Last Updated on December 26, 2022
Sometimes traditional riding clothes can be bland and boring. But today, many companies are working to create a more customized equestrian wardrobe. Horseback riding helmets are no exception to this, and many popular helmet manufacturers are creating helmets with unique colors, designs, and styles.
Many of these helmets have a feminine flare to them. Helmet manufacturers are including crystal details and colored hardware to their helmets to direct them toward a female audience. In this article, I will be reviewing riding helmets for women that range from high price points to low price points. These helmets include the Samshield Shadowmatt, Alcantara Top with Swarovski Shield, the Kask Dogma Chrome Light brown, the One K Defender black glossy, the Ovation Women’s Z-6 Glitz, and the Charles Owen Wellington Professional.
Best Women’s Horseback Riding Helmets
#1 Samshield Shadowmatt Riding Helmet
The first of these helmets is the Samshield Shadowmatt. This particular Shadowmatt has the Alacantara Top with Swarovski Shield, but I first want to discuss the base Shadowmatt and its many customizable features. I ride in the base Shadowmatt model, and I have never worn a more comfortable helmet. Samshield Shadowmatt’s start at about $450 USD. They are comfortable, fashionable, and a great choice for someone serious about riding.
But, of course, the most important part is the customization. Samshield is partnered with Swarovski crystals, and have many crystalline designs you can add to your helmet. You can choose to line the helmet vents with crystals, and you can choose to have Samshield’s “shield” logo on the back of your helmet in Swarovski crystals. You can also select many different materials to line the top of the helmet, between the vents. This particular helmet has the Alacantara Top with the Swarovski Shield, and it is a gorgeous example of the Samshield Shadowmatt.
Pros
- Customizable
- Trustworthy brand
- High quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Size not adjustable
#2 Kask Dogma Light Horseback Riding Helmet
The second of these helmets is the Kask Dogma Light. Kask is a high-quality helmet manufacturer that many professionals use, similar to Samshield. Kask helmets start at a price point of about $550 USD. Similar to Samshield’s, they are lightweight, fashionable, and a good choice for serious competitors.
The Kask Dogma Chrome Light is a sleek and functional model from Kask. As the name suggests, this helmet is extremelOne K Defendery lightweight, while still being just as safe, breathable, and comfortable as other models. It comes in brown and navy, which many female athletes enjoy. It also comes in black and grey. While both men and women choose the Kask Dogma Chrome Light, the different colors and fashionable design make it the choice of many women equestrians. Purchase the Kask Dogma Light, brown from Amazon here.
Pros
- High quality
- Trustworthy brand
- Customizable
Cons
- Expensive
- Size not adjustable
Another helmet chosen by professionals and serious competito
#3 Horseback Riding Helmets, One K Defender Horseback Riding Helmet
rs is the One K Defender helmet. One K produces high-quality helmets with many customizable features. The pricing for One K’s is more affordable than Samshield and Kask helmets and typically starts at about $300 USD. They are ventilated, lightweight, sleek and fashionable.
Similar to Samshield’s, One K helmets come with the options to customize the outline of the vents of the helmet. But, where Samshield uses crystals, One K uses color strips. Some of these color strips are chrome, some are rose gold. They also make helmets in different finishes; matte, suede, and glossy. The helmet listed below is the One K Defender in glossy. Glossy helmets can be a top pick among women riders due to their aesthetic appeal. Purchase the One K Defender in glossy from Amazon here.
Pros
- Trustworthy brand
- More affordable
Cons
- Size not adjustable
#4 Ovation Women’s Z-6 Glitz Equestrian Woman Riding Helmet
The next riding helmet on our list is the Ovation Women’s Z-6 Glitz. Ovation is known for making affordable, mid-grade riding apparel, including breeches, socks, and more. Their helmets start at a more affordable price point of about $100 USD, lower than the Samshield, Kask, or One K.
The Women’s Z-6 Glitz comes in many different color options, such as navy with silver and black with pink. It adds a little variety to the traditional helmet colors. The Glitz is ventilated, lightweight, and fashionable, similar to all of the other helmet options.
