Gear & What to Wear
Best Horseback Riding Gear for Maryland Trail Rides
The right gear turns a good trail ride into a great one. Here is what to pack.
Read articleHow to Choose a Horseback Riding Helmet for Kids & Adults
The One Piece of Gear That Truly Matters
Choosing a horseback riding helmet for kids and adults is the single most important gear decision any rider makes.
A helmet is not optional equipment — it is the foundation of riding safely.
Look for a certified riding helmet
A horseback riding helmet is specifically designed for the kind of falls riders experience. Look for a helmet certified to an equestrian safety standard, such as ASTM/SEI certification.
A bicycle helmet is not a substitute, because it is built for different impacts.
Fit is everything
A helmet only protects if it fits. It should sit level and low on the forehead, feel snug all the way around without pinching, and stay put when you shake your head before the chin strap is even fastened.
The strap should be comfortably firm under the chin.
Helmets for growing children
Children's heads grow, so check the fit regularly. Many youth helmets include an adjustment dial that extends their useful life.
Never buy a helmet a child must "grow into" — a loose helmet does not protect.
When to replace a helmet
Replace any helmet after a significant fall or impact, even if it looks fine, because the protective material may be compressed. Most manufacturers also suggest replacement every few years with regular use.
What kind of helmet do you need for horseback riding?
You need a helmet specifically certified for equestrian use, such as one carrying ASTM/SEI certification. A bicycle or skate helmet is not a safe substitute. The helmet must fit snugly and level on the head, and it should be replaced after any significant fall.
Key takeaways
- Use a helmet certified for equestrian use, not a bike helmet.
- Fit must be snug, level and secure — never loose.
- Check children's helmet fit often as they grow.
- Replace any helmet after a significant impact.
Ride with Solitude Stables
We are a small family farm in Harwood, MD offering horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for riders across Anne Arundel County. We would love to welcome you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
More on this topic, answered simply.
No. Bicycle helmets are designed for different impacts than the falls riders experience. A properly certified equestrian riding helmet is essential for safe riding.
Many farms can guide you on helmet sizing for a first lesson. If you plan to ride regularly, buying your own well-fitted, certified helmet is a worthwhile early investment.
A well-fitted helmet sits level and low on the forehead, feels snug all the way around without pinching, and does not shift when you gently shake your head. The chin strap should be comfortably firm.
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A well-fitted helmet keeps every rider safe, and it is the first thing we check before any horseback riding lesson in Maryland.
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