6 Best Riding Helmet Brands for Safety-Savvy Equestrians

The Most Popular Helmet Brands by Discipline

Choosing a riding helmet is a challenge. With dozens of brands to choose from, how do you narrow down your search? We break down a few of the top brands based on their price points and disciplines. Turns out, there’s something for everyone (even you, Western riders).

The best helmet brands are those that rigorously test their products and meet current safety standards.

Some brands, like Charles Owen, excel at making dressage helmets while other brands, like GPA and Tipperary, will please jumpers and eventers. Kask is a solid choice for hunters and endurance riders, while Resistol Ridesafe makes the perfect helmet for Western disciplines. Casco makes helmets excelling in comfort for endurance riders and jumpers alike.

Many of the top-rated brands are expensive, but some (including Tipperary) offer budget-friendly options.

Riding Helmet Basics

In order to choose the best helmet, you need to focus on two important things: safety and size.

Always choose a brand that meets ASTM/SEI certifications.

When it comes to size, measure your head and compare your number to the available size chart for the best fit. Many brands include extra padding or adjustable dials to make getting the perfect fit even easier.

History of Riding Helmets

Riding helmets started out in the late 1700s as top hats, which were more about fashion than safety. The top hat transitioned to a bowler in 1849.

Helmets, in general, experienced some serious innovations in the early 1900s (led by leading equestrian helmet maker Charles Owen).

The death of a jockey in 1956 led to the first helmet mandate and in the 1980s, the Pony Club adopted official helmet standards.

Common Materials

What started as plastic and velvet has evolved into so much more. Here are some common materials:

• Nylon webbing
• Hard plastic
• Velvet
• Leather
• Moleskin
• Rubberized plastic

Helmet Sizing

The correct way to size a helmet is by measuring the circumference of your head.

Some brands include extra padding and/or dials to ensure the best fit.

What’s in a Brand?

Some things to consider when deciding on a brand include product testing, trust, helmet styles, fit based on your face shape and head size, and price points.

Best Riding Helmet Brands

Category	Brand	Price Point	You’ll Love Them If:
Dressage	Charles Owen	$$-$$$	Triple safety-rated, multiple designs and styles
Hunters	Kask	$$-$$$	Multiple safety ratings, elegant designs
Jumping, Racing	GPA	$-$$$	Designs tailored for multiple disciplines
Eventing, Schooling	Tipperary	$-$$	Multiple designs in a range of affordable prices
Western	Resistol	$	Classic Western look with ASTM certified safety
Endurance	Casco	$$-$$$	Low-profile design with excellent ventilation

Best Brands of Riding Helmets

Charles Owen

• Country of Origin: Britain
• Where Manufactured: UK
• Approximate Price Points: $225-$800
• Disciplines Where the Brand Excels: Dressage, Showjumping, Eventing

PROS:

• They meet three different safety standards
• Range of prices
• Different styles for different disciplines
• Varying levels of ventilation
• Quality-looking finishes

CONS:

• These are some of the pricey helmets available, so best suited for serious riders or professionals

See Charles Owen Helmets at Amazon

Kask Equestrian

• Country of Origin: Italy
• Where Manufactured: Italy
• Approximate Price Points: $500-$800
• Disciplines Where the Brand Excels

PROS:

• Multiple safety standards
• Top of the line ventilation systems
• Soft chinstraps
• Lightweight
• Breathable materials

CONS:

• These helmets will do a number on your wallet, especially if you do modifications (adding Swarovski crystals can bring the price to $1,300!)

See Kask Helmets at Tack ‘n Rider

GPA

• Country of Origin: France
• Where Manufactured: France
• Approximate Price Points: $400-$1100
• Disciplines Where the Brand Excels: Jumping, Racing

PROS:

• Large visors
• Washable linings
• Multiple safety ratings
• Classy, elegant designs
• Excellent ventilation

CONS:

• These helmets may be expensive, but you can find options customized for every riding discipline

See GPA Helmets at SmartPak

Tipperary Equestrian

• Country of Origin: Canada
• Where Manufactured: Multiple locations
• Approximate Price Points: $100-$430
• Disciplines Where the Brand Excels: Eventing, Schooling

PROS:

• Some options feature MIPS technology
• Designs for multiple disciplines
• Elegant finishes
• Top-quality ventilation systems
• Foam padding
• Lightweight
• Affordable

CONS:

• Not necessarily suitable for dressage (style-wise)

See it at Amazon

Resistol Ridesafe

• Country of Origin: USA
• Where Manufactured: Texas
• Approximate Price Points:$300
• Disciplines Where the Brand Excels: Western events

PROS:

• Felt and straw options
• ABS material shell
• EPS foam
• Adjustable dial for best fit
• Classic Western look

CONS:

• Looks a little bulky
• Convincing most Western riders to wear a helmet is difficult (I guess you could say they’re hard-headed 😉 )

See it at State Line Tack

Casco

• Country of Origin: Germany
• Where Manufactured: Germany & Romania
• Approximate Price Points: $225 and up
• Disciplines Where the Brand Excels: Endurance riding & trail riding

PROS:

• Classic shape featuring flattering low-profile design
• Range of colors and styles
• MIPS protection offered in certain models
• Excellent ventilation to keep you cool in the hottest summer temperatures
• Interior padding molds to the shape of your head for ultimate comfort

CONS:

• May be difficult to find this brand in the United States

See Casco Helmets at Amazon

Read Our First-Person Casco Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best equestrian helmet brand?

There really is no one-best brand because it’s more about fit and preference. As long as the helmet meets safety standards and sits securely on your head, choose the one you like best.

Q: What is the safest horse riding helmet brand?

Any brand that’s ASTM rated is safe, but I tend to lean towards Charles Owen. They have three international safety standards met (ASTM, PAS, and VG) and many of their helmets include MIPS technology, which adds a layer of protection.

ASTM/SEI is also a popular certification combination. You’ll see this on most of the leading helmets in the market.

Q: How much does a good horse riding helmet cost?

A good helmet will cost anywhere from $100 to $800, depending on the brand and style.

There are cheaper options in the $50-$75 range, but these don’t last as long. There are also more expensive options, if you’re able to make a larger investment.

Q: What helmets do dressage riders wear?

Dressage riders tend to favor Charles Owen helmets. One K also offers some great options.

Q: Are Kask equestrian helmets safe?

Yes! Like other top-of-the-line brands, Kask helmets are considered to be quite safe. They meet multiple safety standards, including ASTM, VG, and SEI.

Parting Thoughts

There’s no wrong way to go with equestrian helmets as long as the company meets safety standards. More often than not, your final choice will come down to budget and style, so don’t be afraid to take some time to scope out the available options.

P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to: 

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• 5 Reasons to Switch (One K Defender Air Helmet Review)
• Safe or Sorry: How Often to Replace Horseback Riding Helmets
• 7 Best Lightweight Horse Riding Helmets on the Market
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• Tot to Trot: 5 Best Riding Helmets for Toddlers
• Horseback Riding Safety Equipment That’s Worth Every Penny
• Equestrian Hit Air Vest Review: My Favorite Fall in 30 Yrs

Sources

Cantering Through Helmet History | Horse Journals