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How to Choose a Riding Helmet — A Complete Buyer's Guide
In equestrianism, safety is being discussed more and more each year – and rightly so. The helmet is the only piece of equipment that directly determines whether a fall from a horse will result in a bruise or a serious head injury. And yet, it is a piece of equipment whose fitting and selection riders often treat superficially – buying based on color, a brand from an advertisement, or "by eye" sizing.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you really need to know before buying a helmet: what safety standards matter, how premium brands (Samshield, KEP, KASK, Freejump) differ, how to properly fit a helmet on your head, and when to replace it without fail.
Why an equestrian helmet is not the same type of protection as a bicycle or motorcycle helmet
Each discipline has its own helmet — and each one is designed for a different type of injury. A bicycle helmet protects against impact with asphalt at a speed of approximately 25 km/h, a motorcycle helmet against dynamic, direct impact with much greater kinetic energy, and a ski helmet against hitting a tree or slope when falling on an incline.
An equestrian helmet must protect against a specific scenario of falling from a horse — from a height of approximately 1.5–2 meters, onto various surfaces (sand, clay, hard road surface), often in an unexpected, uncontrolled body position. What's more, an equestrian helmet must protect not only against a fall but also against being kicked by a horse's hoof after a fall — a scenario that does not exist in other disciplines.
Therefore, the technical standards for equestrian helmets are different from those for others. Buying an "equestrian helmet" in a sports store that doesn't sell equestrian equipment carries the risk that you'll find a product that formally looks like a helmet but doesn't meet key safety standards.
Safety standards — what a good equestrian helmet really must have
A standard is not marketing. A standard is the result of tests that a helmet must pass in a certified laboratory. Here's what you need to know:
EN 1384 (and current PN-EN 1384:2017+A2:2021). European standard for equestrian helmets. It specifies requirements for impact absorption, stability, and strap strength. This is the minimum standard. Every helmet legally sold in the EU must comply with it, but EN 1384 is an absolute threshold, not the peak.
VG1 01.040 2014-12. A more restrictive standard — it introduces higher requirements for impact absorption at various angles, penetration tests, and impact tests in specific zones of the helmet. A helmet with VG1 certification offers a noticeably higher level of protection than EN 1384 alone.
PAS 015:2011. British standard, even more restrictive than VG1 — it requires, among other things, impact tests in the occipital area and side zones of the helmet with higher energies. In the European market, PAS 015 is usually a sign of the highest quality protective certification. The British Horse Society — a leading European equestrian education organization — in its Ride Safe guidelines recommends purchasing only helmets with current PAS 015 or equivalent certification.
ASTM F1163. American equivalent — mainly used by manufacturers targeting the American market.
Kerauno / SNELL E2016. A very high standard, requiring, among other things, multiple impact tests. Primarily used in the competitive sports segment.
What does this mean in terms of purchasing? When buying an equestrian helmet, check which standards it complies with. A premium helmet should have a minimum of two or three of the above standards — typically EN 1384, VG1, and PAS 015. From the perspective of Polish regulations, the Polish Equestrian Federation in its rules for all disciplines (show jumping, dressage, eventing, endurance riding) requires that every competitor participating in licensed competitions wear a helmet that meets the current EN 1384 standard or equivalent — this is a regulatory obligation, not a recommendation.
What's the difference between Samshield, KEP, KASK and Freejump helmets
These are four premium brands that dominate the Polish equestrian market — and together form the core of our equestrian helmets offering. Each of them has its own construction philosophy.
Samshield — French manufacturer of premium helmets with a distinctive design. Characteristics: extremely high quality finish, interchangeable shells, wide range of finishes (Alcantara, Swarovski, colors), very good ventilation in newer models. Chosen by dressage riders and premium competitors. Prices: from approximately 1400 PLN for the basic model upwards — in ornate and custom versions, prices can reach several thousand PLN.
KEP Italia — Italian manufacturer, known for very light, well-ventilated helmets with a sporty cut. Characteristics: emphasis on weight and ventilation, modular construction allowing for custom finishes, very good reputation among show jumpers. Prices: from the children's Keppy model at under 800 PLN, the basic KEP Smart for adults from approximately 1600 PLN upwards, with top-tier and custom configured models reaching much higher.
KASK — Italian manufacturer specializing in competitive sports (from skiing and cycling to equestrianism). Characteristics: protective technologies inherited from other disciplines, very solid construction, good value for high level of protection. The offer starts with the basic Kooki Lady model — an entry-level helmet into the KASK segment with EN 1384 and VG1 standards — and higher tiers include show jumping and dressage series, as well as carbon fiber constructions.
Freejump — French manufacturer known for safe stirrups and air vests. Freejump helmets continue the company's philosophy: emphasis on technological innovation, very good protective standards, distinctive ventilation pattern, and expressive shell geometry (including the flagship Voronoi model). Prices: from approximately 2300 PLN upwards.
Which brand to choose? It depends on the discipline, your head profile (each brand has slightly different internal profiles), and your budget. Most importantly: the helmet must fit your head exactly. Even the best-designed helmet, if one size too large, offers less protection than a well-fitted mid-range helmet.
How to properly fit an equestrian helmet
A helmet that doesn't fit, doesn't protect. Here are the fitting rules:
1. Head measurement. Measure your head circumference with a tailor's tape, at the forehead and above the ears — where the helmet will sit. Write down the measurement in cm. Most brands provide sizes in cm circumference (53, 54, 55...), some in S/M/L.
2. Test without a strap. Put on the helmet, without fastening the chin strap. Tilt your head forward, backward, and sideways. The helmet should sit stably — not slide, fall off, or rotate.
3. Finger test under the brim. When worn, the helmet should sit two fingers above your eyebrows — not higher (as it would then expose the forehead) and not lower (as it would obstruct vision).
4. Uniform pressure test. The helmet should embrace the head evenly — without pinpoint pressure, without "rocking" from side to side. Pinpoint pressure in one spot indicates that your head profile does not match the helmet's profile — it's worth trying on a different model or brand.
5. Chin strap. Once fastened, the strap should be tight enough so that one finger can fit between the strap and your chin. Too loose a strap = the helmet will fall off in a fall. Too tight = discomfort and impaired circulation.
6. Head movement control test. Tilt your head sharply forward and shake it. The helmet should not shift. Then look up — the helmet should not slide to the back of your head.
Important rule: buy a helmet in person, live, by trying on several models. You can get lucky online, but it's a risk not worth taking for protective equipment. In our store in Ruda Śląska, we have a wide range of the four brands mentioned — you can try them on and make an informed choice.
When to replace your helmet without fail
An equestrian helmet is not equipment for life. Here's when it must be replaced:
After every significant fall. Even if the helmet appears undamaged, the internal foam (EPS) structure absorbs impact energy by permanently crushing. After the first serious impact, the helmet loses a significant portion of its protective capacity. This applies even to a fall from a standstill if the head hit the ground.
After 5 years from the date of manufacture. Helmet materials — EPS foam, straps, buckles — age over time. Most premium manufacturers specify 5 years as the maximum service life, regardless of visual condition.
After visible shell damage. Cracks, deep scratches, deformations — these are not cosmetic issues; they are signs that the helmet's structure is no longer performing as designed.
After extreme overheating (e.g., leaving the helmet in the car in the sun). High temperatures degrade the structure of the EPS foam — the helmet looks good but no longer protects as it should.
After visible deterioration of the internal lining. Crumbling foam, flattened padding — this is not only a matter of hygiene but also impairs the helmet's stability on the head.
Is it worth buying a used equestrian helmet — and what you really lose
A question that regularly reappears in the comments under listings on sports buying and selling groups. The buyer's logic is understandable — a premium helmet for 2–3 thousand PLN listed for 600–800 PLN looks like a bargain. In practice, this purchase carries six specific risks that cannot be verified from a photo or during a quick inspection.
1. Origin — it's not always clear where the helmet comes from. When buying a new helmet from an equestrian store, you have a complete product journey from factory to your head: importer, distributor, warehouse, display. When buying a used helmet from private sellers, you don't know where it's been, how it was transported, and how it was stored. A helmet that spent the summer in a car trunk in the sun may formally look good, but its internal EPS foam structure is already thermally damaged. You won't see this — and the seller might not even know themselves.
2. History of falls — impossible to verify. An equestrian helmet absorbs impact energy by permanently crushing its internal EPS foam. After the first serious impact, the helmet loses a significant part of its protective capacity, but from the outside, it looks exactly the same as new. No one — not even the buyer — can verify whether the previous owner had a fall they didn't report, or one they deemed "insignificant." This is information the seller might conceal — consciously or unconsciously.
3. Warranty and certificates without validity. Premium helmet manufacturers provide a warranty to the original owner, based on the purchase receipt. When buying a used helmet, you lose all rights under the warranty. Moreover, certificates (EN 1384, VG1, PAS 015) remain valid only for a helmet in an structurally unaltered state. After an unknown fall, the certificate formally exists, but it no longer has protective power.
4. Age of construction. Helmet materials — EPS foam, straps, buckles, lining — degrade chemically over time. Most premium manufacturers state 5 years as the maximum lifespan from the date of manufacture. A buyer of a used helmet often gets a construction that has only one or two years of "life" left, but its energy absorption has already significantly decreased compared to a helmet in its first year.
5. Fit. A lining that has been "broken in" to a different head shape never returns to its original factory profile. A helmet that fit the previous owner's head perfectly may not behave the same way on yours. Although formally your size, it may no longer protect as it should.
6. Hygiene. A helmet accumulates sweat, sebum, dust, and bacteria. The lining of a used helmet is an environment that, even after disinfection, does not return to its factory state. For people prone to scalp allergies — this is a significant argument.
What's really worth doing instead of looking for a used helmet
Schedule a fitting session at our store in Ruda Śląska. Professional fitting by our equestrian helmet experts means you leave the store with a helmet that fits your head anatomy precisely, has fully current certificates, a manufacturer's warranty, and a known history — you are the first owner. This is a difference you will feel during your first training session and that will pay off for the next five years.
Live far from Ruda Śląska? Call us. Our experts will answer any questions, advise on size and model selection, discuss differences between brands, suggest how to measure your head, and help you choose a helmet remotely. This is one of the most common scenarios our customers face — and we guide every such purchase to completion.
Which helmet for beginners, which for advanced riders, which for children
For a child starting to ride: a helmet that combines safety with lightness — our recommendation is the KEP Keppy, a children's model from the Italian manufacturer KEP Italia with current certifications, a lightweight design, and a ventilation pattern adapted to a growing head. For more advanced children or those with specific stylistic preferences, adult models in the smallest sizes with interchangeable internal liners work well — e.g., KEP Smart or the classic Samshield Shadowmatt 2.0. Interchangeable liners allow for precise sizing as the child grows, and the quality of materials and certifications from adult models ensures protection at every stage of learning.
For girls who prefer a long visor — in the style typical for dressage and classic competitions — we recommend the Samshield Miss Shield 2.0 Shadowmatt. The extended, elegant visor is the hallmark of this model, appreciated both in stable work and by juniors in amateur competitions.
For the ambitious recreational rider — meaning a rider training several times a week, regularly working on their seat, occasionally participating in show jumping training or amateur competitions — the key is a certified helmet from a top brand, well-fitted to the head, and comfortable for long hours in the saddle. In our permanent, fully certified offer, you will find four proven entry-level models from four leading brands — these are the most common first choice for ambitious recreational riders in Poland.
The first of these is the Samshield Shadowmatt 2.0 — the exemplary base of the French brand in classic, elegant matte. Full safety certifications, proven interior, distinctive look used daily by dressage riders and competitors. The full range of the brand can be found in the Samshield helmets category at Equishop.
The second is KEP Smart — a lightweight, well-ventilated helmet from the Italian manufacturer KEP Italia, particularly popular among show jumpers for its ergonomics and low weight. Other models from the line can be found in the KEP helmets category.
The third recommendation is the Freejump Voronoi — Freejump's flagship design with a distinctive geometric shell pattern and athletic-level protective technology. The entire brand line is available in the Freejump helmets category.
The fourth is the KASK Kooki Lady — an entry into the segment of the Italian brand KASK, with full EN 1384 and VG1 standards and a very good safety-to-price ratio. Higher-end models from the brand — including carbon fiber constructions — can be found in the KASK helmets category.
All four models are certified helmets from our permanent offer, fitted daily to customers in our Ruda Śląska store. Each brand has a slightly different internal profile — and it is your head profile, not the brand itself, that will determine which helmet you feel best in. We recommend visiting the store and trying on several models from different brands before making a choice.
For athletes of all disciplines — show jumping, dressage, eventing, and amateur and junior competitions: a helmet with the highest certifications (typically PAS 015) and appropriately selected shell material. A solid, professional starting point are the basic models of top brands — primarily KEP Smart, Samshield Shadowmatt 2.0, and Freejump Voronoi. All three are fully sports-compliant constructions, used by competitors in national and international tournaments — differing mainly in shell profile, weight, and ventilation characteristics.
If you're looking for a helmet with character – with Swarovski crystals, Alcantara, color accents to match your stable's colors, or a version prepared for specific competitions – in our full collection of premium helmets you will also find ornate and individually configurable models. At our store in Ruda Śląska, we also offer custom versions of premium helmets – selected together with our equestrian helmet experts according to individual preferences (shell color, interior finish, visor material, color accents). This is a solution for riders who want a helmet that fits not only their head but also their competition style.
For the parent of a young athlete: the same standard as for an adult athlete – a child's safety is not subject to budget limitations.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Helmets
Is a more expensive helmet safer?
Every equestrian helmet sold legally in Poland must meet safety standards, so the level of protection against a single impact is comparable across the entire category – provided the helmet is properly fitted. What truly differentiates entry-level helmets from premium ones is the shell material: from polycarbonate and ABS in budget models, through composites in the mid-range, to carbon fiber in top-tier designs. Carbon is lighter, dissipates impact energy better, and has greater durability – which is why it's chosen by riders who spend 5 or more hours a week in their helmets. Other price differences include the ventilation system, interior quality (Alcantara, antibacterial lining), fit for different head profiles, and long-term comfort – all these elements genuinely affect whether you want to return to that helmet every day for the next five years.
Can I ride in a ski or bike helmet?
No. These helmets are designed for different types of impacts and do not meet the specific requirements of a fall from a horse (impact + risk of being kicked by a hoof).
What to Do Now
The most important recommendation: before purchasing a helmet, come and try on several models in person. At our store at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, you have access to the full range of Samshield, KEP, KASK, and Freejump products – we can help you choose a helmet that fits your head, discipline, and budget exactly, and also design a custom version with you.
If you're starting to think about a comprehensive approach to safety, we also recommend reading our article on Freejump air vests – the second, equally important element of rider protection.