But, the Glitz is unique in one characteristic, and that is its sizing dial. While all of the other helmet companies make very specific, custom-sized helmets, the Glitz has an adjustable dial in the back of the helmet, that can be changed to ensure the closest fit possible. This can help riders who like to ride with their hair up or down, as the helmet can be adjusted to fit either more or less volume. The Ovation Women’s Z-6 Glitz is a great choice for women who are serious about riding and are looking for an affordable helmet option. Purchase the Ovation Women’s Z-6 Glitz riding helmet from Amazon here.
Pros
- Less expensive
- Adjustable sizing
Cons
-
Lower quality brand
#5 Charles Owen Wellington Professional Riding Helmets
On the other end of the spectrum, some women (and trainers) prefer the most classic look achievable. This can be found in the Charles Owen Wellington Professional. This riding helmet is the quintessential English riding helmet; it only comes in black and only comes in suede. It will be the icing on the cake of your classic black and white show outfit.
Charles Owen is a renowned equestrian helmet manufacturer; professionals and serious competitors have been wearing their helmets for decades. Their helmets start at a price point of about $350 USD. While they make many models of helmets, for hunter/jumpers and for eventers, there isn’t another model that lives up to the Wellington Professional. I rode in a Wellington before I purchased my Samshield and can personally attest to its show-ready style and appearance. Purchase the Charles Owen Wellington Professional from Amazon here.
Pros
- Trustworthy brand
- High quality
- More affordable
Cons
- Not customizable
- Not adjustable sizing
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many helmets available for women riders! To make the best decision, you need to understand your budget and how it matches the price points of the helmet manufacturers, and you need to understand what helmets are acceptable for the type and level of riding you plan on doing. I hope this article helped you get to know some of the most popular helmets on the market for female equestrians! If so, please share this article and share your experiences riding in these helmets with us!
Should I wear a helmet on a horse?
Here’s an interesting fact: horses can be very unpredictable! Therefore, getting involved in an accident is more likely than you think. The most common injuries are caused by falling or slipping off the horse. There is a risk of injury even with the best rider, therefor if you are a new rider, then you should learn about the horse’s behavior and learn how to control it. This will help you avoid any accidents. You should be very careful when you are around horses. If you are close to the horse, you should try to avoid getting hit by the animal. Wearing a helmet will at least save you from serious injuries. You should also avoid riding the horse if it is sick, some accidents can occur when the horse is not in its best condition. You should wear a helmet whenever you ride a horse. There are many accidents that can occur, and you should be prepared for them.
How long is a horse riding helmet good for?
Helmets should be replaced every five years, the maximum useful lifespan is from the date of first wear. Regardless of how safe they seem to be and even if you haven’t been in an accident with your helmet, it’s important to replace it after it expires past this time. This is due to natural wear and tear on the materials. If your helmet is cracked or has a piece missing, you need to get it repaired or replaced immediately. Even if the crack is small and doesn’t affect the structural integrity of your helmet, it can make it more likely that you will sustain a head injury. Many helmets are designed to be replaced in the event of damage. In fact, some companies offer a lifetime warranty on their helmets.
How should a horse helmet fit?
Obviously, a helmet should not be so loose that it will come off easily. The helmet should fit snugly, but not pinch the head. Hence, the helmet should fit comfortably. Check by rocking the helmet forward and backward on the head, and the eyebrows should move up and down with the helmet. The helmet should sit 3/4 – 1 inch above the eyebrows. The chin strap should be snug under the chin when buckled. The strap should go through the buckle and not be twisted. If the helmet strap is too tight it can cause pressure on the neck or the face and can cause headaches. The helmet should not come off. If the helmet comes off, it may cause serious injury.
What is the difference between an equestrian helmet and a bike helmet?
The equestrian helmet standard is developed specifically for horse riding events, so there are differences in the standards. Some of the differences include: the number of tests, the number of tests per year, the number of tests per year per model, the weight and construction of the helmets, the safety features, and the method of certification. The testing is specific for hazards that may be encountered during horse riding. Bicycle helmets are mainly designed to provide protection during a forward moving event, so there is more protection for the front and side of the head.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.
