6 Best Kids Horse Riding Helmets – Safety Above All!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 16, 2023
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Have you decided to allow your kid learn horse-riding? Well, that is pretty cool. The first thing to do to get your kids and toddlers ready for their first ride is to get them the important safety gear. And one of the essential parts of the riding gear is the helmet. Start with the best kids horse riding helmet to keep your kids safe as they ride. Now, there are several models on the market, and it can be challenging to find the right model for them. But do not fret, that is why we have made this post! Here, we will discuss six of the best kids horse riding helmets you can buy.

In choosing the six models on this list, we considered some very important factors. These factors include the type, material, size, visor, colors, and weight. In the buying guide section, we will discuss why these factors are important and how to choose based on the information we provide. Keeping all these in mind, our Editor’s Choice went to the Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet. Let’s now consider our top six picks.

Quick Summary

  • "This unit is made for small children and comes with several useful features:. Several colors and patterns. Removable interior lining. Easy to adjust."
  • "This unit comes with a design made to fit round-shaped heads:. Plenty of colors and patterns. Lightweight. Plenty of ventilation."
  • Best Certifications: IRH Equi-Lite
    "This unit comes with plenty of safety certifications and is one of the safest:. Numerous certificates. Plenty of ventilation. Low-profile design."
  • "This model comes in a hat design and is available in only black:. Show design. Dial-fit knob. Flexible visor."
  • "This is a unit with small sizes that is made for small heads:. Made for kids. Removable interior lining. Durable."
  • "This model comes in a colorful design and at the best price:. Good ventilation. Low-profile design. Good impact absorption."

Top 6 Kids Horse Riding Helmets Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4748 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.9
Features
  • Type: trail
  • Material: 20% mesh, plastic, leather
  • Size: XS, S, M, L
  • Visor: flex tip visor, non-detachable
  • Colors: 17
  • Weight: 1 lbs.

Other features: FlipFold removable washable headliner with Air-Channel technology, low profile, Dial-fit System, ASTM/SEI certified, made in US

The Troxel Spirit helmet is a top performance helmet that lies at the top of many lists of the best horse riding helmets for kids. The helmet is made for kids, comes in a large size, and has several impressive features that make it our top choice.

For one, it is made of 20 percent mesh and other durable materials. So your kids will wear it an remain safe as the helmet is quite resistant to bumps and falls that might occur during horse riding. It also comes in a lightweight build and is very breathable. Kids sometimes hate wearing helmets because they get sweaty and uncomfortable while wearing them. Fortunately, the design of this unit makes it one of the most comfortable options to wear.

The Troxel Spirit comes in a large variety of sizes and colors, so you can rest assured that your child will find the model that will make them happy. The helmet has a dial-fit knob which makes it easy to adjust it to your kids head size.

Inside the helmet, there is a removable lining that makes for easy cleaning and maintenance. While this helmet is slightly bulkier than what other helmets might deliver, this works to its advantage because it offers more safety.

What we liked: There is so much to like about this pick. It has plenty of patterns to choose from, is easy to clean and maintain, affordable, and has a dial-fit knob that makes it easy to adjust to your child’s head size.

What could be better: The major downside of this helmet is the sizing. It can be challenging finding the right size for your kid since the sizing chart uses helmet size instead of head size.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9534 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Type: trail
  • Material: rubberized, plastic, leather, washable liner
  • Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Visor: removable breakaway visor
  • Colors: 8
  • Weight: 1 lbs.

Other features: helmet bag included, low profile, certified to ASTM standards, exclusive YKK adjuster clip

The next model is the Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet. This is an excellent helmet from a popular maker of helmets. Unlike our top pick that is designed for oval shaped heads, the Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet comes designed for those with a round-shaped head. It is an excellent helmet for young riders that want some character to their helmets, and that is because it comes in a plethora of patterns and colors.

Design-wise, this is a lightweight helmet which is excellent for kids that do not want heavy models. Additionally, it is one of the most comfortable options to wear over extended periods because of the high level of ventilation that it has. Therefore, it will not make your kid’s head become warm easily. Among the design features is an adjustable chinstrap. This chinstrap is very comfortable and well and will not dig into the skin.

Furthermore, the adjustable sizing of the Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet means that you don’t have to buy a new helmet every time your child grows bigger. You can simply adjust it to fit the head size. The adjustment strips on this model are made durable and with strong teeth. This ensures that the adjustment will remain for a longer time. To help your child see better as they ride, the Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet has a removable visor.

Overall, it is a highly rated model that offers excellent value for the price.

