You’ve probably seen some cool videos from a horse riding helmet camera and want to try it out yourself.
I don’t blame you, it looks pretty fun to record your ride looking between your horse’s ears!
I’ve put together a guide of 10 of the best helmet camera for horse riding on your riding hat.
Let’s take a look!
Check: Best Equestrian Helmets to Try
Helmet Cameras for Horse Riders Top Picks at a Glance
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- RunCam 2 FPV Camera (WINNER)
Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
10 Best Horse Riding Helmet Camera (Reviews)
When you start looking, you’ll see that there is a lot of choices and it gets pretty confusing. After a setback questioning the safety of using a helmet cam, BBC Saftey requested a review carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).
The study found "In fact, in not one of over 70 tests on various helmet types, mounting types or mounting positions did the presence of the camera cause the helmet to ‘fail’ the injury threshold standards."
Since then their use has grown loads in popularity, so much so that you can easily get overwhelmed. This brings me back to my all-time favorites.
Most cameras are for capturing action doing a variety of activities, so what ones will work as a horse riding helmet cam?
Here are 10 great options for horse riders to suit a variety of budgets.
#1 RunCam 2 FPV Camera (WINNER)
There are lots of cameras available that you can find a way to mount onto your riding helmet. However, one of the most important features riders needs is something lightweight. The RunCam is a small and very light camera that has lots of great features.
The wide-angle lens will capture all the action as you gallop through the countryside, along the beach, or go jumping. It also records in 1080p, which means the picture quality is good.
I really like how this camera has Wi-Fi, so you can quickly connect it via an app to preview it and download it. It also comes with a lens hood, which helps prevent too much light from leaking in and causing problems with the image quality.
You can easily turn it on and off to control your recording with the simple push of a button. The micro USB slot is protected by a door that prevents it from falling out while you are moving or even if you fall off.
What of the best features of this horse riding helmet cam is that you get 60 to 90 minutes of recording time from a fully charged battery. The kit comes with one replaceable 850mAh battery.
With the battery in it weighs only 49 grams. That’s pretty light!
The price is pretty good as well, coming in at under $100.
Physical Attributes
- Lens hood
- Comes in black or orange
- USB power input
- 850 mAh battery
- 4 megapixels sensor resolution
- 1 mount
- 1 USB cable
Measurements
- Weighs just 49 grams
- 66mm(L) x 38mm(W) x 21mm(H)
Benefits & Drawbacks of RunCam 2 FPV Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Small and lightweight |
Poor instruction manual |
|
USB charging |
Bit tricky to mount on a riding helmet |
|
Wi-Fi |
Needs airflow or it can overheat |
|
Good price |
How it Compares to Others and Why
For a good value light camera for riding helmets, this is one of the best options in my guide.
Expert Tips
The camera lens is sensitive to smudging, which will affect your image quality. Be careful not to touch the lens and keep it clean. Learn how to set up this camera here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTAzng1NsTk
Check: Best Horse Riding Helmet Bag
#2 Black Box Mobius Pro Mini Action Camera
The Black Box Mobius is a great budget-friendly camera that equestrians can mount onto their riding helmet. It can record in full 1080P HD, so you know your videos will have great clarity.
It has an excellent bit rate, so you know it will be able to keep up with the action. The recording time is one of the best available for such a small camera at such a reasonable price. When your battery is full, you can expect to get 100 to 140 minutes of power.
There are no special cables needed to charge the camera up. All you need is a USB charging cable. One of my favorite features of the horse riding helmet camera is that works in low light. That means you can use it if you are riding in an indoor arena.
Physical Attributes
- HD video
- 820 mAh battery
- Records audio
- Mount base
- Velcro sleeve
- Lens cover
- USB cable
Measurements
- Weighs 1 ounce
- Dimensions are 2” x 1” x 1”
Benefits & Drawbacks of Black Box Mobius Pro Mini Action Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Budget friendly |
The package doesn’t include the instruction manual, you have to search online for the PDF |
|
Long battery life |
Not waterproof |
|
HD video |
Can be slow to charge |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This is one of the cheaper cameras I’ve included in this guide. It’s not perfect, but it packs a lot of punch for the money.
Expert Tips
There is software for this mini camera. Many users recommend getting this and using it. You will get better results. World famous jockey Mike Smith is a big fan of helmet cameras. He has this to say about them: "It's like playing a video game, it literally puts you in the saddle," Smith said. "When you look at it on TV, you feel like you're on the horse."
Check: Best Visors for Horse Riding Helmets
#3 GoPro HERO8
GoPro is one of the most famous portable action cameras. They are made for recording during various activities making them one of the best horse riding helmet cameras. Despite it being a larger camera it is one of the best options for equestrian sports.
