A helmet cover horse riding is a fun way to express your personality while protecting your hat.
There seems like there are literally a million options to choose from!
But luckily, riding hat covers are an uncomplicated basic item.
Let's start with a quick look at our top picks equestrian protection covers, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
Also Check: Best Horse Riding Helmet Camera in the video below.
Top Horse Riding Helmet Covers at a Glance
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Harrison Howard Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Winner
Ovation Winter Helmet Cover
Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Rainbow & Unicorn
Rhinestone Black Velvet Helmet Cover
Champion Ventair Helmet Cover
Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
8 Best Horse Riding Helmet Covers (Review)
I’ve taken the work out for you! Here I’m sharing my all-time favorite horse riding helmet accessories. I know you’re going to love these as much as I do!
#1 Harrison Howard Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Winner
There are literally hundreds of different horse riding hat covers available. Most are pretty reasonably priced but this is the best value for money option.
That’s why I’ve chosen the Harrison Howard Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover as my winner.
While it doesn’t have some of the flairs that my other favorites do, it is still sleek and attractive. It does come in five different colors, so you can even get a couple of different ones to change up your look.
The navy is great if you need something to protect your helmet that is conservative. But if you to to have some fun, then you can go for the pink, purple, red, or bright blue.
The material is soft and flexible, so it will fit most riding hats. It will help keep your helmet clean and prevent scratches. The edge is trimmed with elastic, which ensures it fits snugly.
Features & Attributes
- Five color choices - navy, red, pink, bright blue, and purple
- Elastic edge
- Visor pocket
- Elastic fabric
Measurements
- Universal fit
- Weighs 0.08
Benefits & Drawbacks of Harrison Howard Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Water repellent | No fun prints or patterns are available |
| Prevents helmet scratch | If you get cold, you’ll want winter cover |
| Cheapest price | |
| Snug fit | |
| Plenty of colors |
How it Compares to Others
This is a good quality durable horse riding hat cover. It is cheaper than the others making it the most budget-friendly.
Expert Tips
If you spend time trail riding or riding on the road then extra safety precautions are essential.
The British Horse Society recommends all horse riders dress themselves and their horse in Hi-Viz gear in these circumstances. This includes a Hi-Viz helmet cover.
#2 Ovation Winter Helmet Cover
I love this helmet cover for riding in the winter. My ears start to hurt when it gets cold. Add cold air moving past my ears when riding and they get really sore.
For people like me, this is a real life saver. Because a riding helmet must fit snuggly it is impossible to wear a hat or headband under it. This helmet cover solves that problem.
The color choice is pretty boring but the fleece ear warmer feature makes up for it. Not only does it keep your ears warm, but the fleece straps also wrap around your face, keeping your cheeks, mouth, and chin toasty warm.
To top it all off they sell for one of the lowest prices and will suit those with a limited budget.
Features & Attributes
- Stretchy spandex helmet cover
- Fleece wrap
- Hook and loop closure
- Comes in black or navy
Measurements
- Weighs 0.3 Pounds
- Comes in one size
Benefits & Drawbacks of Ovation Winter Helmet Cover
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Very stretchy | Too hot for warm weather |
| Fits most helmets snuggly | |
| Warm and cozy | A bit too tight for large head size riding hats |
| Soft fleece |
How it Compares to Others
The price of this helmet cover is cheap at less than $15. It is super warm and one of the few helmet covers suitable for winter horse riding.
Expert Tips
The FEI (International Federation For Equestrian Sports) recommends wearing fleece when riding in the winter as it does not hold on to moisture.
#3 Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Rainbow & Unicorn
This is so cute! OK, it is more for kids but I have to admit I would use it anyway. It is fun and colorful and is a great gift for kids in your life that horse ride.
