Wearing a helmet isn’t just a requirement for jumpers and dressage riders. It’s good common sense for any rider. Whether you’re looking for a cool, comfortable schooling helmet to wear on the trails or a sporty model for the show ring, protective headgear is most effective—and comfortable—if it fits properly. Here’s how to find a helmet that will fit you correctly.
Using a flexible fabric measuring tape, measure the circumference of your head one inch above your eyebrows. You can do it yourself, or recruit a friend to make sure the tape stays flat and even around your head for an accurate measurement. Your measurement in centimeters corresponds to a hat size. Consult individual manufacturer’s websites for a size chart, or use the hat size conversion chart below as a starting point. |
Some styles of helmet have a built-in fitting system, such as a dial or a ratcheting mechanism in the back that will help the helmet fit snugly. Before trying it on, open the fitting system to its widest setting. Let the chin strap out far enough so that you will be able to buckle it, and then tighten it once you have the helmet on. Some helmets also have padded liners that can be adjusted for a more custom fit. If you’re not sure how it will fit, try the largest setting first, then add more pads later. |
Place the helmet on your head. If it is wobbly or uncomfortably tight, try a new size. If it seems okay, tighten the fitting mechanism, if applicable, and the chin strap. Make sure the helmet isn’t tilted. The brim should be about an inch above your eyebrows and level across. You should feel even pressure around the circumference of your head. The chin strap should not be loose at all, but not so tight that you cannot move your head up and down comfortably. |
Shake your head side to side and up and down. Your helmet shouldn’t wobble at all. You may be able to make some adjustments to the fitting mechanism or the pads to correct an imperfect fit, but any major sliding or wobbling means you need to go down a size or try a different model. Your helmet should feel snug enough that it won’t move if you hang your head upside down, but if it gives you a headache, try a different one. |
| Helmet Size Conversion Chart | ||
| Head Size (Inches) | Hat Size | Alt. Size |
| 20 | 6 ½ | X-Small |
| 20 ½ | 6 5/8 | X-Small |
| 21 | 6 ¾ | Small |
| 21 ½ | 6 7/8 | Small |
| 22 | 7 | Medium |
| 22 ½ | 7 1/8 | Medium |
| 23 | 7 ¼ | Large |
| 23 ½ | 7 3/8 | Large |
| 24 | 7 ½ | Large |
| 24 ½ | 7 5/8 | X-Large |
| 25 | 7 ¾ | X-Large |
| 25 ½ | 7 7/8 | X-Large |
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Good to know about the helmet not wiggling around.
Thank you for the fitting guidelines. I'm a person trying to remember to wear a helmet after 50+ years of western trail riding/training...
I sought your advice for fitting instructions before visiting my local shop to purchase a helmet. Shame on you for encouraging folks to save money if they want to visit their local shop, try their helmets on, and then order it online. If you want your local shop to have to close down due to lack of financial support, this will surely do it. I was sorry to hear this advice. Please change it.
I agree with Cynthia, Everyone should support local tack shops, rather than buy helmets on line. But this was a nice article to learn about fitting.
Good advice.
thank, you for the good advice i also agree with cynthia to encourage purchases of local tack shops, x
Local tack shops can have more competitive pricing; mine marks up tripple. Get the fitment, buy online is good advice for a brick and mortar industry that likes to set absurd prices for gear.
Nice article on fitment!
"Triple" egads! I kneed a nue typoist!