What we liked: The Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet is lightweight, strong, and comes with plenty of ventilation for comfort. It comes in different colors , patterns, and sizes, so you will certainly find a model that your kid would love.

What could be better: The removable visor comes in handy, but it could have been made to be more durable. As it is, it is easy to damage.  Also, the paint chips easily from the body of the helmet.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5194 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
3
Best Certifications

IRH Equi-Lite

Features
  • Type: trail
  • Material: plastic, foam
  • Size: S, M, L
  • Visor: not specified
  • Colors: 6
  • Weight: 0.62 lbs.

Other features: IRH DFS, ASTM F1163-15, SEI, CE certified, 9 cooling vents, 3 year warranty

Up next is a trial helmet that comes with plenty of certifications that prove the level of safety that your kid will enjoy. The IRH Equi-Lite has several certifications including IRH DFS, ASTM, SEI, CE, and some more.

Other than the certifications, this is one of the overall best horse riding helmets that you can buy for your kids. It comes with a unique look and isn’t your average show helmet. With up to six colors, the IRH Equi-Lite offers your child different options to choose from. Therefore, whether you kid is interested in show or trail riding, this helmet will serve adequately.

With up to nine cooling vents, there is plenty of ventilation for your child. If your kid gets warm easily, then this is an elegant solution. It is made from high-density ABS material, which boosts the ability to absorb impacts. The chinstrap is padded and has a cover, all of which contribute to the overall comfort. If safety is all you are after, the IRH Equi-Lite comes as one of the best options on the market today. Another nice design feature is the presence of a low design at the back for more head protection.

The visor here is handy, although you cannot remove it. Overall, it is an excellent option if your kid enjoys showjumping or trail riding.

What we liked: The IRH Equi-Lite offers plenty of color options. The nine ventilation vents ensure that your child is comfortable while wearing the helmet. The low-profile design also offers more protection than usual.

What could be better: Although the interior lining is great, the interior padding leaves something to be desired. It isn’t durable and is one of the first things to fall apart in the helmet.

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9113 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Type: show
  • Material: ABS, EPS, velvet, velveteen, grid cloth
  • Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
  • Visor: non-detachable, flexible
  • Colors: 1
  • Weight: 1.14 lbs.

Other features: CE certification, classic look

The UNISTRENGH Equestrian Hat Helmet is an excellent helmet that comes with a hat design and is specifically a show hat. It comes with an ABS, EPS combo that will ensure durability over time. It also comes in different sizes that will ensure that your kids will find a fitting helmet. Weighing 1.14 pounds, it is one of the heavier units on this roundup which might make it cumbersome for younger kids. However, it is suitable for older children.

Since it is specially made for children, it is designed to fit on their head. It comes with several useful features, including a dial-fit knob that lets you adjust for a growing head.  The non-removable visor is excellent for some sun protection. This is a good option for show and is a fitting helmet if your kid does plenty of outdoor riding.

As with several high quality helmets on the market, the UNISTRENGH Equestrian Hat Helmet comes with an interior lining that can be removed for washing and cleaning.  The helmet has a low-profile design that fits around low on the back of the head and protects everywhere behind the head. Since it comes with ABS material, it will absorb plenty of impact.

What we liked: We love the ABS material that provides plenty of protection. It also comes with a hat design that coves the back of the head and increases the overall level of protection that your kid would get.

What could be better: Well, due to the design, this doesn’t offer as much ventilation as your kid might like. And despite being listed as a show helmet, it comes with only one color and design which makes other show helmets better than it.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8496 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
Features
  • Type: show
  • Material: ABS, EPS
  • Size: S
  • Visor: non-detachable
  • Colors: 1
  • Weight: not specified

Other features: ideal for 2 to 6 years old children, SEI certified, adjustable chin strap

If you have really small kids, ranging between 2 to 6 years of age, then the Xiaozxwlhq Kids Protective Gear Helmet is the best helmet for them. It comes with a black, sleek design that looks really adorable on small children. Unfortunately, this adorable helmet comes in just one color and pattern, therefore it doesn’t offer you as much options as you might want. Nevertheless, it makes up for this in other ways.

The Xiaozxwlhq Kids Protective Gear Helmet comes in a small size and will fits small heads. Made for children, it has an adjustable chinstrap that gives some flexibility to the option. It has a professionall appearance and will be cool as a show helmet. There is also an interior lining that you can easily remove and wash.

Ventilation is decent on the Xiaozxwlhq Kids Protective Gear Helmet as well since it comes with different vents. If you child is just learning how to ride, then we recommend this model.

