Getting the Most Out of Your Helmet

Posted by Mary's Tack and Feed on 16th Sep 2026

Mary’s Tack and Feed is proud to participate in Equestrian Safety Awareness Week this September! In honor of safety week, we’re offering event-exclusive points and promos both in store and online for all our safety products! If you’re shopping for Safety Stirrups, Safety Vests, or Helmets, keep an eye out for some special offers starting September 14th until the 20th.

On the topic of safety, let’s talk about riding helmets. Here at Mary’s, we recommend wearing a helmet every time you get in the saddle. Helmets are crucial for protecting the rider from head injuries like concussions or fractures, and can make the difference between a minor fall and a trip to the hospital.

Just because an equestrian riding helmet’s primary function is safety, doesn’t mean that helmet shopping can’t be fun! Our helmet brands at Mary’s are incredibly varied in colors and styles, and we even offer custom helmets from Kask and Samshield! Many people keep an every-day helmet for training days, and a show helmet exclusively for horse show days. Let’s take a look at some of our top riding helmet brands at Mary’s.

Hunter/Jumper Helmets

Most styles and brands are applicable to wear across many disciplines. Some popular hunter/jumper helmet brands include One K, Kask, and Samshield. It’s good practice to check with your trainer to see if there are any special requirements for purchasing a new riding helmet.

One K

Helmets like the One K CCS Helmet. The Defender Helmet, and the Avance Wide Brim Helmet are also popular choices among hunter/jumper and dressage riders alike.

KASK

From Kask, there’s the Dogma Hunter Helmet, the Kooki Helmet and the Star Lady Hunter Helmet which give the sleek, simple hunter-style look that’s great both in and out of the show ring. Kask also offers the Kooki Shadow Helmet with brown harness straps for a subtle, yet unique look. Kask is one of Mary’s top rated helmet brands with excellent comfort and an understated style.

Samshield

Some Samshield helmets for Hunter/Jumper riders include the Shadowmatt Helmet, Miss Shield Shadowmatt Helmet, and Darkline Shadowmatt Helmet. These helmets are known for their durability, comfort, and sleek design. The Miss Shield helmet sports a wide brim for better sun protection and has impact protection for the side of the head. For hunter riders who want an all black version of the Miss Shield in the show ring, try Samshield’s Dark Line Miss Shield Shadowmatt Helmet.

Shopping on a Budget?

There are many kinds of helmets that follow show ring standards without breaking the bank. Some of Mary’s favorite budget friendly hunter/jumper helmets are the Ovation Sphero ERT Helmet, the Karben Amity SMRT Helmet, and the Tipperary Devon Helmet with MIPS.

Dressage Helmets

While there’s no real difference between a hunter/jumper helmet and a dressage helmet, dressage is a glamorous discipline, so why not have a helmet to match?

Equinavia Helmet Our flashier helmets include the Caledon Sparkle MIPS Helmet from Tipperary with a glossy trim and a subtle sparkle top. For something a little flashier, there’s the One K Avance MIPS Wide Brim Gloss Helmet, that is completely glossy. The Avance Helmet also features superb ventilation and a comfortable lining. You can also create your own custom helmet using the Kask Custom Helmet configurator, or the Samshield Custom Helmet configurator.

Just because a helmet is stylish, doesn’t mean you can’t find a good bargain. Helmets like Equinavia’s Crown Crystal MIPS Riding Helmet, and Crown Glossy MIPS Riding Helmet feature glossy shells and sparkly rhinestones. While stylish and sophisticated, these helmets also feature MIPS technology for added protection.

What does MIPS mean?

You may have noticed that some of these helmets specify whether or not they have MIPS. So what does that mean? MIPS (AKA: Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is a cutting edge safety technology in the form of a yellow polycarbonate plastic liner that sits between the helmet shell and the soft foam helmet liner. This system is designed to protect your head from damage caused by rotational motion that is common when falling off a horse. The MIPS liner helps distribute shock from an impact no matter if it’s coming from the front, back, or side of the helmet. Not all helmets have MIPS liners, but those that do will have a bright yellow MIPS logo on the box.

Kids Helmets

If you’re looking for a helmet for your young rider, you may want to look into adjustable riding helmets from brands like Troxel, or Ovation. Adjustable helmets are easy to size, and can help accommodate growth spurts.

Some Troxel helmets feature fun designs like the Rebel Riding Helmet, and Bucking Bronc Spirit Helmet. For a more classic look, Troxel also has the Terrain helmet with MIPS for added protection.

Some other helmets for children and teens that come at a great price include the Ovation Schooler Helmet, which is adjustable, and the Tipperary Sportage Helmet.

Helmet Crash Replacements

Take a tumble? We’ve got your back! Ask a Mary’s sales representative about crash replacements for your helmet. Depending on your specific helmet brand’s policy, we may be able to procure a replacement, or get you in touch with vendors who offer crash replacement services.

If you’re realizing you missed Equestrian Safety Awareness Week this year, don’t worry! Mary’s participates in giveaways, and promotions for this event every year. So keep an eye out every September for new offers and events at Mary’s Tack and Feed.

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