How to Measure a Riding Helmet for Perfect Fit

Millions of people engage in horse back riding activities of some sort every year in the USA. From the weekend trail rider, over the serious amateur competitor to the professional horse trainer, all share the risk associated with horse back riding. Head trauma is the foremost cause of fatal horse back riding accidents. Learn how to fit a helmet properly in order to get the most out of this life saving piece of equipment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a measuring tape (cm)
• pencil and paper
• the attached measuring guidelines

1. Get a good idea of what type of helmet you'd require. What type of riding do you do? There are plenty of riding helmets to choose from. Browse the internet or visit your local tack shop. Get advice from your trainer or try different helmets at a shop or from barn peers. Know which type of riding helmet you are looking for? Then you are ready for step 2.

2. Get a measuring tape marked in centimeters. This is important, since centimeters are a smaller unit and will produce a more accurate measuring result. Have a pencil and paper ready to record your measuring.

3. Take the measurement around the circumference of your head at the widest point above the eyebrow bone, over the bump at the rear of your head and just above the top of your ears. Use a mirror as an aid, if unsure whether you are measuring correctly.

4. Use the following scale to determine your helmet size:
   
   49 - 6; 50 - 6 1/8; ; 51 - 6 1/4; 52 - 6 3/8; 53 - 6 1/2; 54 - 6 5/8; 55 - 6 3/4; 56 - 6 7/8; 57 - 7; 58 - 7 1/8; 59 - 7 1/4; 60 - 7 3/8; 61 - 7 1/2; 62 - 7 5/8; 63 - 7 3/4; 64 - 7 7/8; 65 - 8

5. Now you are ready to shop for your riding helmet. Your helmet should fit snugly without being tight and should stay in place independent of the harness.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't shop for looks. If the helmet you like is not available in the size you need, buy the better fitting helmet or shop at a different store. There are plenty of reputable tack retailers and equine sports outfitters on the internet.
• Be sure to buy an ASTM & SEI certified helmet.
• If unsure whether it's worth the hassle to wear a helmet at all, read some accident statistics (see below web references).
• Once you've taken a fall with a helmet you need to replace it! The helmet will no longer be structurally sound and will not adequately protect you, should you fall again. Many manufacturers offer free replacement policies if indeed you fall off or with your horse and need a new helmet.

Resources

• More info about riding safety