| Equestrian helmet are an essential part of horse riding, | | | | designed for horse riding. Unless you are familiar with |
| whether you are under tuition, eventing, racing or just | | | | helmet brands and sizes, be sure to try the helmet |
| cantering across open fields. The range of | | | | before buying. An experienced, trained salesperson at |
| accessories to brighten up and personalise headwear | | | | a specialist suppliers will be able to advise. |
| enables young people to create their own fashion | | | | When trying the helmet, it should easily settle to the top |
| statement, too. | | | | of your head and cover the entire skull and back of |
| A well-fitted helmet can provide essential protection in | | | | your head with the front about 3.5 cms (1.5 ins) above |
| the event of a fall. Wearing good quality riding clothing | | | | your eyebrows. The helmet should not move or swivel |
| will help to cushion a fall and a high performance | | | | if you shake or nod your head. When the helmet strap |
| helmet is the most critical if your head meets a hard | | | | is properly fastened, ensure that you can move your |
| surface. Horse riding helmet typically have layers of air | | | | jaw and use your mouth as normal. If needed, special |
| bubbles that help lessen an impact and keep the brain | | | | padding is available to line a slightly larger helmet for |
| from rebounding inside the skull. | | | | comfort. Remember that a helmet must fit properly to |
| When you choose your helmet, safety and comfort | | | | protect your brain from damage. |
| are key factors. Although price is an issue, a few | | | | One final tip: a helmet that has been impacted in a fall |
| extra pounds is a price worth paying for higher | | | | should not be used again and should be replaced. For |
| protection. Obviously, the risk when trotting around a | | | | this reason, do not buy a second hand horse riding |
| menage on a small pony is less than the risk when | | | | helmet unless you are 100% certain that it has never |
| galloping or jumping. | | | | been involved in a fall. |
| Ensure that you purchase a helmet that is specifically | | | | |