Last Updated on February 21, 2023
The most important part of a rider’s wardrobe is a helmet. But, helmets can be very expensive, especially for children who seem to go up sizes every couple of months! Thankfully, there are youth riding helmet engineered with growing children, and parents’ wallets, in mind.
Some of these helmets are colored, some have sizing dials, and all are more cost-efficient than some of the high end show helmets that the professionals wear. These helmets include the IRH Equi-Pro Helmet, the Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet, the Troxel Spirit Performance Helmet, the TuffRider Starter riding helmet, and the Tipperary Sportage Helmet. In this article, I will be reviewing all of these helmets and their characteristics to help you decide which one is the best fit for your young rider!
Best Youth Riding Helmet
IRH Equi-Pro Helmet
The first helmet up for discussion is the IRH (International Riding Helmets) Equi-Pro Helmet. This helmet comes from a renowned equestrian helmet company and has many customizable features that make it perfect for a young equestrian. In addition to their introductory and youth helmet styles, IRH makes high-quality helmets that even the professionals use.
The Equi-Pro comes in sizes x-small (6 ⅛”) to large (6 ⅞”). Even more customizable, each helmet is equipped with a sizing dial in the back, which can be used to tighten or loosen the helmet around the rider’s head as needed.
The Equi-Pro is also equipped with the IRH “Cool-On Lining” technology, which incorporates lightweight, ventilated lining to increase airflow and decrease sweating while riding. This lining is machine washable and can easily be removed from the helmet. It comes in matte black, matte purple, blue mist, and navy. Purchase the Equi-Pro from amazon here.
Pros
- Reliable brand
- Customizable
Cons
- Expensive
Youth Riding Helmet: Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet
The second helmet taken into consideration is the Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet. This helmet shares many characteristics with the IRH Equi-Pro. These include color variation, size variation and more.
The Deluxe Schooler Helmet starts in a size XXS/XS (5 ¾”-6 ¼”) and goes up to L/XL (7 ¼”- 7 ¾”). It too has a sizing dial in the back to adjust for a safe and secure fit. It has vents on top to add airflow and ventilation, and it also has a removable liner that can be machine-washed.
This helmet has a breakaway visor that can be replaced when broken. It also has an adjustable chin strap that can be changed as needed. The Deluxe Schooler Helmet can be purchased in black, blue, brown, grey, purple, tan, and white. Purchase the Deluxe Schooler Helmet from Amazon here.
Pros
- Size adjustable
- Customizable
Cons
- Brand not known for helmets
TuffRider Starter Riding Helmet
The third helmet to consider purchasing for young rider is the TuffRIder Starter riding helmet. TuffRider is known for making entry-level and children’s’ riding clothes and supplies. This helmet is similar in price point to both the IRH Equi-Pro and the Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet.
The Starter riding helmet sizes start with 6 ¼” and go up to 7 ¾,” insuring sizes for both large and small riders. It is equipped with washable lining, stainless steel covered vents, and a sizing dial, similar to both the Equi-Pro and the Deluxe Schooler.
The only downside to purchasing this helmet is the lack of color variations. The Starter only comes in black. For children, sometimes the helmet is the only part of their riding wardrobe that allows them to have a little bit of fun and individualism. While the black color is the most traditional, this can be less appealing and less fun for younger riders. Purchase the TuffRider Starter riding helmet from Amazon here.
Youth Riding Helmet: Pros
- Size adjustable
Cons
- No customization
- Brand not known for helmets
Tipperary Sportage Helmet
Next to consider is the Tipperary Sportage helmet. Tipperary is known for making mid-grade equestrian products, most commonly used for eventing. Some professionals can be seen wearing Tipperary XC vest, but typically choose to wear a higher quality helmet. But, Tipperary helmets can be the perfect match for your young or beginner rider.
The Sportage helmet is designed for safety. It is made with high-density material that creates high-level impact resistance. But, the helmet itself is still very lightweight and comfortable. It comes equipped with a soft foam interior and a reflective safety strip on the back. It is available in over 15 color combinations and can be purchased in XXS (“Toddler), as well as XS-XL sizes.
