A child's horse riding helmet should be certified for riding, which in the US means ASTM F1163 certified through SEI, and it must fit. Measure around the head about an inch above the eyebrows, match the maker's size chart, and check that the helmet sits level, feels snug and has the chin strap fastened before every ride.
No piece of riding gear matters more for a young rider than a properly fitted helmet. Even a calm pony can spook or stumble, and a fall can happen at a walk. This guide covers what the safety labels mean, how to measure your child's head, how to check the fit, which features help a growing rider, and when a helmet needs replacing.
Why a Child's Horse Riding Helmet Is Non-Negotiable
Riding is a wonderful sport for kids, and it comes with real risk. Horses are large, quick animals, and a young rider sits well above the ground. That is why a child's horse riding helmet is the first thing to buy, before boots, gloves or anything for the horse.
Protecting young heads
The CDC's HEADS UP fact sheet on equestrian helmet safety says an equestrian helmet can help protect a child or teen from a serious brain or head injury. It is also clear that there is no concussion-proof helmet. A certified helmet is the piece of gear made for the job, but it works only when it fits, sits in the right place and is fastened.
Inside a riding helmet, a hard outer shell spreads the force of a hit, and a foam liner crushes to absorb it. That crushing is why a helmet is built for one impact, which we cover in the replacement section below.
Riding helmets versus bike helmets
Many parents ask whether a bike helmet will do for lessons. It won't. Troxel's FAQ explains that bicycle helmets are certified to a different standard and are not tested to the same impact speed. Troxel's kids helmet guide adds that equestrian helmets are tested for falls from a horse, cover more of the head, and have straps designed to keep them in position during a fall. For more on how riding helmets are built and chosen, see our horse riding helmets buying guide.
Start with a safety habit
Wearing a helmet every time builds a habit from the very first day. Make it part of getting ready, the same as checking the girth: helmet on, strap buckled, then mount. Kids who learn this early tend to keep it, and a helmet your child likes the look of is much easier to keep on their head. Our riding helmets for Western and English riding collection lists the certified helmets we carry in one place.
ASTM-SEI Safety Standards: What Every Parent Should Know
When you choose a child's horse riding helmet, style and color come second. The safety certification comes first, because it shows the helmet model was tested for riding.
The meaning of ASTM F1163 and SEI
ASTM F1163 is the ASTM International standard for protective headgear used in horse sports and horseback riding. The Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) is the third party that certifies helmet models to it. Troxel's certification page explains that SEI selected ASTM F1163 to evaluate equestrian helmets, that SEI requires testing at an independent lab, and that ASTM/SEI-certified helmets carry the SEI seal and their date of manufacture under the headliner inside the helmet. Flip the helmet over and look for that tag before you buy.
Troxel states that all Troxel helmets are ASTM/SEI-certified. Shires lists its Shires Karben Low Profile Riding Helmet (the Karben Matteo) as certified to SEI ASTM F1163-23. For any other brand, check the maker's own page and the tag inside the helmet rather than relying on a description alone.
What show rules say
If your child competes at US Equestrian (USEF) licensed shows, rule GR801.1 in the 2026 USEF Rule Book makes properly fastened protective headgear compulsory for everyone mounted anywhere on the competition grounds, unless the relevant division rules say otherwise. The headgear must carry its testing tag or label and be properly fitted with the harness secured. GR801.1 also makes the rider, or the parent or guardian of a junior exhibitor, responsible for making sure the headgear meets the standards, fits and is in good condition. USEF's published list of accepted standards includes ASTM F1163 (2011 or later) certified through SEI.
Some divisions set their own rules. The 2026 USEF Western Division rules, for example, don't require protective headgear in Western classes unless a class rule says so, and they don't allow a rider to be penalized for wearing one. Pony Club, 4-H, local clubs, barns and some state laws set their own helmet rules too, so check with the organizer before you go. Our article on whether riding helmets are required goes through these rules in more detail.
How Mips technology works
Some helmets add Mips, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Mips describes it as a low-friction layer inside the helmet, designed to move slightly in an impact, to help redirect rotational motion away from the head. Mips notes that rotational motion is a common cause of concussions and more severe brain injury.
Many falls don't happen in a straight line. A rider often lands at an angle, and that is the situation Mips is designed for. Treat it as an added feature on top of certification, never as a replacement for it. A certified helmet without Mips is still a certified helmet. For young riders who want it, the Troxel Spirit MIPS Riding Helmet is ASTM/SEI-certified and comes in the same four sizes as the standard Spirit.
When to replace your child's riding helmet
A riding helmet is built to handle one major impact. Troxel's FAQ says a helmet is only designed for one impact and that any Troxel helmet involved in an accident should be replaced immediately. Troxel's certification page explains that the impacted area could be compromised even when there is no visible damage. The CDC fact sheet says to replace any equestrian helmet that is damaged or has been involved in an impact from a fall, and never to let a rider use a cracked or broken helmet or one that is missing any padding or parts.
- Replace the helmet after any fall or hard knock, even if it looks fine.
- Replace it if you see cracks in the shell.
- Replace it if padding or parts are missing.
