How to Measure a Riding Hat for Perfect Fit

Wearing a horseback riding helmet is essential to the safety of the rider. Accidents can often occur, and an equine helmet can effectively prevent serious head injury from occurring. An equine helmet must be properly measured and sized in order to fit the helmet correctly to the individual rider's head.

1. Place a tape measure on the back of the head directly above the ears.


2. Wrap the tape measure around the head from the back, working around to the middle of the forehead, approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows.


3. Mark the spot on the tape measure to determine the size of the head that is being measured.


4. Write down the measurement of the head that you have determined on a sheet of paper. Round the number up to the nearest half-inch if the number you have measured is not evenly on a inch or half-inch marker.


5. Visit a local tack shop to browse the selection of equine helmets available. Choose the style that you like the best.


6. Ask an associate to help you to determine the proper size of riding helmet you need based off of the measurements that you have determined.


7. Try on the equine helmet to be sure it is the correct size and fitted securely to the head. You want the helmet to fit snug, but not tight. Different brands of equine helmets sometimes vary slightly so it is a good idea to try any helmet on before purchasing it.


8. Ensure that the helmet sits directly above the ears and is not lying on the ears causing pressure. This could interfere with hearing during riding and should be avoided. A properly-fitted equine helmet will sit just above the ears.