How to Choose Your Horse-Riding Helmet?

You are starting horse riding and need help with your riding and getting your horse ready. You haven't yet mastered the three gaits.
You should be looking at lighter, easy-to-adjust helmets that will fit you snugly. Some models come with a dial at the back that lets you adjust the helmet to your head size or so that the helmet can grow as a child gets older.

You can get your horse ready by yourself, even if you still need help with your riding during group or individual lessons. For this level, helmets have a foam lining for more comfort. You may also want to opt for a helmet with a removable liner that can be washed easily.

You can get your horse ready by yourself and do not need help when riding.

For the most intensive riding, helmets should have soft fabric finishes inside for even more comfort, as well as foam padding and an effective ventilation system.

Think carefully about the conditions you'll be riding in before choosing your helmet. If you often ride in warm conditions, or if you start to sweat quickly, choose a model with more ventilation for greater comfort. For intense rides, plenty of ventilation will be needed.

There are three ways of ventilating a helmet, and more than one may be used together:

- Front and/or back ventilation zones

- Ventilation channels

- A ventilated neck protector

To ensure that your helmet is suitable, choose a model that covers your head completely.

The helmet should fit perfectly around your head, without any space between your head and the sides of the helmet. It should not be too tight either but should stay in place when you move your head.

The visor or rim of the helmet should come down to just a few centimetres above your eyebrows and your entire upper forehead should be covered.

The chinstrap should fit snugly so that it doesn't slip over your chin but should be loose enough to not hinder your neck movements.

Helmets can be either one-size or adjustable. We recommend using the measurers available in our stores or the size guides on each helmet's web page to help you find the right size.

Helmets with an adjustable head size have a dial or an elasticated strap for adjusting the fit. They come in sizes S, M, L etc. (e.g., S = 48 to 52 cm, M = 52 to 56 cm and so on). The size can be increased or decreased by up to 4 cm. These helmets are practical because children can wear them for longer, even as they grow. They are also a great solution for occasional riders or when several family members want to use the same helmet.

One-size helmets are "traditional" helmets for which the size cannot be adjusted. You need to choose the right size for your head circumference (e.g. 58 cm). However, it is worth being aware that this kind of helmet may not fit properly if your head is very round or oval. In this case, buy one size up from your normal size or opt for a model that can be adjusted.

Regardless of which helmet you choose, it should always comply with current regulations in your country. All Fouganza helmets comply with these standards and are regularly checked during production to ensure there are no defects.

The main purpose of a helmet is to absorb impacts that could cause head injuries. The most frequently used material is expanded polystyrene, which becomes distorted in the event of impact to shield the protected area, similar to a car bumper.

But just because a helmet is compulsory doesn't mean it can't be comfortable and pleasant to wear. Today, there are helmets in a variety of designs, from traditional velvet to more technical models with modern finishes. In recent years, comfort has been prioritised, and today's helmets feature extremely comfortable foam padding and ventilation systems to keep your head cool.

The term riding "hat" is being used less and less. Today, riding "helmet" is becoming more common.

Here are some tips for looking after your helmet and making it last longer.

- To limit dirt and scratches, you should store and carry it in a protective bag designed for this purpose.

- Clean the inside regularly (due to perspiration). Most helmets have a removable inner hat or foam pads that can be machine washed at low temperatures. You can also use a spray cleanser for helmets.

- Do not expose your helmet to heat sources (e.g. the back seat of a car in the sun). This can damage the polystyrene and reduce its protective performance.