Safety first! The riding helmet plays an essential role in this. In today’s equestrian world, the riding helmet has become indispensable. Even at the highest level of international dressage, the dressage top hat had to make way for a safety helmet. And whilst within American western riding the use of a riding helmet instead of a western hat is still a sensitive subject, even there a riding helmet is permitted in most disciplines in the United States, and in some disciplines it is even mandatory for children. 

History

The use of a helmet as protection in the case of a fall from a horse (or carriage) is actually quite recent. Hats (such as the top hat in dressage or cowboy hat in western disciplines) had already been worn on horseback for some time. It was either a fashion statement, or served a practical purpose in protecting against the sun.

Nevertheless, things change quickly. Even in the 1980s, the importance of a helmet was already recognised, and articles were appearing that described the differences in head injuries following a fall between riders wearing and those not wearing a safety helmet. Even back then, riders were already being warned about the dangers of riding without a helmet! Over the years, naturally, more research has been published. That, combined with societal expectations, is likely (part of) the reason why equestrian organisations began to encourage the wearing of a helmet more strongly, or even made it mandatory. 

Although there is little reliable information available about who actually made and developed the first riding helmet, we do know how some major companies got started in this field. One of the largest and oldest manufacturers of safety helmets is Charles Owens. The man behind this company began making military helmets in 1911. After the First World War, helmets for motorcycling were added to the range. Following Charles Owen’s death, the company retained his name.
Eventually, his granddaughter’s husband took the reins. Whilst he initially focused on the motorcycling helmet division, his children were keen horse riders. As a result, he decided to develop riding helmets as well. These proved popular, and Charles Owens eventually became a true equestrian company!

Helmet structure

The riding helmet has now had several years to be further developed. Nowadays, riding helmets consist of three layers: The outer layer is usually a synthetic layer made of thermoplastic. This is a type of synthetic material that softens when heated to a very high temperature, but hardens again as soon as the temperature cools down. This makes it easy to mold, yet prevents it from breaking easily. As a result, the outer layer can withstand the initial impact and sharp objects. So you don’t need to worry as much that a poorly placed stone on the outdoor track will cut through your helmet during a fall.

The middle layer is designed to absorb the impact. A commonly used material for this is polystyrene foam. This is highly effective at absorbing major impacts, so your head doesn’t have to! Of course, this isn’t the only material used for this purpose. Polycarbonate is also a good option. 

The innermost layer is primarily designed to provide comfort for us as riders. It is usually soft and absorbs sweat. 
In addition, a chin strap is important, as it ensures the helmet stays in place. (Along with the right fit!)

Safety

In some countries, like those in the EU, riding helmets must meet minimum safety requirements by law. These safety requirements change fairly regularly, partly because of increasing innovation and the fact that caps can become ever safer! 
In some other countries, minimum safety requirements are set by either equestrian governing bodies (i.e USEF or even the FEI) 

It is also important to replace a helmet regularly. Most manufacturers recommend this every 5 years. Furthermore, a helmet should actually be replaced after every fall. This is because not all damage is visible from the outside.