Selecting and adjusting your riding helmet is a crucial aspect of ensuring your safety while horseback riding. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right riding helmet and adjust it for a perfect fit:
Choosing the Right Riding Helmet:
- Research Safety Standards: Look for riding helmets that meet established safety standards. Reputable standards include ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and CE (European Union Safety Standards). These standards ensure that the helmet offers a high level of protection.
- Consult with Experts: Visit a reputable tack shop or consult with equestrian experts to get recommendations on helmets suitable for your riding style, whether it’s dressage, show jumping, trail riding, or another discipline.
- Try Different Brands and Models: Trying on several helmet brands and models is essential to find the one that fits your head shape and provides the most comfort. Different helmets may have varying shapes and sizes.
- Check for Certification: Look for the certification label inside the helmet to ensure it meets safety standards. Helmets certified by organizations like ASTM or CE are a good choice.
- Consider Ventilation: Choose a helmet with ventilation features, particularly if you ride in hot weather. Ventilation systems help regulate temperature and wick away moisture for comfort.
Adjusting Your Riding Helmet:
- Measure Your Head: Use a flexible tape measure to measure the circumference of your head. Start from the forehead, just above your eyebrows, and wrap it around to the back of your head. Note the measurement in both inches and centimeters.
- Select the Right Size: Consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart and choose the helmet size that corresponds to your head measurement. If you fall between sizes, opt for the smaller size and consider adding extra padding if needed.
- Inspect the Interior: Open the helmet and ensure that all interior padding and harness components are intact and in good condition. Check for any loose or damaged parts.
- Adjust the Harness: Most riding helmets come with an adjustable harness. Place the helmet on your head, and adjust the chin strap to fit snugly under your chin. The strap should be tight enough to prevent the helmet from moving but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
- Buckle and Fasten: Buckle the chin strap and fasten it securely. The chin strap should form a “V” shape just under your ears when fastened correctly.
- Check for Tilt: Ensure that the helmet sits level on your head and does not tilt backward or forward. Adjust the harness as needed to achieve a level fit.
- Secure the Strap: Double-check that the chin strap is snugly fastened, and it should not be able to rotate or slide off your chin.
- Perform the Shake Test: Gently shake your head from side to side and up and down. The helmet should stay in place without wobbling. If it moves, adjust the harness until it’s secure.
- Comfort Check: Make sure the helmet is comfortable without pressure points. If necessary, add or remove padding to achieve a comfortable and snug fit.
- Consult a Professional: If you have any doubts about the fit of your helmet, consider seeking advice from a professional equestrian helmet fitter who can ensure a proper fit.
Remember that riding helmets should be regularly inspected, and if they’ve been involved in an impact or show signs of damage, they should be replaced immediately. Properly selecting and adjusting your riding helmet is essential to your safety and comfort during horseback riding activities.