Ever wonder what it's like to ride one of the most prestigious and challenging cross country courses in the world? Get a between the ears view of the Land Rover Kentucky Three Days event with top eventing rider Elisa Wallace using a GoPro Hero.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqo_lNZXWUo
Physical Attributes
- Head strap
- Wi-Fi
- HyperSmooth
- 32GB SD card
- 4K UHD 2160P video capability
- Fisheye lens
Measurements
- Weighs 4.32 ounces
- Dimensions 1.14” x 1.89” x 2.6”
Benefits & Drawbacks of GoPro HERO8
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Kit comes with everything you need |
Expensive |
|
High quality smooth video |
A little big for a horse riding hat |
|
Waterproof |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The GoPro is expensive compared to the other options. But you get a reputable brand the creates excellent video and the camera comes with everything you need.
Expert Tips
This camera works best outside in good light.
#4 Drift Ghost XL Waterproof Action Camera
If you want one of the best battery life helmet cameras for horse riders then check out the Drift Ghost. This camera is a little large but it is sleek and has a rotating lens.
Physical Attributes
- External microphone capability
- 9-hours of battery life
- Rotatable lens
- Waterproof
Measurements
- Dimensions 3.62” x 1.85” x 1.38”
- Weighs 4.59 ounces
Benefits & Drawbacks of Drift Ghost XL Waterproof Action Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Fantastic battery life |
Software interface is poor |
|
Can use in the rain |
Video quality isn’t as good as could be |
|
Takes a large SD card up to 128GB |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The best feature of this helmet camera is its battery life. It has good quality video but not the best compared to others.
Expert Tips
Most cameras that you mount on a riding helmet will leave some kind of mark when you remove it. It is a good idea to only use them on riding hats that you don’t save for horse shows.
#5 AKASO V50X Native 4K30fps WiFi Action Camera
The Akaso is similar to the GoPro in size and ability. However, it comes in at a more affordable price. It has good battery life, a touch screen, and a helmet mount.
Physical Attributes
- Helmet mount
- Adjustable viewing angle
- 180-minutes battery life
- Image stabilization
- 4k video
Measurements
- Dimension 2.36” x 1.57” x 1.18”
- Weighs 1.12 pounds
Benefits & Drawbacks of AKASO V50X Native 4K30fps WiFi Action Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Touch screen |
Heavy |
|
HD video |
Sound quality is lacking |
|
Waterproof |
|
|
Built-in Wi-Fi |
How it Compares to Others and Why
If you want something similar to a GoPro but at a more affordable price, I really like this product compared to the others.
Expert Tips
Unfortunately, this camera doesn’t have a lens cap. But a great tip I picked up is that a Coke bottle cap fits well. Just make sure to line the cap with some foam paper and you’re all set!
#6 Sena PT10-10 Multi Prism Tube WiFi Action Camera for Helmet
This is a discreet camera that is designed specifically for mounting helmets.
Physical Attributes
- 1 Lithium polymer battery
- Wi-Fi
- Comes in black
- 125-degree field of view
Measurements
- Weighs 12.6 ounces
- Dimensions 5.5” x 8.9” x 1.8”
Benefits & Sena PT10-10 Multi Prism Tube WiFi Action Camera for Helmet
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Made for helmets |
Poor app |
|
Wi-Fi |
Very slow Wi-Fi transfer |
|
One-Touch recording |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This camera is specifically designed to mount on a helmet. However, it is slightly more expensive than some of the others but the cost doesn’t mean it is a better camera.
Expert Tips
If you like everything else about this camera, transfer your videos by connecting them directly to your computer instead of using the Wi-Fi feature.
When mounting this camera you will have to put it in a different place than this expert does in this video, but it's a great explanation of how to set up the camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCxD_FY9kk
#7 Insta360 GO 2 – Small Action Camera
I like how this camera is small and light. You can also mount it vertically or horizontally.
Physical Attributes
- Image stabilization
- Pocket size case
- Lens guard
- 32GB internal storage
Measurements
- Weighs just 1 ounce
- Dimensions 2.08” x 0.93” x 0.81”
Benefits & Drawbacks of Insta360 GO 2 – Small Action Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Waterproof |
iOS and app connectivity is poor |
|
Case is also a charger |
A little tricky to learn how to use |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The size of this camera is small and light. You can mount it in various places unlike some of the others. However, it is one of the most expensive options.
Expert Tips
The run time on this camera is only 30-minutes, so bring your pocket case with you that can give you extra charge when you’re out in about. To get the best possible video, take a look at these great tips from the brand itself.
Check Price on B&H Photo Video
#8 Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
For those who want a good action cam for horse riding but have a tight budget, this has to be one of my favorite options. Let’s check it out.
It is very popular with users and only costs $70.
Physical Attributes
- 4x zoom
- Wifi
- Waterproof
- Remote control
- Comes with two 1050mAh rechargeable batteries
Measurements
- Dimensions 2.36” x 1.18” x 1.97”
- Weighs 5.28 ounces
Benefits & Drawbacks of Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
4k video capability |
Remote control is not waterproof |
|
The remote is a wrist strap |
A bit large and heavy |
|
Great budget price |
|
|
90 minutes recording time gets you lots of helmet camera footage |
How it Compares to Others and Why
When your camera is mounted on your helmet you can easily operate it by the remote control which you wear on your wrist. This is a really cool feature that a lot of others don’t have to leave you free to capture amazing helmet cam footage.
