We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best horse riding helmet for your type and style of riding.
Whether you are a happy hacker or a five-star eventer, buying your riding helmet is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you get it right, it could save your life.
While helmet safety should be your main concern, the type of riding you do is also a key consideration. High-risk sports, such as eventing, require the greatest level of protection and if you do compete, each governing body has its own riding hat rules.
Even within the disciplines, there are numerous competition rules and traditions to consider.
Note: riding hat competition rules tend to be reviewed annually. If in doubt, always opt for the safest helmet possible with multiple safety standards.
Riding hat competition rules
Showjumping
When jumping, including warming up, all competitors must wear a helmet that meets at least one of the following standards:
- British: PAS 015 (2011), VG1, provided they are BSI Kitemarked
- European: EN1384:2023 or VG1 – provided they are BSI Kitemarked
- American: SEI ASTM F1163:23 and SNELL E2016
- Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards
Best riding hats for Showjumping
Kylo
Kylo is a pioneering helmet with dial-fit for adjustable precision sizing.
It’s available in navy and black with matte or gloss finish and optional wide peak in all sizes to really make you stand out in the ring.
Whilst being at an accessible price point, the Kylo is still incredibly safe and meets three international safety standards. Mips® can also be added.
Part of the new highly affordable EQx by Charles Owen range, the Kylo is worn by some of the most influential riders including Gemma Owen and Yasmin Ingham.
SP8 Plus
One of the most stylish helmets in Showjumping, the SP8 Plus is a favourite among many top and everyday riders, like YouTube star This Esme.
The specially designed peak doesn’t just flatter, it also shades the face, so no matter how bright the sun is, you always have a clear vision. Plus, it protects against harmful rays.
The SP8 will also help you keep a cool head thanks to its 10 ventilation slots and the Free Fit system, which increases airflow.
Halo Luxe
The Halo Luxe (wide peak) is just as eye-catching as the standard peak, and provides great protection from the sun (and rain).
This style of peak is popular in Showjumping, and it also has safety benefits as its flexibility distributes energy on impact.
Another great safety feature when jumping is the option to add Mips® technology, an innovative liner that helps reduce injuries from rotational falls.
Eventing
When riding cross-country, you should wear a jockey skull with no peak or “peak type extensions”.
For dressage and Showjumping phases you can wear a riding hat with a fixed peak or a skull hat with a hat silk, which should be in a conservative colour such as black or navy.
Your helmet must comply with one of the following safety standards:
- British and European: PAS 015 (2011) or VG101.040 2014-12 or BS EN1384:2023, with the BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC mark
- American: ASTM F1163:23 or SNELL E2016 or 2021 (no other mark is needed with Snell)
- Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards, with the SAI Global mark
Best riding helmets for eventing
4Star
What better seal of approval for a cross-country helmet than William Fox-Pitt and Ros Canter?
The 4Star is the only helmet on the market to hold all four international safety certificates, including SNELL, which is the highest performance standard.
Other features include a unique magnetic closure for one-handed fastening, the patented GRpx harness system for a secure fit, plus our Free Fit ventilation system and Coolmax mesh.
MS1 Pro with Mips®
The MS1 Pro is our first jockey skull to incorporate Mips® technology (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), which helps protect the brain against rotational motion.
This helmet meets three international safety standards. It also features ten ventilation slots and a removable headband, so you can keep your helmet fresh and clean for the next event.
Dressage
Protective helmets for dressage must meet one of the following standards:
- PAS 015 (2011 and subsequent updates)
- EN1384:2023
- VG1
- SNELL E2016/E2021
- ASTM F1163:2023 and subsequent updates
- AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards
It is strongly recommended that hats bear the BSI Kitemark or INSPEC IC marks (for PAS015, VG1 and EN1384), and the SEI mark for ASTM hats.
Hat covers must be in conservative colours and riding hats that are completely mirrored are not allowed.
Best riding hats for dressage
Halo Gloss
Our helmet of choice is the elegant Halo Gloss. Multiple colour combinations with optional Mips® technology.
True innovation in style and technology makes Halo a real statement in the dressage boards.
It meets three safety standards (plus optional Mips®) and has 360° ventilation and a removable, washable headband.
Ayr8 Plus
Loved for its protection, comfort and classic profile, the Ayr8 Plus meets three safety standards. It’s fully ventilated and features a removable, washable headband.
The side panels are covered in microfibre suede or vegan leather and the helmet features a vegan leather-look GRpx® harness.
Showing
The British Show Horse Association states riders must wear correctly secured helmets that meet one of the following safety standards:
- British and European: PAS 015, EN1385 or VG1
- American: ASTM F1163:2004a onwards or SNELL E2001
- Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838:2003
Skullcaps must be worn with a dark coloured plain, peaked hat cover.
