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Every Rider, Every Ride

Posted on: September 17, 2024 by SmartPak

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the riding scene, the best accessory you can bring is always your helmet. You might prefer budget-friendly options or having the sleekest new model, but no matter what kind of helmet you ride in, we're here to cheer you on for prioritizing safety above all!

At SmartPak, we want to remind you that everyone can ride with a helmet, every time. Check out the collection of thoughts below from our fellow SmartPakers and Team SmartPak Riders on how they feel about riding with helmets.

Wearing a helmet is one of the easiest things to do. Wearing a helmet is a given in my book and fortunately, they’ve changed a lot since the sweaty, oversized helmets of my youth – I love the breathability of newer models!

– Elizabeth R. | Data Engineering | Dressage

I never get on a horse without a helmet even to walk them around. To me my helmet is my seatbelt it’s secure before I start the ride. I honestly feel like I’m missing something if I go to the ring without it.

- Avery Glynn | NCAA Athlete | Hunter/Jumper

Finding a helmet that fits correctly and also fits your style can really change your relationship with your helmet. It’s a piece of equipment that’s just as important to me as my saddle.

– Al K. | Merchandising | Western Dressage


It's important to have a properly fitting riding helmet for all equestrian activities. Let us help walk you through measuring, sizing, and fitting your riding helmet in our Horseback Riding Helmet Guide.


Helmets weren't as popular in the dressage ring when I was growing up, but I'm so happy I've always chosen to wear one. It's one less thing to worry about in the saddle!

– Ian M. | Marketing | Dressage

When I was a youngster, I thought a baseball cap was the epitome of cool. Now I would never put a leg over any horse without a good helmet on, properly adjusted, and fastened. With my helmet on I can ride forward without fear and that makes for a much safer ride for me and positive training for my horses!

- Shannon Dueck | Professional | Dressage

"When a helmet fits correctly you don’t even realize its on! Mine is so pretty and incredibly comfortable, so I look at it as an accessory to my riding wardrobe. I never ride without a helmet."

– Jill K. | SmartBarns | Hunter/Jumper


Not sure how to pick the right helmet for you? Nervous about buying a helmet online? Check out this video for great tips and tricks on helmet fit for a variety of hair textures and head shapes.


Wearing a helmet is a no-brainer for me! If I feel safer, I also feel more confident in the saddle and can give my mare the ride she deserves.

– Sophia H. | Marketing | Dressage

Even when helmets weren’t mandatory my parents always made sure my sister and I wore them. Now I can’t imagine riding without one. It just wouldn’t feel right. Of all the gear we have for riding our hard hats are the most important and the technology they use now to protect our brains is better than ever.

- Laura Chapot | Professional | Jumper

I never ride without a helmet. If I work with a horse that I don’t know, is young, or is in a rehab program, I even wear a helmet while working with the horse from the ground.

– Viviane P. | Marketing | Dressage


Confused on how to properly fit a helmet? Our friends from Charles Owen stopped by SmartPak to give us a quick demonstration on how to measure your head and test a helmet for fit.


I ride western and always wear a helmet while riding. A helmet doesn't make you indestructible but certainly helps!

– Linda C. | Customer Care | Western Pleasure

With helmets being so comfortable and fashionable now I can’t understand why you wouldn’t ever have a helmet on when on or around a horse. Plus then I never have to worry about what my hair looks like!

- Hope Glynn | Professional | Hunter/Jumper

Whether it’s a trail ride, schooling on the flat, or lessoning over fences, I just feel better with my helmet on, it’s like my seat belt while in the saddle.

– Jenna B. | E-Commerce| Leisure Rider


Ready to shop for a new helmet? Excited about getting your first helmet? Looking for other safety gear? Look no further!


I never ride without my helmet, I wouldn’t feel complete if I didn’t have it on!

– Theresa R. | Inventory | Hunter/Jumper

Putting on my Charles Owen is the first thing I do when I walk into the barn, and it doesn’t come off until I’m done. In addition to riding, I wear it for groundwork with horses, and even riding my e-bike around the farm or competitions.

- Kim Severson | Professional | Eventing

I’m a huge advocate of wearing your helmet every time, every ride!

– Jess RK. | Customer Care | Eventing

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the riding scene, SmartPak is here to help you find the best fit and the best helmet for your goals and your budget! Check out our free resources in the Horsemanship Library and on our YouTube Channel, and don't forget to reach out to our Customer Care Team anytime with additional questions!