How To Properly Fit Your Helmet
A helmet is required when you are doing any kind of equestrian riding, it is to be worn at all moments when you are riding a horse. When we ride accidents happen which can lead to serious head injury. It is important to have a proper fitting helmet so you can protect the most important organ in your body. Having an improper fitting helmet can cause more damage if there is an incident. Today we will go over how to properly fit a helmet and laws that explain why it is so important.
In your search for a new helmet there are some important things we need to go over before running to the store and purchasing the first one you like. First we need to think about whether you will be wearing your hair in a hair net or will you keep your hair out? If you are going to be wearing the helmet with your hair inside you need to bring a hairnet and a hair tie so you can fit the helmet with your hair inside. When you do not try helmets on without a hair net you will soon discover that your helmet is too small when you go to ride at home with your hair up. When you get to a store see if you can find a sales associate to assist you in your trial. If you can not find one please follow these steps.
Use a fabric tape measure and wrap it around your head one inch above your eyebrows. Your measurement in centimeters will correspond with your helmet size. You may use the brand's website sizing chart to find your perfect size.
Some helmets will have a dial in the back that makes the helmet somewhat adjustable. If you pick one of these helmets, move the dial to a comfortable setting.
Once you place the helmet on your head, wobble your head in all directions to see if the helmet moves or it's uncomfortable in any way. You might need to go up or down in size. The brim of the helmet should be about an inch above your eyebrow.
If it doesn't wobble visible but feels a little loose you might be able to add some padding or you can try a new brand. Each brand is slightly different so take your time.
There are important laws and regulations that helmets need to go through before being sold. You need to make sure that your helmet is approved by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). This ensures that the helmet is safe to be used as an equestrian helmet. To find the specific laws that are in your state you may go to the website listed below.
If you have any questions about how to properly fit a helmet or any other questions about riding, send us an email on our contact form and we will help you out.