- Replace it if the straps or buckle are damaged.
- Follow the maker's age guidance: Troxel recommends replacing a helmet at least every five years from the date of purchase, or sooner if you ride often.
Troxel's kids helmet guide explains the age guidance: sweat, heat, dust and rain wear the materials down over time. Note the date of manufacture on the tag when you buy, so you know how old the helmet is.
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How to Measure Your Child's Head for a Riding Helmet
Getting the right fit starts with a measurement. A helmet that is too loose can shift in a fall and leave part of the head exposed, while one that is too tight is uncomfortable and won't sit where it should. Measure before you shop, and measure again each time you buy, because children grow and sizes vary between brands.
Gather your tools
A soft tape measure is easiest because it wraps around the head. If you don't have one, a piece of string and a ruler will work. A mirror helps you keep the tape level, and a second adult helps keep a wriggly child still.
Wrap the soft tape around your child's head just above the eyebrows and ears. Troxel's kids guide puts it about one inch above the eyebrows.
Keep the tape level from front to back, as the CDC fact sheet advises, so you measure the widest part of the head.
Pull the tape snug but not tight, and note the number where the tape meets the start. Many size charts give both inches and centimeters.
If you use string, mark where the ends meet, then lay it flat against a ruler to read the length.
Have your child wear their hair the way they will for riding. The CDC notes that helmet fit can change when a hairstyle changes.
Compare the number with the size chart for the exact helmet you want. Sizes vary between makers and even between models from the same maker.
Reading a size chart
Helmet charts often list hat sizes alongside head measurements. On Troxel's chart, for example, a 52 cm (20 3/8 inch) head is a 6 1/2 hat size and a 56 cm (22 inch) head is a 7. Troxel says its conversion chart is a guide only, and its FAQ recommends trying a style on, because a chart can't account for every head shape.
The same hat size can fall into different helmet sizes from one model to the next. Troxel lists the Spirit in XS (6 1/4 to 6 1/2), S (6 1/2 to 6 7/8), M (7 to 7 3/8) and L (7 3/8 to 7 3/4). The Dynasty runs XS (6 1/4 to 6 1/2), S (6 5/8 to 7), M (7 to 7 1/4) and L (7 1/4 to 7 3/8). That is why you check the chart for each model rather than assuming your child is the same size in every helmet.
Don't buy a size to grow into
It's tempting to buy a size up so the helmet lasts longer. Troxel's kids helmet guide says not to buy thinking your child will grow into it: choose a helmet that fits properly now. An oversized helmet can shift in a fall. Adjustable fit systems, covered below, take up small changes, but they can't make a helmet that is too big fit safely. The CDC fact sheet also suggests bringing your child along when you buy a new helmet, so you can check the fit in person.
Choosing the Right Helmet Style for Your Young Rider
Matching helmet style to how they ride
Once certification and fit are covered, style is the fun part. English riders often choose a sleek, smooth helmet, while Western riders may prefer leather-look or matte finishes that suit their tack. Whatever the look, it must be a helmet made and certified for riding, not one made for cycling or skating.
If your child shows, read the rules for their discipline before you buy. Hunter and equitation classes tend to favor a traditional look, while schooling and trail riding leave more room for color.
Helmets made for small heads
The youngest riders need a helmet sized for a small head. Troxel describes the Troxel Youngster Riding Helmet as designed for the comfort of toddlers and young children. It is ASTM/SEI-certified, comes in XS (5 7/8 to 6 3/8) and S (6 1/2 to 7), and has Troxel's DialFit system and a Flip-Fold headliner with tabs that fold over to adjust the fit. Troxel also says most of its styles come in XS and S sizes that fit young riders.
For school-age riders, Troxel's kids guide names the Spirit, Dynasty and Sport 2.0 as its three most popular all-purpose riding helmets for kids. We carry the Troxel Spirit Riding Helmet, the Troxel Dynasty Riding Helmet and the Troxel Sport 2.0 Riding Helmet. Troxel describes the Spirit as a deeper, full-coverage fit, and the Dynasty as a low-profile helmet with a matte Duratec finish, large vents and a DialFit system.
Western looks for kids
Some kids would rather wear something that looks like a cowboy hat. Helmets built to look like a felt or straw Western hat exist, and the same rule applies: treat one as head protection only when the maker certifies it to ASTM F1163 through SEI and the tag is inside. Our guide to the cowboy hat helmet for kids covers that style in detail. A low-profile helmet in a leather-look or earth-tone finish is another way to suit Western tack.
Air flow and comfort for every season
Riding is hot work in summer, and a helmet that feels stuffy is a helmet a child wants to take off. Look for vents that let air move over the head. Troxel lists maximum airflow vent placement on the Spirit and large vents on the Dynasty.
Removable liners help too. Troxel's Spirit and Dynasty have a removable, washable FlipFold headliner, and Shires lists removable, machine-washable linings on the Karben Matteo. Troxel's care page says to soak its headliner in mild, soapy water, rinse it, and let it air dry completely.
Features That Help a Growing Rider
Children's heads change shape and size, and so do their hairstyles. A few features make it easier to keep a helmet fitting well through a season.
