better.
* Use padding inserts if the helmet allows for them, to fill the gap at the back.
Problem 2: Painful Pressure Points at the Temples
Why it happens: The helmet shell is too narrow across the sides of your head. This is a common issue when moving from a general helmet sizing chart to a specific brand.
Solution:
* Increase the size by one increment, then use the adjustment dial to snug it up.
* Switch to a brand known for an oval fit. Some brands cater specifically to oval heads, while others are built for rounder heads.
Problem 3: The Helmet Slips Over the Eyes
Why it happens: The helmet is too big, or the retention system is not tight enough.
Solution:
* Tighten the rear dial adjustment firmly.
* If it still slips, the shell size is definitely too large. Move down a size. Ensure the chin strap is tight enough using the mouth test.
Problem 4: The Helmet Sits Too High
Why it happens: This often occurs if you are measuring head for equestrian helmet incorrectly (measuring too low on the forehead) or if the helmet style naturally sits high on certain head shapes.
Solution:
* Re-measure your head circumference, ensuring the tape is exactly one inch above the eyebrows.
* If the measurement is correct but the fit is high, look for styles with deeper crowns or lower-sitting inner harnesses.
Caring for Your Equestrian Helmet
Once you find the perfect fit, maintenance ensures its longevity and safety performance.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Wipe Down: Clean the shell gently with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Padding: Remove and hand-wash any removable padding according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sweat degrades the materials over time, so clean padding helps maintain a good grip.
- Straps: Check straps regularly for fraying or cracks.
Inspection After Falls
This is crucial for safety helmet sizing for riding integrity.
- Never use a helmet after a significant impact. Even if you feel fine and the helmet looks fine, the internal foam structure (EPS liner) is designed to crush upon impact to absorb energy. Once crushed, it cannot protect you again.
- If the helmet has taken a hard knock, replace it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helmet Sizing
Q: My child is growing. How often should I check their helmet fit?
A: Children’s heads grow rapidly. Check the fit every 3–6 months. A helmet that fits perfectly in the spring might be too tight by fall. Always ensure the helmet is checked before a new riding season starts.
Q: Can I wear a thick winter liner in my helmet?
A: You can wear a thin liner, but if you need a thick liner or hat underneath to make the helmet fit, the helmet shell itself is likely too small or the wrong shape. Liners should only be used to fine-tune a good fit, not to force a bad fit to work.
Q: Is there a way to convert standard hat sizes directly to helmet sizes?
A: While you can find tables for horse riding helmet size conversion from traditional hat sizes, it is always safer to use your direct head circumference measurement for helmet in centimeters or inches. Traditional hat sizing can be inconsistent across countries and eras.
Q: What does ‘low profile’ mean in helmet sizing?
A: A low-profile helmet sits closer to the head, offering a sleeker look. This style might not suit riders with high crowns or very round heads, as the helmet may sit too high off the skull to be stable.
Q: If the helmet feels comfortable immediately, does that mean the fit is perfect?
A: Comfort is good, but stability is paramount. A helmet should feel snug everywhere, not just comfortable in one spot. It must pass the shake test and the mouth test. A helmet that feels perfect right out of the box might loosen slightly with sweat and use. Aim for snug secureness, not loose comfort.
Q: How important is the oval versus round head shape when selecting a helmet?
A: It is very important, second only to the circumference measurement. If you select a helmet shape that fights your natural head shape, you will either have painful pressure points or gaps where safety coverage is needed. Always seek brands known for shapes that match your head profile once you establish your initial head circumference measurement for helmet.