The biggest con to the Sportage helmet is that it does not come with a sizing dial. If your young rider has a head that seems to never stop growing, this might not be the best option for you. Because there is no dial, once the helmet gets too small, you will have to replace it. This helmet would be perfect for younger riders who may have slowed their growing down, or seem to have stopped growing. Purchase the Tipperary Sportage helmet from Amazon here.
Pros
- Helmet designed for safety
Cons
- Brand not known for high quality
- Not size adjustable
Youth Riding Helmet: Troxel Spirit Performance Helmet
Last to consider for aspiring equestrians is the Troxel Spirit Performance helmet. This helmet is the most customizable out of the five considered in terms of color and design. Troxel is known for making entry-level equestrian helmets. They design helmets that are good for safety purposes and beginning riders, though serious competitors and professionals will be seen wearing higher quality brands.
The Spirit Performance helmet comes in an XS (6 ¼”-6 ½”), perfect for the smaller equestrian. It, of course, has a sizing dial in the back to create the most secure fit possible. It is also equipped with airflow vents, a removable visor, and a washable liner.
The most exciting feature of the Spirit Performance helmet is its range of colors. It is available for purchase in over 15 colors, including pinks, purples, and blues. There are even patterned helmets available including horse prints, tribal prints, and more. These prints can be a great way to convince a young equestrian that wearing a helmet can be fun! Purchase the Troxel Spirit Performance helmet from Amazon here.
- Size adjustable
- Customizable
Cons
- Brand is known for lower quality/entry-level quality
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when purchasing a helmet for your young rider. You can make this decision based on whatever will be best for you and your child, whether this is color, style, sizing, or brand. I hope this article helped you become familiar with the most popular children’s helmets on the market. Please share this article and share your experiences using these helmets with us!
How do you know if a riding helmet fits?
A riding helmet must be snug enough to protect the rider’s head from injury while allowing freedom of movement of the head. It must fit properly to prevent the rider from falling off and to allow the rider to perform the riding maneuvers he/she wishes. The fit of the helmet is a combination of the fit of the padding and the helmet shell.
The fit of the helmet is judged by the ability of the helmet to fit snugly against the head without leaving any gaps or “hot spots.” The helmet should fit snugly around the entire head, but not too tightly. The helmet should also fit firmly against the back of the skull.
How do you measure a child’s head for a helmet?
Wrap the tape measure around your child’s head, starting measuring just above the ear. Pass the tape measure about two fingers above the eyebrows in front, above the other ear, and around the back of the head. Write down the measurement where the tape ends meet.
There are a few things that you want to look for when buying a new helmet. These are: a comfortable fit, a good quality shell, a good fit between the helmet and your head, a good quality strap system, a comfortable head protection, ans a good quality finish.
What is the smallest horse riding helmet?
Ovation makes what may be the smallest horse riding helmet available. The Deluxe Toddler Schooler is an easy-to-use, no-fuss helmet for small kids ages three to five. The helmet features a large, open face, which is comfortable and cool when the kid is riding, but offers good protection against wind and sun.
The Deluxe Toddler Schooler has a snug, padded interior, with soft foam that keeps the helmet light, while offering good protection. It also has a flexible plastic shield over the back of the helmet, which can be folded down to allow access to the face shield.
It has a simple buckle and strap adjustment, which makes it easy to put on, and take off, even when the child is riding.
What is the most comfortable riding helmet ?
The Ovation Schooler Deluxe Horse Riding Helmet is one of the best riding helmets on the market. This is a very comfortable helmet and it has a 3-D molded liner that is designed for comfort and fit. The strap is adjustable and it can be tightened to fit your head. It has an integrated face shield with a clear lens and it comes with a visor. This helmet is very easy to put on and take off. It has a rear vent to help cool you.
What is the safest equestrian helmet?
When considering a product, the first step is to understand the risk of an injury. What are the potential risks of using the product? How serious is the injury? Is the injury preventable? And what are the alternatives?
Foe the safest riding helmet we recommend you check out the Dogma Hunter from Kask, which offers superior protection at a price that will fit your budget. This helmet is available in five colors and comes with a removable visor. You can choose to have your name or logo embroidered on the visor. The Kask Dogma Hunter is available at most major equestrian outlets and online at www.kask.com.
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.