What we liked: It comes in a nice design that is generally comfortable for small children. It is affordable and has a comfortable chinstrap for some flexibility.

What could be better: Well, this unit comes in just one pattern and size. It isn’t as versatile as we’d like and will have to be changed as your child grows.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7272 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.4
Features
  • Type: trail
  • Material: PVC, EPS
  • Size: 48-54 cm
  • Visor: non-detachable
  • Colors: 1
  • Weight: not specified

Other features: adjustable chin strap and size, fully ventilated, approved Safety Standards

If you are looking for a cheap option, then the Vaorwne Kids Horse Riding Helmet might be exactly what you want. As it comes at a low price, there are some concessions, but these are mostly in the area of aesthetics and not the actual performance of the helmet. The Vaorwne Kids Horse Riding Helmet has a sleek , colorful appearance. But if you are looking for a helmet with an assortment of colors, this would not be what you want since it comes in just one color.

Other than that, most of the other features make it an excellent choice. It comes made from an PVC and EPS combination. This makes it quite durable and resistant to damage. It also comes with a padded chinstrap. Therefore, it will feel comfortable for your child. It is in the lower price range of helmets on the market, and if you want a show helmet, you might have to look elsewhere.

The Vaorwne Kids Horse Riding Helmet comes with plenty of ventilation and a removable liner inside the helmet for easy washing and maintenance.  It also comes with a visor that cannot be detached from the helmet’s body. With a size of 48-54 cm, this unit fits different head sizes easily.

What we liked: We like the sleek look of this helmet. It also comes with a durable build, ventilation, a padded chinstrap, and comfort.

What could be better: While the interior padding is great, it feels cheap. This isn’t so surprising considering the price of the unit. Additionally, the visor cannot be removed. Lastly, it is available in just one color


Things to Consider

In the reviews above, we discussed the features of six of the best helmets for horse riding that you can buy for your kids. All the options reflect value for money and provide plenty of safety features. What factors did we consider when making our list? And how can these help you to also make a buying choice, especially if you aren’t choosing any of the models on our roundup? These are the questions that we will answer in this buying guide section.

Why should your child have a helmet?

6 Best Kids Horse Riding Helmets – Safety Above All!

Some people feel that helmets are unnecessary when horse riding, but studies and statistics back the fact that even experienced horse riders are susceptible to accidents when riding. If experienced riders need helmets, how much more do your kids!

Starting off riding with a helmet will secure your child and still your beating, anxious heart. In fact, some teachers and stables will refuse to teach if your kid doesn’t have a helmet. Once a child starts to learn horse riding with a helmet, it will become part of them and they will continue to wear it even as they get older.

Most of the head injuries sustained on horseback are a result of pleasure riding, and caring for these injuries can be costly. Additionally, these injuries can lead to trauma and have lifetime effects on you kids. Therefore, just as you won’t allow your kids to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, you shouldn’t allow them to ride a horse without a helmet as well.

Types of Helmets

Riding helmets are made for different types and disciplines. Each discipline has rules for the type of helmet that your child can wear. Let’s see some of these types.

Premium helmets

These helmets are great for dressage, general riding, and showjumping. However, if your child would be racing, it is not advisable to wear this type of helmet.

Jockey

If your child is training to be a jockey, then this is type of helmet is the right fit. It often comes with a fixed peak and covers a large portion of the head.

Kids helmets

These are the focus of this post and are helmets specially made for the kids.

Choosing the right riding helmet

As we have seen in this article, and as is evident on the market, there are numerous brands and styles of riding helmets on the market today. Thus , it can be truly challenging finding the right one for your child. Don’t despair, though, because we have made the research and know the essential steps to take that would ensure that your child has the perfect helmet to keep him safe. Some of the things you should look out for include your child’s riding style.

For example, if your child is pursuing dressage, it would not be appropriate to buy a flashy, bright helmet that is better suited to barrel racing. You must ensure that the style you choose would fit the kid’s discipline. It is also important to choose a model with certifications. The IRH Equi-Lite model for example, comes with plenty of certifications that will ensure protection from a fall. The certification will help to confirm the durability and reliability of the chosen helmet.

It is also important that you get the right fit. If the helmet is too big or too small for your child, it will affect how effective it is at keeping the child safe. Many experts recommend that you avoid a non-adjustable helmet. This will fit snugly on the child’s head for a while, but as the child grows, would need to be discarded. Therefore, look for models that are adjustable. These can be adjusted to become bigger and fit your child’s head better.

Which Helmet should you buy?

