A woman wearing riding gear including a riding helmet, on the saddle of a horse in a stable.

Riding Helmet Safety Checklist: Your Guide to Safe Riding Gear

Riding a horse is not just a sport or a hobby; it's a way of life for many in Scotland and beyond. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting your equestrian journey, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most crucial pieces of safety equipment for any rider is the riding helmet.
In this blog, we'll guide you through a comprehensive Riding Helmet Safety Checklist to ensure you're well-prepared and well-protected when you hit the saddle.

Why Your Riding Hat Matters

Before we dive into the checklist, let's understand why your riding helmet is so essential. A riding hat serves a paramount purpose — protecting your head in the event of an unforeseen fall or accident. This essential piece of safety equipment is not just an accessory; it's a guardian of your well-being. Your riding helmet can quite literally be the barrier that separates a minor incident from a life-altering injury.

Imagine yourself on a serene trail in the heart of Scotland, the breathtaking scenery unfolding before you. You and your horse are in perfect harmony, and the world seems to slow down. Yet, as any rider knows, the unforeseen can happen in the blink of an eye. A sudden stumble, a spooked horse, or a treacherous terrain change — these are all potential hazards that riders face, and in such moments, your helmet becomes your staunchest ally. Here in Scotland, where the weather can shift like the tides, and riding conditions change rapidly, the significance of a riding helmet becomes even more pronounced. One moment, you might be basking in the gentle Scottish drizzle, and the next, you could find yourself navigating through a flood. Such fluctuations are par for the course in this captivating landscape, and they're precisely what makes riding here so enchanting. But they also underscore the need for unswerving protection.

Remember that your helmet is more than just a piece of stylish riding gear. It's the embodiment of your commitment to safety, your dedication to your craft, and your assurance that you'll continue to enjoy the beauty of the equestrian world, no matter what the journey holds.

Our Riding Helmet Safety Checklist

From checking for certification to understanding the importance of regular practice, each item on this checklist contributes to your well-being as an equestrian enthusiast.

1. Check for Certification

The first item on your safety checklist is to ensure your riding helmet is certified. Hats often go through various safety tests to ensure the rider is protected, meaning they receive safety certifications. This provides peace of mind, and more often than not, when competing riders must wear a riding helmet that meets safety standards. Therefore, you should always buy a hat that is certified like those designed by Charles Owen.

2. Proper Fit

Your riding helmet should fit snugly on your head without being too tight. It should sit level on your head, covering your forehead. Ensure it doesn't tilt backward, forward, or to the side. If your helmet moves too easily, it's too big.

3. Chin Strap Security

The chin strap should be securely fastened, keeping the helmet in place. You should be able to fit two fingers between your chin and the strap. This ensures comfort and safety.

4. Regular Inspection of Your Riding Hat

Make helmet inspection a routine. Check for any visible damage, cracks, or dents. If you notice any, it's time to replace the helmet, as it might not offer adequate protection.

5. Proper Care

Store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the materials. You can also purchase a helmet cover to protect it from the elements, and to keep it clean while you are on an adventure.

6. Replace Your Helmet After Impact

If your helmet has been involved in a fall or impact, it's crucial to replace it. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the structural integrity may be compromised. Highland Industrial Supplies is proud to offer a range of riding helmets, from some of the top brands in the industry.

7. Choose an Appropriate Riding Helmet

Different riding activities might require different types of helmets. For instance, a cross-country helmet might have a different design and additional features compared to a dressage helmet. Ensure you choose the right helmet for your specific activity.

8. Riding Helmet Age

Helmets have a lifespan, typically around five years. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific helmet you own and replace it if it's past its prime. Make sure you choose a reputable and approved dealer when choosing to replace your riding hat.

9. Regular Practice

While the only official UK legislation pertaining to riding hats mandates that riders aged 14 and below must wear a hat in compliance with current regulations when riding on public roads, it is advisable to always wear your helmet while riding, regardless of your level of experience. Be a role model for others, especially for younger riders who may be observing.