Best riding hats for showing
Fian
Looks matter in showing. This beautiful helmet is the closest thing you’ll get to the classic Patey, while meeting multiple safety standards.
The Fian is covered in luxurious velvet and trimmed to perfection, while its slim tan harness finishes off its elegant look.
Its traditional satin lining includes a draw lace, so you can ensure the helmet cradles your head.
Hampton
This elegant helmet is perfect for showing, but it’s also one of the best helmets for hunting. It meets multiple safety standards and looks smart.
Covered in plush velvet, the Hampton has a soft yet durable harness and a silky smooth satin lining. Its low profile means this hat won’t add extra unwanted height to young riders on small ponies.
The Hampton comes in a range of colours and is available in a round fit.
Racing
Under British Horse Racing rules, jockeys must wear a skull cap that complies with two of the following certified safety standards:
- British and European: PAS 015 or EN1384
- American: SNELL E2001 or SNELL E2016, ASTM
Best riding helmets for racing
Race II
The newest racing skull from Charles Owen has been designed by some of the biggest names in racing.
The strong fibreglass shell and padded harness have been adapted to ensure no interaction with the top of the body protector, a common issue in racing skull helmets.
New innovative fabrics have also been used along with a more ergonomic fit developed in the harness padding to give you the most comfortable ride yet.
MS1 Pro with Mips®
Another great jockey skull in the Charles Owen range is the MS1 Pro. This triple-certified helmet also harnesses Mips® technology, which can reduce brain shear in riding accidents at speed.
The MS1 also features ten ventilation slots and a removable headband, so you can keep your helmet fresh and clean.
This popular racing helmet is available in regular and round fit to reduce pressure points and improve fit.
Pony Club
The Pony Club have the same helmet rules as British Eventing. It’s also the same for the British Riding Club, which means one hat tag is accepted across all three organisations’ events.
The accepted helmet standards are:
- SNELL E2016 and 2021 with the official SNELL label and number
- PAS015:2011 with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark
- (BS) EN1384:2023 with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark
- VG1 with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark
- ASTM-F1163 2015 & 2023 with the SEI mark
- AS/NSZ 3838, 2006 with SAI Global Mark
For cross-country riding (over 80cm), pony racing and mounted games, a jockey skull cap must be worn with no fixed peak or peak-type extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front should not be greater than 5mm.
The Pony Club also strongly recommends that a jockey skull cap is worn for cross-country riding over fences less than 80cm.
Best riding helmets for kids
YR8 (jR8 in the USA)
The kids’ YR8 is the perfect riding helmet for a range of Pony Club activities. It meets multiple safety standards and is covered in a smart microfibre suede.
Its adjustable nylon harness ensures a secure fit, while its four discreet ventilation holes keep young heads cool and comfortable.
The YR8 comes in a choice of colours and is also available as the YR8 Sparkly.
Young Rider Jockey
This affordable helmet has been officially approved by the Pony Club, thanks to its dual-standard protection.
The Young Rider Jockey has a deep fit for added protection and is made from fibreglass.
It features eight ventilation holes and it comes in regular or round fit.
Hacking
Just because there isn’t a governing body checking your helmet before you hack out doesn’t mean you should ignore safety standards.
There are three main international equestrian standards to look for:
- PAS 015:2011 with BSI Kitemark
- EN1384:2023 or VG1 01.040 2014-12 with BSI Kitemark
- ASTM F1163-23 with SEI Kitemark
As a bare minimum you should have one of these, but always try and choose a helmet that meets multiple standards as they test and protect against different accident scenarios.
Best riding hats for hacking
JS1 Pro
We would never suggest choosing a helmet based on cost – safety comes first. But we also understand budget matters, and you won’t find a safer helmet at a better price than the JS1 Pro.
The JS1 Pro features three safety standards and an impact-resistant ABS outer shell, plus a leather harness and deep fit for added security.
It’s lightweight and breathable, with ten ventilation slots. Available in round or regular fit to avoid pressure points.
Best selling riding helmets
Riders choose Charles Owen for the highest safety standards, technological innovation, style and comfort.
These best-selling riding helmets are worn for a variety of disciplines:
While certain helmets are designed with a specific discipline in mind, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear them for a different horse-riding activity.
As long as they meet the required safety standard, wear the helmet that makes you feel safe and comfortable in the saddle.
You may be a happy hacker who occasionally competes in dressage, but this doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the superior safety features of the 4Star.
Read more about choosing a riding helmet.
If you need more help and advice, contact our friendly team to find the best helmet for your head and your discipline.
