Best For Training: Ovation Equestrian-Helmets Deluxe Schooler

This helmet was named as a favorite among our parent readers, especially for those in school or training. The light weight and adjustability are the star features. As for colors, the matte black is clearly the winner (stay away from white—it is hard to keep clean). Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Breathable design with vents.

• Lightweight at 1.5 lbs.

• Three sizes and with dial to adjust fit.

• Sleek design with rubberized finish.

• Washable liner is a plus.

• Includes travel bag.

What Needs Work

•A bit pricey.

• Adjustment dial can be fragile—handle with care to avoid breakage.

Best Budget Friendly: Troxel Spririt Horseback Riding Helmet

Yes, riding helmets can get rather pricey—but we found one model that offered good fit, nice adjustability and a price that is easy on the wallet. This helmet also has a removable, washable liner, an important feature we didn’t see with other budget helmets we researched.

What We Liked

• Easy to adjust the straps.

• Affordable.

• Nice looking.

• Comfortable to wear.

• Low profile design.

• Washable liner.

• Dial to adjust size.

Best for Oval Heads: Troxel Liberty Horseback Riding Helmet

It’s true—not all helmets fit all head shapes. If you have more of an oval-shaped head, this helmet was a top pick among our parent readers. We liked the overall quality and the price is easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Great for beginners.

• Lightweight at 1.8 lbs.

• Seven color options and four sizes.

• Stylish finish.

• Mesh covered vents provide good breathability.

What Needs Work

• Not everyone likes the cheetah print liner.

• Not best fit for round heads.

Best for Round Heads: IRH Equi Pro Helmet

This helmet fits round-shaped heads well and is good quality, said our equestrian enthusiast parent readers. At 3 lbs., it is also among the lightest in weight among the helmets we researched for this article. That’s a key plus if you are riding for a long time.

What We Liked

• Lining is fast-drying and removable.

• Good fit.

• Easy to adjust.

• Super comfy to wear.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Not everyone is a fan of the chin strap.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!