Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Winter helmets

From: Lynn

Dear Jessica, I've asked this question at two tack shops and haven't managed to get what I consider to be a good answer to my question. I want to know if it would be good or bad to wear hats like knit caps under equestrian helmets that are too large? And also, would this be a good way to keep riders warmer in winter? My children both ride in schooling helmets but the helmets are definitely too big for them, and also I worry about their heads being too cold in winter when the wind can go right through those vents in the helmets! I don't think that a pull-on knit cap under a helmet would hurt its protection, do you?

Thank you! Lynn

Hi Lynn! I'm happy to know that your children are riding in schooling helmets, but yes, I DO think that wearing any kind of a hat under an equestrian helmet would risk diminishing its protection, and I don't think it's a good gamble. The stakes are simply too high.

I do agree with you that cold air can come through a schooling helmet's vents in winter, but if that becomes a problem and the rider's head is cold, the solution isn't to put a hat under the helmet, but to put a cover over the helmet!

EQ is one company that makes an over-the-helmet cover for winter warmth and comfort. The stretchy cover is made from polyester fleece, and it covers the helmet itself plus the rider's neck and ears. I'd suggest investing in a couple of these for your children's winter riding.

I'm curious - why are your children's helmets too large for them? It's really not a good idea to buy a child a too-large helmet so that s/he can "grow into it" over a year or two or three - what it means is that during those years, the child is wearing a helmet that doesn't fit and therefore cannot protect the child's brain properly.

Adding a knit cap to the child's head won't make the helmet more safe, although it may seem to fit more snugly. Part of what makes equestrian helmets so useful is the way they stay in place when they are properly-fitted to the rider's head and the harnesses are properly-adjusted and fastened. Putting a knit cap, or a scarf, or indeed an extra layer of any kind between the rider's head and the helmet can cause the helmet to slip out of position in the event of a fall. I know it must be very frustrating to be buying clothing, boots, and helmets for growing children who seem to change sizes every few weeks, but helmets are such basic safety equipment, and correct (snug) fit is so essential, that it's best not to take any unnecessary chances. Your children ride in equestrian helmets - that's good. Now help them be as safe as possible by purchasing helmets that fit them correctly now. If they outgrow them and you need to purchase new helmets in six months or a year, the cost of the new helmets will still be trivial compared to the cost of a single visit to the emergency room - or a single night in the hospital. Truly, schooling helmets are one of the best deals around.

Jessica

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