Dial fit systems
A dial at the back of the helmet tightens or loosens an inner band, so you can fine-tune the fit in seconds. Troxel's DialFit appears on the Youngster, Spirit and Dynasty, and Shires describes a dial-adjusted fit system and fully adjustable four-point harness on the Karben Matteo. A dial helps with small changes, such as a different hairstyle, but it does not replace measuring and buying the right size.
Adjustable headliners and pads
Some helmets use headliners or pads that change the fit. Troxel's Flip-Fold headliner has tabs that fold over to adjust it. Whatever the system, the goal is the same: snug all around, with no gaps between the padding and the head.
Starter kits
If your child is just starting lessons, a bundle can cover the basics at once. The Shires Young Rider Starter Kit pairs a Shires Karben helmet with riding gloves and Shires Moretta Clio paddock boots. Measure your child's head and feet first and check each item's size chart.
How to Check the Fit of a Child's Riding Helmet
Buying the right size is the first step. You also need to check that the helmet stays in place on your child's head. Do this when the helmet is new and then before every ride, because straps loosen and kids grow.
Position and stability tests
Set the helmet level on the head. The CDC fact sheet says the front rim should sit about an inch above the eyebrows, and that the helmet should fit snugly all around, with no spaces between the foam or padding and the rider's head. Troxel's kids guide adds that the helmet should sit level with the visor parallel to the ground.
Then do a shake test. Ask your child to move their head side to side and up and down. The helmet should move with the head, not on its own. If it slides, use the dial or padding to tighten the fit before you fasten the straps.
- Center the chin strap. The CDC says the strap should be centered under the chin, with no more than one or two fingers fitting between the chin and the strap. Troxel gives the same one-to-two-finger check with the buckle fastened.
- Check the side straps. The CDC says the side straps should form a V shape directly under the ears.
- Try the yawn test. Ask your child to open their mouth wide. With the strap snug, the helmet should pull down slightly on the head.
- Ask how it feels. Troxel says a helmet should fit snug but not be uncomfortable. A helmet that pinches or leaves deep red marks is too tight or the wrong shape.
- Check vision. Make sure the helmet doesn't tip back or slide down over the eyes, and that your child can see clearly ahead and to the sides.
Fine-tuning the interior
If the size is right but the fit is not quite there, use the helmet's own adjustment: the dial, folding headliner tabs or fitting pads the maker supplies. If you can't get a snug, level fit that passes the shake test, try a different size or model rather than riding in it.
Helmet Care, Storage and When to Size Up
Taking care of a child's horse riding helmet keeps it working the way it should. The CDC fact sheet says to clean the helmet often inside and out with warm water and mild detergent. Troxel's care page says not to use solvents or chemicals on any part of the helmet and warns that a dishwasher is not safe, because the heat and forces are too intense.
Storage
The CDC says not to store an equestrian helmet in a car. Troxel's care page recommends storing a helmet out of the sun in a tote or carrying bag that allows ventilation, so it can dry between uses, and protecting it from extreme temperatures. A shelf in a cool, dry closet or a wall rack in the tack room works well, as long as the helmet stays out of direct sun and away from heaters.
Inspect for wear and damage
Check the helmet before every ride. Look for cracks in the shell, worn or frayed straps, a buckle that won't latch firmly, and padding that is missing or has gone flat. If you find damage, retire the helmet. The CDC fact sheet says not to let a rider use a cracked or broken helmet or one missing any padding or parts.
Signs it is time to size up
Kids grow fast, so check the fit often. A helmet that fits well sits level with the front rim about an inch above the eyebrows. If the helmet now sits high on the head, won't fasten comfortably, or gives your child a headache or red marks even with the dial fully open, it is too small.
When you replace it, measure again and check the new model's chart. Bring your child along to try helmets on, and have them wear their usual riding hairstyle while you check the fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child wear a ponytail with a horse riding helmet?
Yes, but it changes how the helmet fits. The CDC fact sheet notes that helmet fit can change when a hairstyle changes, and Troxel's FAQ says to always try on and fit a helmet with your hair. Have your child try the helmet with the same style they wear for riding. A low ponytail or braid usually lets the helmet sit level on the forehead.
How do I measure my child's head without a soft tape measure?
Use a piece of string. Wrap it around your child's head just above the eyebrows and ears, keeping it level from front to back, then mark where the ends meet. Lay the string flat against a ruler to read the length in inches or centimeters, and compare it with the maker's size chart.
What is the safest way to store a children's riding helmet?
Keep it somewhere cool and dry, out of the sun. The CDC says not to store an equestrian helmet in a car, and Troxel recommends a ventilated tote or carrying bag so the helmet can dry between uses. Keep it away from heaters and solvents, which Troxel says can affect a helmet's integrity.
What if my child is between two helmet sizes?
Check that maker's own guidance, because it varies. Troxel's FAQ says it is best to go up to the next size when you're between sizes, since further fit adjustments can be made inside the helmet, and to try the style on. Whatever the size, the helmet should pass the shake test and sit level, and don't buy a bigger size just so your child can grow into it.