Expert Tips
When using an external storage card, make sure you format it before putting it in use. Connecting an app to this camera is confusing. Watch this expert user figure it out for you in this helpful video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS431nPfo7w
If you have a young horse rider that keeps asking for a helmet camera but you are worried about something so expensive for a child, then look no further.
This camera is designed for kids and they can put it on their riding hats. Plus, it’s a fantastic price!
This product has tons of positive feedback, like this user "My 8 year old can use it easily, it also takes videos and has cute filters on it."
Physical Attributes
- Waterproof outer casing
- Comes in four fun colors - pink, blue, green, and red
- 1080p video
- Lithium battery
- USB cable
- Helmet mount
Measurements
- 1.77 inches LCD screen
- Weighs 1.6 ounces
Benefits & Drawbacks of PROGRACE Children Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
Comes with 40 funny effects for adorable video |
Memory card hard to push in and take out |
|
Comes with 7 color filters |
|
|
Only $40 |
|
|
Great starter camera for kids |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Unlike the others, this camera is made especially for kids. It is versatile so it can be used for lots of activities including as a horse riding helmet camera.
Expert Tips
This camera doesn’t come with a micro SD card but you can pick up a compatible 32GB one for less than $10.
#10 DJI Osmo Action - 4K Action Camera
Despite its small size, this camera is packed with the latest features.
This happy rider got some great riding footage with their Osmo Action riding in the countryside. Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y29f5ALbkK0
Physical Attributes
- Dual LCD screen
- RockSteady technology
- 4K HDR video
- 1080p resolution
- Waterproof
- Three aspherical layers lens
Measurements
- Dimensions 2.56” x 1.65” x 1.38”
- 4.4 ounces
Benefits & Drawbacks of DJI Osmo Action - 4K Action Camera
|
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
|
8x slow motion |
Can overheat |
|
Voice control |
Expensive |
|
Lots of features to get perfect shots |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This camera is pretty expensive. It produces good quality video but lacks HDMI output like many GoPros which are around the same price.
Expert Tips
You will need 1 Lithium polymer rechargeable battery for this camera. I find it’s always good to have a second one charged up so you don’t get caught out.
Check Price on B&H Photo Video
Things to Consider When Buying Helmet Cameras For Horse Riding
When buying helmet cameras for horse riding there are a few features that you can’t go without.
Durability
Spending time around the barn and with horses means your gear can take a beating. Helmet cameras for horse riders need to be fairly tough as they will be exposed to the elements, horses, and dirt.
Waterproof
While a waterproof camera isn’t essential, I recommend you get one that it. It means you can use it in the rain and don’t have to worry about mud or water from the ground damaging it.
Size and Mount
Very few cameras are made specifically for horse riding helmets. When choosing one for equestrian activities you will need one that is secure as you don’t want it to fall off as your jumping or galloping. A helmet camera mount is essential. Also, lighter and smaller will mean that you are less likely to notice it on your riding hat.
If you have chosen a GoPro, check out this video that shows you how to attach it to your riding helmet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GERgCpGIEjg
FAQs
With the overwhelming choice of small, mountable action cameras it is no surprise you have questions. Here are a few answers to help you out.
Which GoPro is best for horse riding?
GoPro makes some amazing cameras for extreme sports but one of the best ones for horse riding is the GoPro Hero.
How do you attach a GoPro to a horse riding helmet?
The best way to attach a GoPro head cam to a horse riding helmet is to use the GoPro head strap. The insides are grippy to help it stay on.
Make sure that the rings to you slot the GoPro into are at the front of your helmet reset on the peak. Some people also like to use a chest harness for their GoPro.
Can you mount a camera on a helmet?
Yes, you can mount a camera on a helmet. You will need a mount designed for helmets. These will have a curve and are usually permanent.
Conclusion
The GoPro is the most famous action camera and the one you will find loads of horse rider footage. It is a great choice but it isn't the most price friendly.
You might have to do some experimenting the find the best place to put your camera but so long as it is secure, you're all set. I'm looking forward to seeing all your amazing videos!
Resources
- 1. Rybaltowski M. Mike Smith Views Jockey Helmet Cam As Wave Of The Future Ahead Of Breeders’ Cup Launch . Forbes. . Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattrybaltowski/2017/11/03/mike-smith-views-jockey-helmet-cam-as-wave-of-the-future-ahead-of-breeders-cup-launch/?sh=215e01ea2dd6
- 2. Insta360 GO 2 Pro Tips & Best Settings for High-Quality Videos . Insta360 Blog. 2021 . Available from: https://blog.insta360.com/insta360-go-2-pro-tips-best-settings-for-high-quality-videos/
What is your favorite horse riding helmet camera? Let us know in the comments below!