Riding Helmets: What I Look for as a Mom and Riding Instructor 🤠❤️🐎
By Danika | Real World Horsemanship
As a mom of a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old who ride with me daily, helmets are something I take seriously. Between my own kids and the riders who come through our little barn, I want equipment that fits properly, is comfortable enough to wear, and offers good protection.
I also know that families have budgets. Buying helmets for multiple riders adds up quickly, especially when those little heads keep growing!
This article is not sponsored, and I haven’t been paid by any of the brands mentioned. These are helmets and brands we’ve used over the years and currently use. I wanted to put our experience alongside independent safety information to help other families sort through the choices.
Does spending more mean a safer helmet?
A bigger price tag doesn’t automatically mean better protection. You may be paying for finishes, sparkle, branding, or additional comfort features. Those things can be lovely, but I want to know how the helmet performs, too.
For U.S. shoppers, start by looking for an equestrian helmet carrying SEI certification to ASTM F1163. Check the label inside the actual helmet and the requirements of your barn or competition.
Then look at independent testing when it’s available. Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab compares helmets using impact tests that measure both linear and rotational head acceleration. More stars indicate better performance under those testing conditions.
No helmet can prevent every concussion or injury, but this gives us more information than price or advertising alone.
You can check the current ratings here:
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/equestrian-helmet-ratings.html
Under $100: options for a tighter budget
The IRH Equi-Lite and TuffRider Carbon Fiber each earned three stars in Virginia Tech’s current equestrian ratings. They’re worth comparing when you need an affordable helmet.
The IRH Equi-Lite is currently listed by the manufacturer at $64.95, although stock varies:
https://irhequestrian.com/products/irh-equi-lite-helmet
The Ovation Deluxe Schooler is currently listed at $83.95. It has an adjustable dial, ventilation, and a removable washable liner:
https://www.ovationriding.com/products/deluxe-schooler-helmet-black-black
The Ovation is SEI-certified, but certification alone doesn’t tell us that it provides the same protection as a helmet with stronger independent test results.
My advice at this price point is to compare exact models, check the certification, and have the helmet fitted.
Around $100–$150: an affordable Mips option
The Troxel Spirit with Mips is currently listed at $117.99. It has ASTM/SEI certification, an adjustable dial, a washable liner, and sizes that include XS. Availability depends on the size and color.
Mips uses a low-friction layer designed to help manage rotational motion during certain impacts. It’s a feature worth considering, but a Mips label by itself doesn’t tell you where a helmet ranks for protection.
Also, the regular Spirit and Spirit with Mips are different versions. Don’t assume a test result for one automatically applies to the other.
Around $175–$300: some strong independent results
These models performed well in Virginia Tech’s current ratings:
• Champion X-Air Plus Jockey: four stars; $179 when tested.
• Champion REVOLVE Pro Plus MIPS Jockey: four stars; $187 when tested.
• Champion REVOLVE X-Air MIPS Peaked: five stars; $239 when tested.
• Trauma Void NEOZ EQ3: four stars; $299 when tested.
Those are the prices recorded when the helmets were tested, so check current prices and availability before shopping.
The Champion REVOLVE X-Air MIPS Peaked ranked first among the 54 helmets listed. That result applies to that exact model—not every helmet carrying the Champion name.
Champion helmet range:
https://championequestrian.com/collections/riding-helmets
Check the certification on the specific version being sold, especially when ordering from another country.
The Back on Track/Trauma Void NEOZ EQ3 is currently listed at $299. It includes Mips, dial adjustment, and SEI certification to ASTM F1163-23.
Its smallest listed size is 53–56 cm, which may be too large for a smaller child. A great test result doesn’t make an oversized helmet the right choice.
https://backontrackusa.com/products/neoz-eq3-helmet
What about helmets over $400?
There are expensive helmets with good results, but spending more doesn’t guarantee a higher rating.
For example, the Champion REVOLVE Vent-Air MIPS Peaked earned four stars at a testing-time price of $412. The REVOLVE X-Air MIPS Peaked earned five stars at $239 when tested.
That’s why I encourage families to compare the actual model, fit, and test results before stretching their budget.
For kids, fit matters every single ride
With a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old, I can’t shop by age alone. Children’s head sizes and shapes vary, and “kids’ helmet” doesn’t automatically mean it will fit your kid.
Measure around the head approximately one inch above the eyebrows, then use that specific model’s size chart. A professional fitting is worth arranging whenever possible.
The helmet should sit level, feel snug without being painful, and stay secure with the harness properly adjusted. An adjustable dial can fine-tune the fit, but it can’t fix a helmet that is the wrong size or shape.
Please don’t buy a helmet with extra room to grow. It needs to fit the child riding in it today.
Here’s a helpful children’s sizing guide:
https://www.troxelhelmets.com/pages/kids-helmet-guide
A helmet can look fine and still need replacing
After an impact involving the head, replace the helmet—even if the outside looks okay. The protective material inside can be damaged without visible cracks.
Follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule, too. Charles Owen, for example, specifies a maximum useful lifespan of five years from first wear, with earlier replacement after impact or changes in fit.
More information:
https://www.charlesowen.com/blogs/guides/why-should-you-replace-your-helmet-after-a-fall
What I want other parents to know
You don’t have to buy the fanciest helmet on the shelf to make a thoughtful choice for your child. Start with certification, compare independent results, and find a helmet that fits properly.
For us, riding is part of everyday life. I want my kids to enjoy their horses, build confidence, and make all those muddy, sweaty, wonderful barn memories—with their helmets securely on. ❤️🐎
Prices and availability checked October 2026. Prices marked “when tested” are historical testing prices, not current retail quotes.