A riding hat or helmet is one of the first purchases you’ll make when a child gets into horse riding, so we’ve rounded up a selection of the best child’s horse riding helmets to help you out. It’s an essential part of a child’s riding kit and understanding the hat standards and how they are awarded will help you narrow down your choice. If your child is going for riding lessons or is taking part in Pony Club, it’s important to check which helmets will be allowed – riding schools will set their own rules, but we’ve marked the best child’s horse riding helmets suitable for the majority of Pony Club activities below.
More riding hats than ever before incorporate an adjustable dial that allows you to tailor the fit. The best adjustable riding hats are particularly handy for children because they’ll fit for longer while your child is growing.
Jockey skull vs peaked helmet
When choosing a new child’s horse riding helmet, you’ll need to decide between two main styles – a peaked helmet or a jockey skull. While some peaked helmets can look more fun and appealing, especially those that are coloured or have glittered sections, you can choose between thousands of hat silks to cover a jockey skull, which makes them perfect for a fan of the matchy-matchy trend. If your child is likely to be going cross-country, they’ll need to have a helmet without a peak to comply with safety rules.
Get a riding hat fitted
The best child’s horse riding helmets are only the best if they fit well. Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase – the same advice goes for buying the best body protectors for children, too. Find out if your local tack shop can provide this service here.
It’s also a good idea to invest in one of the best riding hat bags, to ensure your new riding hat is protected while being carried to and from lessons or the yard.
Best children’s horse riding helmets
Charles Owen YR8 Sparkly
Colours: Black, black/silver, navy or navy/silver | Sizes: 52–61cm standard or 56–59cm round | Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £120 |
Fully trimmed in microfibre suede, the children’s riding hat features four discreet ventilation holes for added coolness and comfort during extended periods of use. It has a fun sparkly panel and fastens with an adjustable nylon harness. Also available without sparkles (YR8 Classic) and in the US it’s known as the jR8.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com
Champion Junior X-Air Plus Helmet
Colours: Black, navy, black/slate or navy/pink | Sizes: 6¼–7¾ | Standards: ASTM F1163, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £100 |
This lightweight helmet is ventilated and has crown comfort padding with breathable mesh inserts. It has a durable synthetic suede finish and four-point padded nubuck harness with rear lacing adjustment and a quick-release buckle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, decathlon.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com
Shires Karben Junior Skull Cap
Colours: Black or grey | Sizes: 53–62cm | Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £61.99 |
This lightweight skull cap balances safety with affordability. It has a deep fit, plus 16 ventilation holes and mesh sections in the padded lining for enhanced climate control. The adjustable four-point harness is made from hard-wearing, soft web, with a soft cover on the chin strap.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Charles Owen Young Riders Jockey Skull
Colours: Black | Sizes: 49–62cm, including round fit | Standards: ASTM F1163, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £80 |
This jockey skull provides multi-standard protection, plus it has a deep fit and 10 ventilation holes for breathability.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk
Whitaker NRG (New Rider Generation) Riding Helmet
Colours: Black, navy, black/sparkle or navy/sparkle | Sizes: XS–L | Standards: ASTM F1163 (with SEI mark), VG1 | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: From £95 |
This adjustable helmet has a smooth, matte effect outer and two front vents. It also has a breathable Coolmax lining, which is removable and machine washable.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk
Gatehouse Jockey Skull 4 Kids
Colours: Black, pink or baby blue | Sizes: 53–62cm | Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £83.99 |
This jockey skull for children features a three-point harness and an anti-bacterial lining, which provides protection against odour, staining and deterioration caused by bacteria, fungus and other micro-organisms. It’s approved for all Pony Club activities, and each helmet comes with a padded hat bag.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Shires Karben Avena
Colours: Black, navy or grey | Sizes: 53–61cm | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £99.99 |
This helmet has a smooth outer with attractive shiny accents and smart trims. It has a micro-adjustable dial system, front and rear air vents, a thermoregulating mesh liner and wicking headband.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Rhinegold Glitter Pro Riding Hat
Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: 6⅜–6¾ | Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: From £69.95 |
This ventilated hat has a removable, washable liner and a soft suede style Coolmax-lined harness, while the glitter panel adds a touch of glamour.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Uvex Perfexxion II XC Skull Cap Junior
Colours: Black | Sizes: XXXS–S | Standards: VG1 (with Kitemark) | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: £210 |
This slim, lightweight and ergonomically designed helmet has an innovative outer shell that extends over the neck for additional protection, while the ponytail cut-out is a convenient feature for riders with longer hair. It also has large air channels, that combined with a honeycomb structure, offer great ventilation. The liner and washable memory foam pads contribute to comfort and aid the adjustable fit.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Pikeur-Abus Air Duo Helmet
Colours: Black or midnight blue, in gloss or matt | Sizes: XS–M | Standards: ASTM F1163 (with SEI mark), VG1, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), SNELL | Allowed at Pony Club: Yes | RRP: From £149.95 |
This brand new adjustable helmet is the result of a new collaboration between equestrian stalwart Pikeur and Abus, which is leading bicycle safety brand. The Air Duo is a hybrid helmet with a detachable visor. It has a slightly rounder shape with a low-profile cut, plus a ratchet buckle, pony tail cut-out and 18 ventilation channels.
You might also like:
Hat bags that offer extra protection
Children’s riding boots for all ages, abilities and budgets
14 pairs of children’s riding gloves suitable for first timers and competitive riders
Comfy and casual riding tights for young riders – ages 3-16
8 riding hats you can get your hands on for less than £100
7 adjustable riding helmets to help you find the perfect fit
Use your head: how riding hats are tried and tested before use
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
