Best Toddler Horse Riding Helmet for 2024

The best age to learn anything is ‘as soon as you can’. The sooner, the better, as they say. For me, my first experience riding a horse was when I was about 4 years old.

I can still remember quite clearly my feelings of wow and fear all at the same time as the horse seemed huge and it was a long way down to the ground. Keeping in mind that there were no horse riding helmets for toddlers at that time, I think my fear was justified.

Fortunately, I didn’t fall off, and I lived to enjoy many more days on the back of a horse during that summer.

If you have horses of your own, then that’s all the more reason to get your toddler started as soon as possible. This will remove any chance of fear of these huge animals developing, plus it helps to get the horses used to having that ‘little person’ around them.

Toddler on horse back.
Image courtesy pikist.com

Disclosure: As an Avantlink and Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Statement.

Toddler Horse Riding Helmet Comparison Table

Toddler Size range
Name / Image Size Inches CM Hat Size
Troxel Spirit
Troxel Spirit Pink Dreamscape Horse Riding Helmet Pinkdreamscape XS
Extra Small 19⅝” – 20⅜” 50 – 52 6¼ – 6½
IRH Equi-Pro
IRH Horseback Riding Safety Ergonomic Washable Rear Side Ventilation Equestrian Equi-Pro Helmet, Matte Navy, X-Small
X Small 19⅜” – 20⅛” 49.2 – 51 6⅛ – 6⅜
Ovation
Metallic Schooler
Ovation Metallic Schooler Helmet XS/S Teal
XXS/XS
XS/S
18 – 19½
19⅞” – 20⅜”
46 – 50
48 – 52
5¾ – 6¼
6 – 6½
Ovation
Schooler Deluxe
Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet, Size: XXS/XS (467566VBKBKXXSX), Black/Black Vents
XXS/XS
XS/S
18 – 19½
19⅞” – 20⅜”
46 – 50
48 – 52
5¾ – 6¼
6 – 6½
TuffRider
Show Time Plus
TuffRider Show Time Plus Helmet 6 3/8 Black
X-Small 19″ – 20⅜” 49 – 52 6 – 6⅜
TuffRider
Starter Basic
TuffRider Starter Basic Equestrian Horse Riding Helmet - Gray - Extra Small
X-Small 19″ – 20⅜” 49 – 52 6 – 6⅜

Best Toddler Horse Riding Helmets

1. Troxel Spirit Horseback Riding Helmet

The Troxel Spirit is a very popular horse riding helmet and has well-deserved, fantastic reviews from previous purchasers. It is available in several different colors and patterns, at least one of which I’m sure your toddler will love.

Troxel Spirit Pink Dreamscape Horse Riding Helmet Pinkdreamscape XS

Troxel Spirit
Riding Helmet


X-Small Size
(Hat Size 6¼ – 6½)
*Other sizes and colors available*
Fixed Air Vents
FlipFold system
DialFit system
FlexVisor
ASTM/SEI-certified

There is absolutely no reason why you can’t achieve a perfect fit with this helmet, as it comes with the rear dial-fit system, as well as the FlipFold system which is part of the helmet’s inner liner.

You can simply adjust the fit by folding over the padded tab to increase or decrease the padding to suit your toddler’s head size or hairstyle. Not only that but the FlipFold system is completely removable and washable.

The Troxel Spirit has large vents for better ventilation and increased comfort. And like all Troxel equestrian helmets, it is SEI/ASTM certified for your child’s safety.

Also worthy of mentioning is Troxel’s Accident Replacement policy. If the helmet has the misfortune of being involved in an accident within two years of purchase, Troxel will replace it for a nominal fee.

IMPORTANT: How To Know Your Helmet Size

Troxel Spirit™ Riding Helmet

Courtesy TroxelHelmets on Youtube.

2. IRH Equi-Pro Horse Riding Helmet

International Riding Helmets have done a great job creating the Equi-Pro riding helmet.

The geometric front vent design has proven to be extremely effective to allow cool air in through the front vents which then passes over the rider’s head before exiting out the back vents. This will keep your toddler cool, comfortable, and focused during his ride.