Choosing the right helmet depends on several factors. And one of the most important factors is how your child would use it. Some options come in bright colors and patterns. These are excellent for kids that are using helmets for the first time as it is appealing. If on the other hand your child has been riding for a while or is in a competition, a black, ventilated model might be considered appropriate.

There are some models that are great to use in almost all circumstances. For example, the top pick, Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet has all the features that you want in a helmet for kids. It has different patterns and designs and comes with a sleek, protective design that your child would enjoy wearing. It has a low back and chinstrap as wll which enhance the safety and comfort.

Size of the helmet

6 Best Kids Horse Riding Helmets – Safety Above All!

Another important consideration is the size of the helmet. Now that you have realized the purpose or riding style of your child, you must get the right size. This you can do my measuring the head of your child, including the space above the eyebrows to the back of the head. Determine the value of the circumference. Doing this will help you choose a helmet size that will fit the child correctly.

Admittedly, this can be tricky because manufacturers use different sizing. You will have to get a hold of their sizing chart and compare the measurements. The best way, though, is by actually having your child wear the helmet and determine how comfortable and safe it is.

The helmet should not be too tight or loose on your child’s head.

If you see that the helmet falls over his eyes, then you would likely need to buy a smaller size. Helmets also come in different designs and fit different head shapes. For example, the Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet is great for oval-shaped heads while the Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet fits round-shaped heads.

Material

The exterior part of the helmet is the first line of protection in a fall. Therefore, you should closely consider the material of construction of the helmet. The best helmets for your kids should be made of plastic or fiberglass. These are durable materials that can withstand the impact of a fall.

Aside from that, the helmet should come with padding internally. The padding will make the helmet more comfortable to wear. It also will provide more protection in case of a fall. If the padding is hard, you should not buy it.

Another thing to consider is the lining. The lining holds the padding and the other parts of the helmet together. Therefore, it should be snug and not loose. Some of the best options come with a lining that absorbs the brunt of impact of a fall. Therefore, you should look at the model and ensure that it has this type of lining.

There is a removable lining in some of the models on the market. This lining absorbs sweat and makes the helmet cool and comfortable to wear.

Ventilation

When choosing a horse riding helmet, it is essential that you consider how well ventilated or not it is. The models that we reviewed above come with well-designed vents that improve breathability. For example, the IRH Equi-Lite has nine cooling vents.

However, while these vents are great, it is important that you don’t buy options with holes that are too big because these will not offer adequate protection in case of a fall or from sharp objects.

Weight

You don’t want the weight of the helmet to become oppressive and a distraction. Therefore, you should consider the weight of the helmet. The Vaorwne Kids Horse Riding Helmet is a relatively lightweight model that will be comfortable for your kid to wear for extended periods.

 

FAQ

How old should my child be?

Well, the answer to this depends on you and the child. Some children begin riding as young as two years of age, and some schools teach toddler classes. However, it is important to keep in mind that riding can be dangerous and your kid would be exposed to some risk.

How can I tell if my child is ready?

Some schools have an age requirement, so you should check with them. Since riding can be dangerous, you must ensure that your child will be willing to listen to and follow the instructions given.

You should answer the following:

  • Is my child interested in riding?
  • Is he physically ready?
  • Is there access to a horse that is calm and stable enough for a kid to ride?

How do I know which size to buy?

You can know this by measuring the child’s head and comparing it with a sizing chart provided by the manufacturer.

Can you wear a bike helmet?

No! Your kid should never wear a bike helmet for riding. The two products come with different design and are not compatible.  The bike helmet is made to protect against accidents common to bike accidents and not horse riding.

How do I clean the helmet?

Cleaning the helmet is easy and straightforward. Many of the best models come with a removable liner that can be washed and then inserted into the helmet. You can also use a soft cloth to clean the exterior parts of the helmet.

What can influence the helmet durability?

This can be affected by the frequency of use and maintenance.

Our verdict

From this post so far, we have seen six of the best kids horse riding helmet on the market. The models we have reviewed offer plenty of safety. We highly recommend the first three products. Our top pick, the Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet is made for small children and comes with several useful features. It is lightweight, durable, and breathable for comfort. The Ovation Girls’ Schooler Deluxe Riding Helmet is the value pick and comes with a design made to fit round-shaped heads.  It comes in different colors, is lightweight, and useful for kids whose head get warm easily. For those concerned about safety, the IRH Equi-Lite comes with plenty of certifications like IRH DFS, ASTM, SEI, CE, and some more. It comes in different colors, has 9 air holes, is padded, and has a cover.

We hope that this list and buying guide will help you to make the right buying decision.

9,9
Total Score
Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet - Editor’s Choice
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