Looking for the Perfect Riding Helmet?

Your safety should be non-negotiable when riding. Your riding helmet is your best defence against head injuries. By following our checklist, you can ensure you're prepared and protected every time you saddle up. Don't forget to share this information with your fellow riders to promote a culture of safety in the equestrian community. Stay safe and enjoy your rides in Scotland's beautiful landscapes!

At Highland Industrial Supplies, we are committed to providing you with the best riding gear to keep you safe and comfortable. Visit us in-store or online to explore our range of high-quality riding helmets to make sure you're well-equipped for your equestrian adventures.

Terms and Conditions

Phone Number: 01463 239 160

Fax Number: 01463 233 424

We are happy to take orders via Fax or email. We are happy to take orders from Local Government, Schools, Colleges and Charities. Just fax or email your order to us and we will contact you to arrange payment. We can supply pre-sale invoices for your Purchase Orders.

CHEQUES. You may also pay by cheque. Cheque should be made out to "Highland Industrial Supplies Ltd". You should allow 7 working days for cheques to clear, after which the goods will be dispatched (subject to stock availability).

You have the right to cancel an order which is not built to special requirements. Please return the items to us within 28 days from the date they were received. Your delivery will contain a retuns slip, please complete this indicating if you require a refund or replacement. Goods must be returned in an unused state, and with their original packaging. The customer should obtain proof of postage or send goods via recorded delivery. The consumer is liable to pay for the cost of returning the goods to ourselves.

Making a Purchase

Making a purchase could not be easier. Just browse our Catalogue, and click on any items that you wish to buy and put them into the shopping cart. After you have finished your selection, click on "Order" and you will be asked for a few details that we need to be able to satisfy the order.

CREDIT CARDS: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Delta, Switch and Solo cards.

Collect in Store

You can choose to collect your order from one of our depots rather than having us deliver your items to you. If you select this option in the checkout, our customer service department will contact you when your order is ready for collection. In the checkout, simply select one of the following depots which is the most convenient for you.

Inverness Elgin Turriff Dundee Perth Fort William Kirkwall

Shipping and Handling

We recommend that goods should be inspected before they are signed for, as goods obviously damaged in transit should be REFUSED. You must notify us as soon as possible and ideally within 24 hours if at all possible, if your goods are subsequently found to be damaged.

If you buy more than one item you will only incur a single delivery charge. You will be charged the highest delivery charge relating to your order.

For example: if you buy 3 items each with a delivery charge of £6.95 then you will incur a single payment of £6.95 (not 3 x £6.95!). If however, you buy 2 items each with a delivery charge of £6.95 and 1 item with a delivery charge of £10.95 then you will pay a single delivery charge of £10.95 for the total order.

Please note that all goods must be signed for on delivery. If you are not at home when your order is delivered, a card will be posted through your door with details regarding collection/re-delivery.

Guarantee

In additional to your legal rights relating to faulty or misdescribed goods, all products come with manufacturer's warranty of between 1 and 5 years. In the unlikely event that your purchase develops a fault within the warranty period, HIS Ltd will refer you to your local dealership where the product will be examined by their qualified technicians and repaired as per the warranty details.

Returns Policy

At HIS Ltd we DO NOT operate a "Try & Return" policy. Faulty goods should be notified to us within 3 working days. If the option of taking them to a local dealership is not available then faulty goods should be returned to our head office. We can arrange courier collection at your cost. For Non-Faulty goods, please inform us within 14 days of receipt of your intention to return them. We must then receive them back within the following 14 days. (Excluding special order items).

All items must be returned in the same condition they were received.

Ordering

An online order through this website constitutes an offer to purchase the item(s) specified by you and does not constitute acceptance of your offer to purchase from us. Your purchase request will be reviewed by a member of our staff and you will be advised when the order has been accepted, normally within 12 hours of your offer. An unsuccessful purchase request will result in a full refund of any monies paid by you to HIS Ltd.