Best Equestrian Sport Helmets

Updated March 2020
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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 we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
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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Bottom Line

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.

Why trust BestReviews?
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 we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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 we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

18 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
189 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

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.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Medalist
Riding Helmet
Ovation
Deluxe Schooler Helmet
Troxel
Spirit Schooling Helmet
Troxel
Sport Horseback Riding Helmet
Ovation
Unisex Sync Riding Helmet
The team that worked on this review
  • Branson
    Branson
    Videographer
  • Jacob
    Jacob
    Editorial Manager
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
×

Charles Owen

Ayr8

Charles Owen

Ayr8

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

$287
×

Troxel

Sierra

Troxel

Sierra

Troxel's classic western-styled helmet.
$88
×

IRH

4G

IRH

4G

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

$95
×

Tipperary

Sportage

Tipperary

Sportage

The low drop at the back of this helmet is a good safety feature and offers a low, cut-away profile.
$59
×

Ovation

Extreme

Ovation

Extreme

Close-fitting helmet that’s lightweight and suitable for competition.
$82

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