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Best Equestrian Sport Helmets

Updated November 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Charles Owen Ayr8
Charles Owen
Ayr8
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Bottom Line

This British-made helmet offers unbeatable and superior safety, exceeding both U.S. and U.K. standards.

Pros

The low profile helmet is good-looking and classic in style. Features include front and rear vents covered in microfiber suede that keeps your head cool and gives it an on-trend look. Sizing is by head size for a more exact fit. Professional styling makes it suitable for all levels of equestrian sport and competition.

Cons

Despite the ventilation, it’s warmer than some other helmets.

Best Bang for the Buck
IRH 4G
IRH
4G
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Bottom Line

Trendy, stylish matte finish helmet with a glossy front vent that’s suitable for schooling or competition.

Pros

This design gets lots of nods for its trendy design and particularly comfortable quick release chin strap. 2 snap out, machine washable liners means you can always have a fresh-feeling helmet. Streamlined, low profile appearance and a secure fit.

Cons

Some found the prominent logo placement offputting.

Troxel Sierra
Troxel
Sierra
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Troxel's classic western-styled helmet.

Pros

A fan favorite, this helmet has been redesigned with a lower profile and magnetic self-locking chinstrap. Lightweight and comfortable, it can be worn all day. Stays cool thanks to its mesh-covered vents. Great look for trail riding or western pleasure.

Cons

Comes with padding to adjust the fit, but the sizing runs small and can be tricky to get right.

Tipperary Sportage
Tipperary
Sportage
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Bottom Line

The low drop at the back of this helmet is a good safety feature and offers a low, cut-away profile.

Pros

Comes with the assortment of self-sticking foam inserts that allows you to custom fit the helmet to your head. Top and rear vents rate well for ventilation even in extreme heat. Comes in a wide range of colors and designs, all with a rear reflective strip.

Cons

Best for round head shapes; doesn’t fit oval heads as well.

Ovation Extreme
Ovation
Extreme
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Bottom Line

Close-fitting helmet that’s lightweight and suitable for competition.

Pros

Comfortable fit that’s easily adjustable via a dial at the back. High-flow vents improve air circulation while the Coolmax liner is a great addition – it can be removed for washing, so no more sweaty helmets. The clip and buckle stays off the face for a better profile.

Cons

The removable visor is flimsy and breaks off easily.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

35
Models
Considered
89
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
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Horseback riding requires a fair amount of gear to do – you need a saddle, bridle, and of course a horse. But one of the most important things you need is a quality equestrian sports helmet. The most important consideration when getting a helmet is safety. There are plenty of regulations in place that make sure no matter what helmet you get, it has satisfied certain safety conditions. Most helmets are suede but you can less expensive ones that have plastic covering. Your helmet should be tight enough that it doesn’t move too much when you nod but not so tight that it hurts your head.