IRH Horseback Riding Safety Ergonomic Washable Rear Side Ventilation Equestrian Equi-Pro Helmet, Matte Navy, X-Small

IRH Equi-Pro
Horse Riding Helmet


X-Small Size
(Hat Size 6⅛ – 6⅜)
*Other sizes and colors available*
Fixed Air Vents
Cool-On-Lining
Dial Fit system
Removable Visor
ASTM/SEI-certified

The Equi-Pro features the IRH Dial-Fit-System to allow an easy adjustment for the perfect fit at the twist of a dial.

On the inside, the Cool-On-Lining has hi-tech moisture-wicking fabric which draws moisture away from your toddler’s head to keep him cool.

The Cool-On-Lining is completely removable, washable, and replaceable when needed.

The IRH Equi-Pro horse riding helmet meets or exceeds ASTM F1163-15 safety standards, and is available in the X-Small size which equates to a Hat Size of 6 1/8 – 6 3/8, which is the same as 49.2 – 51cm (19 3/8″ = 20 1/8″).

This sturdy and stylish helmet is available at a very realistic price.

IMPORTANT: How To Know Your Helmet Size

IRH Equi-Pro II Review

Courtesy EQceptional Equine on Youtube.

3. Ovation Metallic Schooler Riding Helmet

Ovation is another great brand of equestrian helmets, and their Schooler line of helmets are great for getting toddlers and other youngsters involved in this worthwhile sport/pastime/lifestyle.

Ovation Metallic Schooler Helmet XS/S Teal

Ovation Metallic Schooler
Riding Helmet


XXS/XS (Hat Size 5¾ – 6¼)
XS/S (Hat Size 6 – 6½)
*Other sizes and colors available*
Fixed Air Vents
Washable Comfort Liner
Dial Fit system
Removable Visor
ASTM/SEI-certified

The Ovation Metallic Schooler riding helmet is a lightweight, low-profile helmet with a metallic finish. For convenience, it has an adjustment fit-dial that has extra strong teeth to attain the ultimate fitting.

The front visor is removable if you don’t want the visor.

On the inside, the comfort liner is fully removable and washable. The inside is kept cool by way of external vents at the top and sides for maximum airflow and ultimate comfort for your toddler’s head.

The Ovation Metallic Schooler features Ovation’s exclusive YKK adjuster clip and buckle, which are positioned to stay out of the rider’s face.

All Ovation helmets are certified to ATSM standards, and there is also a Helmet Replacement Policy if your helmet is involved in an accident for up to 3 years from the date of purchase.

IMPORTANT: How To Know Your Helmet Size


4. Ovation Deluxe Schooler Riding Helmet

Now we come to that awkward moment when the marketing material for the next helmet on our short-list, the Ovation Deluxe Schooler riding helmet, says exactly word-for-word the same as the previous helmet, the Ovation Metallic Schooler Riding Helmet.

Ovation Deluxe Schooler Helmet, Size: XXS/XS (467566VBKBKXXSX), Black/Black Vents

Ovation Deluxe Schooler
Riding Helmet


XXS/S (Hat Size 5¾ – 6¼)
XS/S (Hat Size 6 – 6½)
*Other sizes and colors available*
Fixed Air Vents
Washable Comfort Liner
Dial Fit system
Removable Visor
ASTM/SEI-certified

However, there are some subtle differences. The Ovation Metallic Schooler has a shiny metallic finish, while the Ovation Deluxe Schooler has more of a matte finish.

The other difference is that the Ovation Deluxe Schooler costs a few dollars less than the Metallic Schooler.

IMPORTANT: How To Know Your Helmet Size


5. TuffRider Show Time Plus Helmet

If you like glittery, sparkly things, then you’ll probably love the TuffRider Show Time Plus helmet as it has a sparkly section over the top.

