Posted by Anna Wieczorkowska
on September 26, 2026
Equestrian helmets. Types, safety, and how to choose the right helmet?
Choosing the right equestrian helmet is one of the most important decisions regarding a rider's equipment. Its primary task is to protect the head during a fall, but modern helmets also vary in shape, adjustment systems, ventilation, and visor type. A classic short visor, a wide peak, or perhaps an even more extended polo visor? The differences between them primarily affect the helmet's appearance, the field of vision, and the degree of shade for the face. If you are looking for the right model, also check out the full collection of Equus equestrian helmets.Why is a properly fitted equestrian helmet so important?
Falling from a horse is different from many other sports accidents. A rider's head is relatively high above the ground, and during a ride, both the horse and the rider can move at significant speeds. Importantly, the impact during a fall is not always vertical. Biomechanical studies on head injuries highlight both linear acceleration and the rotational movement of the head that occurs during angled impacts. Hundreds of impact tests on various equestrian helmet models were conducted in the Equestrian STAR system studies. The results showed that individual designs can differ in their response to impact, especially when oblique impacts and rotational acceleration are also analyzed. This shows why, when choosing a helmet, it is worth paying attention not only to its appearance but, above all, to certification, construction, and proper fit to the head.Classic equestrian helmet with a short visor
A short visor is the most traditional solution used in equestrian helmets. It gives the helmet a compact and sporty profile while leaving a very open field of vision. It is a universal solution, chosen for both daily training and competitions. The classic form will work especially well for riders who prefer a more discreet helmet silhouette.Equestrian helmet with a wide visor
A wide visor, often referred to as a wide peak, has become one of the most distinctive features of modern equestrian helmets. It is noticeably larger than a traditional visor and gives the entire design an elegant, more expressive line. The larger surface area of the visor also allows for better shading of the face and eyes when riding on a sunny day. In the Equus equestrian helmets collection, you can find models using this type of construction. A wide visor is currently a popular choice for both daily training and competitions. It blends well with modern equestrian clothing and helps maintain the elegant character of the entire look.Equestrian helmet with a polo visor
A polo-style visor is an even more extended version of the wide visor. It is slightly broader, delicately elongated, and more strongly defines the line of the entire helmet. In this case, the term polo visor refers to its characteristic shape and style. It does not mean that the helmet is intended exclusively for playing polo. Such a profile is appearing more and more often in modern helmets designed for classic riding. It works particularly well for those seeking a more impressive, elegant helmet silhouette. In terms of appearance, we can distinguish three basic variants: short visor, wide visor, and polo visor. Each of them gives the helmet a slightly different character.Does a wide visor mean greater safety?
The size of the visor itself should not be treated as an indicator of a helmet's level of protection. A wide visor or polo visor may provide more shade for the face when riding in the sun, but the helmet's construction is responsible for basic protection during an impact. Factors such as the energy-absorbing layer, the shell, the helmet's stability on the head, the fastening system, and its proper fit are significant. Therefore, when choosing an equestrian helmet with a wide visor, it is worth paying attention to both the design and the technical parameters of the specific model.What does research say about the safety of equestrian helmets?
Biomechanical helmet studies show that during actual falls, it is not just the force of the impact that matters, but also its direction. An angled head impact can cause both linear and rotational movement. This is precisely why modern helmet studies are increasingly analyzing more than one impact scenario. Interesting data was provided by studies conducted under the Equestrian STAR system, in which many models of helmets available on the market were tested. Differences in the response of individual designs to impacts were observed, which shows that simply meeting a certain standard does not mean that all helmets have an identical structure and behave exactly the same way in every scenario.Interesting fact. Falling on sand can also be dangerous
One might assume that riding only on a soft surface means a significantly lower risk of head injury. However, laboratory studies on equestrian helmets have shown that the matter is more complex. In one study, impacts against surfaces such as steel, grass, and sand were compared. Impacts against a hard surface caused higher values of parameters related to head loading, but values significant from the point of view of injury risk were also recorded on softer surfaces. Therefore, riding in a sandy arena or indoor arena should not be an argument for forgoing a helmet.How to properly fit an equestrian helmet?
Even a good helmet will not perform its function properly if it is fitted incorrectly. The helmet should stably cover the head and not move freely when the head moves. It is worth remembering that heads differ not only in circumference but also in shape. Two people with the same head circumference may therefore need completely different models. When choosing, it is worth paying attention to:- appropriate circumference and shape of the helmet,
- stability after putting it on,
- possibility of precise adjustment,
- correct positioning of straps,
- comfort in the temple and occipital area,
- ventilation,
- certification of the given model.
