I have 2 nieces that have just recently started learning to ride and they now own their own 13.2 hand pony. For Christmas they have both asked for riding helmets and I am looking for advise on what kind to get them!! I have been looking at the Troxel's but there are so many styles - their ages are 8 and 9 years old. Can you ladies point me in a direction as to what brand/style/sizing to get them?! They will not be competing in any rodeo, just trail riding and possibly 4H! Thank you so much in advance!
Posted 2014-12-15 11:44 AM Subject: RE: Youth Helmets
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864 Location: In the Hills of Texas
Helmets come in sizes so you need to measure their heads to get the correct size. A big problem with helmets is you really need to have them try them on to find a comfortable and correct fit. Troxels don't fit me and I will get a headache. The Tipperary's fit the shape of my head.
Posted 2014-12-15 11:54 AM Subject: RE: Youth Helmets
I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882 Location: MD
Do yourself a favor and make the gift a, "on X day we'll go fit you for a helmet." I bought one that was totally the wrong fit and ended up being a real pain in the rear! We have an adjustable troxel for both kids, that way we can keep it fitting right. I have a tipperary.
TwistedK - 2014-12-15 11:55 AM Troxels can be very uncomfortable. They're made for a round shaped head. Look at Ovation helmets too. My daughter has an ovation. http://www.marystack.com/ovation-deluxe-schooler-english-riding-hel... I agree and is why the best thing to do is to go and try them on but some people don't have that option as there aren't any stores close to them to do this. If you can't make sure the store you use will take them back for an exchange. I've had good luck with Dover Saddlery.
TwistedK - 2014-12-15 11:55 AM Troxels can be very uncomfortable. They're made for a round shaped head. Look at Ovation helmets too. My daughter has an ovation. http://www.marystack.com/ovation-deluxe-schooler-english-riding-hel...I agree and is why the best thing to do is to go and try them on but some people don't have that option as there aren't any stores close to them to do this. If you can't make sure the store you use will take them back for an exchange. I've had good luck with Dover Saddlery.
I agree... so many helmets now days are adjustable too. I was trained in fitting helmets so I always use a soft tape measure to measure in either inches or centimeters the size of the head. Mary's Tack and Feed has a video somewhere on their website showing how to fit a helmet too. Well worth the watch. That's the store I used to work for, and I miss it!
We had good luck with the Aegis Junior helmet. It has the adjustable dial in the back. My daughter wore it until she was 8 and my son has worn one since he was 3. I personally like Tipperary, but they didn't come small enough.
My daughter is 10 and has now graduated to an Ovation. Depending on head size one of those may work. I totally agree with trying on in store, but I couldn't find a lot of these brands around me. I purchased from State Line Tack so I could return if they didn't fit.
Youth Helmets
