Protect your head
Riding helmets
A riding helmet belongs on every head that gets on a horse, no matter how well-behaved the horse is. At Lepona you will find 227 riding helmets and jockey skulls from Samshield, Kep Italia, Kask, BR and other brands, for women, men and children, in matt and glossy, plain or with glitter, from around €40 to over €1,700. All meet the European riding helmet standard VG1 01.040. Below you will find a brand comparison, a size chart and answers to the most common questions before you buy.
Technical innovations
How are riding helmets constructed?
Riding helmets usually consist of a plastic outer shell and a styrofoam inner shell. Many high-quality riding helmets are also reinforced with a layer of carbon or polycarbonate to increase protection. The inner shell made of styrofoam or EPS is protected by an inlay. This often removable padding absorbs sweat and thus protects the inner shell. If the inlay can be taken out, it can simply be cleaned by hand or in the washing machine.
Three different technologies:
- In-mould technology: inner layer is inseparably bonded to the outer layer. Lightweight construction with maximum impact resistance.
- Hard-shell technology: separate build of inner and outer shell. Better integration of ventilation openings and air channels = higher breathability
- Hybrid technology: combines the previous technologies. Very low helmet weight.
All three technologies protect your head effectively in riding accidents and can save your life in a critical situation.
When should a riding helmet be replaced? May you still ride with the helmet after a riding accident or fall?
There are the following reasons to replace a riding helmet:
- A fall onto a hard surface, e.g. from the boards or out of a cupboard, because small micro-cracks in the shell can impair the protective function.
- After 5 to 7 years depending on the manufacturer's guidance.
- After a fall.
Some manufacturers offer an inspection of the riding helmet after a fall.
Buy a second-hand riding helmet?
Second-hand riding helmets are not a particularly good idea. You never know for sure whether the protective effect is still there. The helmet may already have been involved in a riding accident or fall, which you cannot always see on the helmet.
The padding may also already have suffered. In most cases the inlay can be replaced, but the foam too may already have been affected by dirt and sweat. For hygiene reasons alone it is advisable to buy your own helmet.
How to measure for a riding helmet and find the right size
The easiest way is to try it on. The helmet should not slip down when you shake or nod your head firmly. It also should not pinch anywhere.
Simply measure for online shopping:
- Take a measuring tape and place it around your head at the widest point.
- Position: roughly just above the ears and at the middle of the forehead.
- Compare the reading with the manufacturer's size chart.
Size chart: head circumference to helmet size
Measure the head circumference with a measuring tape about a finger's width above the eyebrows and ears at the widest point. For most brands the centimetre figure is the helmet size directly; Samshield uses S, M and L.
| Head circumference | Helmet size (Kep, Kask, BR, QHP and others) | Samshield |
|---|---|---|
| 48 to 51 cm | 48 to 51 (children) | – |
| 52 to 55 cm | 52 to 55 | S |
| 55 to 58 cm | 55 to 58 | M |
| 57 to 61 cm | 57 to 61 | L |
| 62 to 64 cm | 62 to 64 | – |
If you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one for helmets with a dial adjuster, and for Samshield the larger one with thicker inner padding. Which sizes a model comes in is listed on the product page.
Buy a riding helmet: brands, price ranges and features
Choosing is easier if you clarify three questions first: which brand suits your head shape, which price range and which finish. Riding helmets fit differently depending on the manufacturer, so when you switch brands it is worth trying one on or using our video consultation.
Riding helmet brands at Lepona
| Brand | Models | from | to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samshield riding helmets | 106 | 399,00 € | 1.651,50 € |
| Kep riding helmets | 72 | 169,00 € | 1.780,00 € |
| BR riding helmets | 23 | 55,98 € | 249,95 € |
| QHP riding helmets | 9 | 99,95 € | 139,95 € |
| Swing riding helmets | 7 | 44,95 € | 129,95 € |
| Kask riding helmets | 5 | 314,50 € | 599,00 € |
| Premiere riding helmets | 4 | 54,95 € | 79,95 € |
| ABUS PIKEUR | 1 | 169,96 € | 169,96 € |
Figures are updated regularly; prices incl. VAT.
Price ranges
- Up to about €150: Entry-level and children's helmets from BR, QHP, Swing and Premiere. Fully standards-compliant, usually with ventilation, dial adjuster and sizes 48 to 62 for the whole family.
- €150 to €350: Kask and the Kep base models: lightweight shells, high-quality inner lining, understated designs for training and shows.
- From €350: Samshield and the Kep premium lines, customisable via the configurator, with Alcantara, Swarovski detailing or lacquer. The classic among competition riders.
Safety and standards
Every riding helmet in our range carries the CE mark to VG1 01.040 2014-12, the riding helmet standard valid in Europe. It tests shock absorption, penetration protection and how the helmet stays on in a fall. Some models are additionally tested to the American ASTM standard, which can matter for international shows. Important in practice: protection depends on the fit – a helmet that is too large protects less well than a well-fitting cheaper one. And after any fall onto the head the helmet must be replaced, even if nothing is visible on the outside.
Matt or glossy, black or coloured
Matt helmets are less sensitive to fingerprints and scratches and look sporty; glossy helmets shine under show lights and are easier to wipe clean. Straight to the selection: Riding helmets glossy, Riding helmets matt. Among colours black dominates, followed by blue and brown; for dressage tests dark, understated helmets are the safe choice, in jumping and leisure anything goes. Filtered by colour: Riding helmet blue, Riding helmet brown, Riding helmet pink, Riding helmet rose, Riding helmet red, Riding helmet black, Riding helmet taupe, Riding helmet white.
For women, men and children
Riding helmets are unisex apart from a few lines; what matters is head circumference. Specifically for women there is the Samshield Miss Shield with a narrower shell and designs with glitter, Alcantara or lacquer. Children's helmets, such as the Kep Keppy, start at size 48 and grow with the dial adjuster. Accessories such as replacement padding, helmet bags and visors can be found under Riding helmet accessories.
Measure the head circumference a finger's width above the eyebrows and ears. For Kep, Kask, BR and QHP the centimetre figure is the helmet size; for Samshield S is 52 to 55 cm, M is 55 to 58 cm and L is 57 to 61 cm. The helmet must not slip when you shake your head and must not pinch anywhere.
In Europe the VG1 01.040 2014-12 with CE mark. It replaces the earlier EN 1384 and is mandatory at shows. All riding helmets at Lepona meet it; some additionally meet the American ASTM standard.
Immediately after any fall onto the head, even without visible damage, because the inner shell dissipates energy through deformation. Without a fall, manufacturers recommend replacement after about five years because plastic and padding age. A drop from a cupboard or out of the car also counts as a fall.
Matt is less sensitive to fingerprints and fine scratches and looks sporty; glossy shines and is easier to wipe clean. The finish makes no difference to protection – it is a matter of taste.
Most riding helmets are unisex and are chosen by head circumference. Specifically for women there is the Samshield Miss Shield with a narrower shell and designs with glitter, Alcantara or lacquer. Kep and Kask also offer understated to glittery versions that are popular with female riders.
We advise against it. You do not know whether the helmet has already had a fall, and the inner shell can have damage that is invisible from the outside. Affordable new helmets from BR, QHP or Swing start from around €45, standards-compliant and with full protection.