How to Choose Your Riding Helmet? The Complete Guide
Choosing your riding helmet is not like any other purchase: your protection is at stake with every stride. At Sellerie Bucéphale, we advise riders of all levels every day, from pony clubs to competitions, and we know that a good helmet combines three qualities: it protects, fits you perfectly, and you want to wear it. In this guide, we share our method for making the right choice, measuring your head circumference correctly, understanding standards and technologies, and the differences between models and disciplines. We finish with a selection of helmets we offer in-store and online.
Safety first
A riding helmet has one fundamental mission: to absorb the energy of an impact to protect your skull. Before any consideration of style or price, check that the helmet is compliant with current safety standards. Look at the label sewn inside the shell: it indicates the marking and the reference(s) to which the helmet has been certified.
Understanding standards and marking
In Europe, a riding helmet is personal protective equipment (PPE). As such, it must bear the CE marking affixed under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on PPE. This marking certifies that the manufacturer complies with regulatory requirements; it is based on a testing standard. Today, two European references are commonly cited on labels:
- VG1 (VG1 01.040 2014-12): a testing standard that served as a reference after the withdrawal of the old EN 1384 in 2014, widely used on helmets sold in Europe.
- EN 1384:2023: the European standard EN 1384, withdrawn in 2014, has been revised and republished in 2023. It is therefore back as an up-to-date testing reference.
Note: a simple mention of “EN 1384” without a year no longer has meaning on its own, as the old version was withdrawn in 2014. Look for the 2023 version, VG1, or a recognized foreign standard. You will also encounter, on imported or competition helmets, standards outside the European Union that are common and demanding:
- PAS 015 (British standard);
- ASTM F1163 (American standard);
- Snell E2016 (independent American certification, among the strictest).
A helmet may display several of these standards at once. The helmets we distribute are selected to meet current requirements; however, we remain factual: the exact certification is shown on the label and in the manual of each model. If in doubt about a specific model, ask us and we will confirm the manufacturer’s information.
The harness, chin strap, and proper adjustment
A helmet only protects if it stays in place at the moment of impact. This is the role of the harness, ideally with 3 points (the straps meet on either side of the ears and then under the chin), which prevents the helmet from tipping or moving forward. Adjusting the chin strap is essential: once fastened, you should be able to fit one to two fingers between the strap and your chin — neither too loose (the helmet would move) nor too tight (uncomfortable). A properly adjusted and fastened harness is also required in FFE competitions.
Anti-rotation technology (MIPS and equivalents)
Some helmets include an anti-rotation system, the most well-known being MIPS (a thin internal shell that slides slightly). Its goal: to reduce rotational forces transmitted to the brain during oblique impacts, the most common in a fall (you rarely fall perfectly vertically). It’s a valuable plus, but it is not a substitute for a compliant helmet that fits well and is properly adjusted: fit remains the foundation of protection.
Essential reflexes
- A helmet should be replaced after any significant head impact (fall with impact), even if no cracks are visible. The absorption materials deform only once: after an impact, protection is no longer guaranteed.
- A helmet has a limited lifespan, even without impact: manufacturers generally recommend replacing it about 3 to 5 years after its manufacturing date (often engraved inside the shell). Always refer to the model's instructions.
- Never buy a second-hand helmet: you do not know its history or any impacts it may have suffered.
- Always wear it, harness closed and chinstrap adjusted, as soon as you are on horseback or nearby.
Safety does not depend on price: a compliant and well-fitted entry-level helmet protects. The budget mainly affects comfort, ventilation, finish, technologies (anti-rotation, adjustment systems), and style.
How to measure your head circumference correctly
A helmet only truly protects if it is the right size. To measure your head circumference, place a soft tape measure around your skull, about one centimeter above the eyebrows and ears, at the widest point. Note the measurement in centimeters: this is your starting point.
A well-fitted helmet:
- stays in place when you shake your head, even before fastening the chinstrap;
- does not create painful pressure points or red marks;
- does not leave space to slip several fingers.
Each brand has its own size correspondences and sometimes several shell shapes (round, oval, narrow). To identify yours, look at your skull from above (a photo taken from the top helps): a rather circular outline corresponds to a round shape, a more elongated front-to-back outline to an oval shape. A shell adapted to your shape fits the head without pressure points on the forehead or sides. We provide the manufacturers' size guides to help refine your choice:
If you hesitate between two sizes or two shell shapes, the best option is to try them on. Feel free to come to the store: we take the time to have you try several models to find the ideal fit.
Types and disciplines
The "best" helmet depends a lot on your practice. Here are the main guidelines we give to our customers:
| Discipline | What we prioritize |
|---|---|
| Dressage | Streamlined design, neat finishes, often a discreet visor and an elegant look. |
| Show jumping / CSO | Good support, lightness, and ventilation for intense efforts. |
| Cross / eventing | Durability and protection; some riders add a cross cap. |
| Outdoor, endurance, horse-ball | Maximum ventilation and long-lasting comfort; highly ventilated models. |
| Child / beginner | Easy adjustment, lightness, and an adaptable helmet. |
Three comfort criteria often make the difference in use: ventilation (essential in summer and during effort), weight (a light helmet is easy to forget), and visor type (standard visor for versatility, large "polo" visor for extra sun protection). The aesthetic choice — matte, shiny, textile, colors — comes next: with equal safety and comfort, choose the one you will enjoy wearing.
Our helmets
Here is a selection of helmets available at Sellerie Bucéphale. The Italian brand KEP, highly sought after for its style and customization, stands alongside the ventilated ABUS Pikeur models. Prices and availability are indicated on each product page.
Selection given as an indication: models, sizes, and colors available may change. Find all our helmets in-store and on each product page.
Care
A well-maintained helmet lasts longer and remains comfortable to wear:
- Clean the shell with a soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid harsh products and solvents that can weaken the materials.
- Air out and let the helmet dry in the open air after a sweaty session, away from direct heat sources.
- When specified by the manufacturer, remove and wash the removable inner pads to keep them fresh.
- Store your helmet in a helmet bag, protected from shocks, prolonged sun exposure, and heat (avoid the back seat of the car in summer).
- Regularly inspect the chinstrap, harness, buckles, and shell; if in doubt after a fall, have the helmet checked or replaced.
FAQ
What is the difference between a "bombe" and a helmet?
None: “bombe” is the traditional equestrian term for the rider’s helmet. Both words refer to the same protective equipment.
How do I know if my helmet is the right size?
Well-fitted, it stays on your head without moving when you shake your head, even before fastening the chinstrap, without causing painful pressure points. Measure your head circumference above the eyebrows and compare with the brand’s size guide; if in doubt, trying it on in-store is the best option.
How do I adjust my helmet’s chinstrap?
With the chinstrap closed, you should be able to fit one to two fingers between the strap and your chin: not too loose (the helmet would move), nor too tight. A properly adjusted and closed 3-point harness is required in FFE competitions.
Should you replace your helmet after a fall?
Yes. After any significant head impact, a helmet must be replaced, even if no visible cracks appear: its absorbing materials protect only once.
How often should you replace your helmet?
Even without impact, materials age. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing the helmet about 3 to 5 years after its manufacture date (often engraved inside the shell). Refer to the model’s instructions and, if in doubt, ask us.
What standards must an equestrian helmet meet?
In Europe, it must bear the CE marking under the PPE regulation (EU) 2016/425, supported by a test standard: VG1 (VG1 01.040 2014-12) or EN 1384:2023 (the old EN 1384 was withdrawn in 2014). Recognized foreign standards also exist: PAS 015 (UK), ASTM F1163 (USA), or Snell E2016. The exact certification is on the label sewn inside the shell.
Is MIPS (anti-rotation) essential?
It’s a useful addition: these systems aim to reduce rotational forces during oblique impacts. But they do not replace a compliant helmet that fits well and is properly adjusted, which remains the foundation of protection.
Does a more expensive helmet offer better protection?
Not necessarily. As long as a helmet is compliant and well-fitted, it protects. The price mainly affects comfort, ventilation, weight, technologies (anti-rotation, adjustments), finish, and style.
Need advice to choose or try your helmet? We are here to assist you.
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