TuffRider Show Time Plus Helmet 6 3/8 Black

TuffRider Showtime Plus
Riding Helmet


X-Small (Hat Size 6 – 6⅜)
*Other sizes and colors available*
ABS Shell
Washable CoolMax Liner
Dial Fit system
Padded Chin Strap
ASTM/SEI-certified

The durable ABS shell features a soft suede look with inconspicuous ventilation slots which are small and form part of the glossy border between the helmet proper and the top glittery section.

The EPS liner is lined with beautiful cushioned padding which adds to the great look of this show-quality helmet.

On the inside, the Coolmax lining provides comfort, while the ventilation provides a cool, dry head. The lining is removable and washable for your toddler’s comfort.

The TuffRider Show Time Plus helmet is affordable with a top-of-the-line appearance but is only available in black. It is SEI/ASTM F1163-15 certified.

IMPORTANT: How To Know Your Helmet Size


6. TuffRider Starter Basic Riding Helmet

If you’re looking for just a basic riding helmet while you see whether your toddler is interested in horse riding, then look no further than the TuffRider Starter Basic Horse Riding Helmet.

The TuffRider Starter Basic helmet is perfect for your toddler as it is lightweight, yet strong enough to protect, all the while looking totally professional.

TuffRider Starter Basic Equestrian Horse Riding Helmet - Gray - Extra Small

TuffRider Starter Basic
Riding Helmet


X-Small (Hat Size 6 – 6⅜)
*Other sizes and colors available*
ABS Shell
Washable CoolMax Liner
Dial Fit system
Padded Chin Strap
ASTM/SEI-certified

Available at a very reasonable price, the TuffRider Starter Basic comes with all the safety features of the more expensive brands, including SEI/ASTM F1163-15 certification. The rear dial-fit system can be adjusted to customize the fit to your child’s head size.

The Starter Basic helmet is available in five colors with a shiny satin finish. Your toddler will totally look the part as the helmet is perfect for both riding lessons and trail riding. The chin strap is padded to avoid chaffing of your child’s soft skin.

Strategically placed front and rear vents provide adequate air-flow to keep any head cool. The internal padding is soft and comfortable, and is completely removable and washable.

This stylish and lightweight helmet is available in several sizes from X-Small to Large. The X-Small size equates to a Hat Size of 6 – 6⅜, which is the same as 49 – 52cm (19″ = 20⅜″).

IMPORTANT: How To Know Your Helmet Size


What Is A Toddler

There are a couple of things we need to be clear about before we go any further. The first is the differentiation between a toddler and a kid, or child, or pre-schooler.

This is important because all of the helmets that we have chosen above are for very small heads.

The definition of a toddler that I will go with is a child aged between 1 year and 3 years (though that can be extended to 4 years in some cases). That being, a child who has started walking or is walking but toddles or waddles as they walk.

So, if you’re looking for a helmet for your 6-year-old, then you probably need to look at larger-sized versions of the helmets above. That is after you have measured your 6-year old’s head first!

Related Article: Scooter Helmets for Toddlers

The Right Helmet Size

This leads us to our second point, ‘age’. Never ask for a helmet for a 3-year-old, or a 4-year-old, or any year old. Kids, like adults, are all different. Some have small heads for their age, and some have larger heads for their age.

You need to look for a helmet that is ‘the right measurement for your toddler’s head size’. You need to get a tape measure and measure exactly the correct size for your child’s head!

Please refer to our page on ‘How to know your helmet size‘. The way to measure a child’s head is exactly the same as measuring an adult’s head, which is described in the linked article.

Many equestrian helmet sizes are shown in ‘hat size’, while others will show XS, S, M, L. etc. I would recommend you measure your child’s head in centimeters, then check the helmet size chart to see which hat size correlates to the centimeter measurement that you need.

This content was originally published on headsdontbounce.com. If it appears on another website, it is a violation of the copyright owned by headsdontbounce.com.

I hope we have helped in your search for a ‘toddler horse riding helmet’ to your satisfaction. If you enjoyed this article, feel free to leave a comment or question below. Thanks!

If you liked this post, why not share it with your friends.
Pinterest icon Facebook icon

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *