When riding a horse, it does not matter whether you are a child or an adult: you will need to proper safety gear and riding attire. The most important aspect is investing in the right helmet, as keeping your cranium safe is arguably the most important thing to think about when riding. This is why extreme sports, and those that entail reaching speeds that can be life-threatening always require a helmet.
At Sun Brims, we are strong promoters of head safety – it’s our number one priority for all our customers. Both equestrian riders and cyclists are at risk when it comes to falls, which is why we always recommend helmets. When choosing a helmet for your horse riding activities, we have come up with a short guide for your information.
Helmets Are Largely Based On Skill Level
When choosing your equestrian helmet, this is largely based on your skill level. Once you have determined it, your choices can be based on comfort, ventilation and fit. Different helmets exist for different kinds of riders.
If you are a rider who rides intensively and can get the horse ready and ride without any help, your helmet will probably need soft fabrics inside for comfort and better ventilation with padding. This is because your head will need better protection when you ride at faster speeds and use more extreme techniques as an advanced equestrian rider.
When you have just started riding, are a younger rider or you need assistance with riding as you are adjusting to being on a horse, you will need a lighter, easily adjustable helmet that fits snugly. Preferably, get one with a dial at the back that can provide a better and more comfortable fit with an option for variable tightness and retention. This will allow children to use the same helmet as they grow.
If you are a rider who can ready the horse by yourself but need help still with riding techniques, helmets with foam lining for more comfort are the best option. Choose one with a removable liner that allows easy washing, because you don’t want your helmet stinking up.
Ventilation
In warmer climates, you will want a ventilated helmet that can help your head keep cool because of all the sweat caused by being under the sun. Intense rides with high-speeds will require ventilation as well because heat stroke is definitely a real risk due to intense physical exertion. Helmets normally have front and back ventilation zones, ventilation channels, and a neck protector that also has the same qualities.
Fit
Fit is important in the safety properties of a helmet. You need one that covers your head completely and has minimal to no space between the head and sides of the helmet. Try not to purchase one that is too tight, because this will be very uncomfortable when riding for long periods of time under the sun. It has to stay in place and not shift around, as falls with a loose helmet can be just as fatal as not wearing one at all.
Helmets can be either one-size, which is best for adults, or adjustable for growing kids. Make sure the straps are well adjusted when worn, so that it keeps the helmet in place, as well as comfortable, in the sense that it does not hinder neck movements.
How To Fight Overheating And Sunburn
Being in the sun for hours is hard, especially when there are few trees to hide under when training for equestrian. This is why at Sun Brims, we developed one of the best products to keep your head cool and prevent overheating and sunburns. Our Sun Brim Endurance model for equestrian helmets will attach easily and shades your face, neck, and ears by 360 degrees with a 97% blocking rate of solar radiation.
Conclusion
Keeping your head safe is important, but so is keeping your body safe and keeping yourself hydrated while out riding. The harsh sun can cause skin cancer and bad sunburn, as well as the heat causing dehydration. Keep yourself safe with a helmet and one of our helmet cover products.
Sun Brims New Zealand is your premium source of outdoor sun protection products. With our da brim helmet visors and other effective sun repellent gear, your safety is our number one priority. Ride responsible and remember to enjoy it!