Features & Attributes
- Made from lycra
- Black base color
- Decorated with white unicorns, rainbows, hearts, and stars
- Black peak bow
Measurements
- Weighs 0.04 pounds
- One size
Benefits & Drawbacks of Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Rainbow & Unicorn
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Fun colors | A little expensive |
| Kids will love it | |
| Fits most helmets | |
| Made in the USA |
How it Compares to Others
This is one of my favorites because it is so adorable. It is one of the most fun options I’ve included in my guide. However, it is more expensive than some to the others.
Expert Tips
Whatever cover you put on your helmet, a hat in excellent condition is essential for safety. Charles Owen, a leading equestrian riding helmet brand does extensive research into safety.
They recommend that riders always replace their riding hat every 5 years even if they don’t have a fall as the protective materials lose their quality over time.
#4 Rhinestone Black Velvet Helmet Cover
If bright, chaotic colors aren’t your style, I’ve got one of the prettiest and most elegant helmet covers for horse riding for you. The cover comes in a simple black but is dolled up with just the right amount of bling.
Features & Attributes
- Genuine Swarovski Crystals trim the front
- Comes in black
- Stretchy velvet
Measurements
- One size
- Weighs 0.02 Pounds
Benefits & Drawbacks of Rhinestone Black Velvet Helmet Cover
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Traditional velvet look | Expensive |
| Classy | Doesn’t fit skull caps |
| Fits more helmets | |
| Sparkles, because well who doesn’t love sparkles? |
How it Compares to Others
The Swarovski Crystals make this one of the most expensive covers for horseback riding helmets.
Expert Tips
The education and charitable association, Extension Horses, Inc, offers some riding hat safety tips we should all take on board. One of their best tips is that a properly fitted helmet chin strap is secured snuggly.
If you want more advice about fitting a riding helmet, check out this video from one of my favorite brands, Troxel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pifjAhd_tKc
#5 Champion Ventair Helmet Cover
The Champion Ventair cover is designed with this specific helmet model in mind.
Features & Attributes
- Mesh ventilation strip
- Comes in bright pink, navy, or black with pink mesh
- Stretchy spandex type material
Measurements
- One size
Benefits & Drawbacks of Champion Ventair Helmet Cover
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Mesh strip runs over the airflow slots of the helmet Good price |
Might fit other helmets but really only suited to the Champion Ventair |
| Good price |
How it Compares to Others
Unlike the others, this hat cover is made with one specific model in mind, which limits its versatility. However, it has mesh so that the helmet’s ventilation slots don’t get blocked, which is a feature I really like!
Expert Tips
The BHS (British Horse Society) is one of the most respected organizations in the world when it comes to education and equestrian welfare. When it comes to riding hats, they suggest equestrians store them in a bag designed for helmets.
Check Price on Equus
#6 Tough 1 Winter Helmet Cover
To give you other options for horseback riding helmet covers to use in the winter I’ve included this great choice.
Features & Attributes
- Comes in black
- Stretchy lycra
- Fleece ear, neck, cheeks, and neck warmer
Measurements
- Weighs 0.13 pounds
- One size
Benefits & Drawbacks of Tough 1 Winter Helmet Cover
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Perfect for cold days | You’ll have to get a different cover for the summer |
| Soft fleece | |
| Reasonable price |
How it Compares to Others
This horse riding helmet cover is very similar to the Ovation one I mentioned earlier. However, unlike the Ovation, there is only one color choice. It is also slightly more expensive than the Ovation but still costs under $20.
Expert Tips
The BHS advises riders to never leave their helmet in direct sunlight as it degrades the protective qualities more quickly than normal.
Check Price on State Line Tack
Check Price on Tractor Supply
#7 Sugar Skulls Equestrian Helmet Cover
If you want a colorful, fun option this is one of the best helmet cover choices out there. In my opinion, teens will find this cover particularly appealing.
Features & Attributes
- Pink bow above the peak
- Black base color
- Visor pocket
- Pink and purple flowers
- Colorful skulls
Measurements
- Weighs 0.11 pounds
- One size
Benefits & Drawbacks of Sugar Skulls Equestrian Helmet Cover
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Very cool style | Aesthetic for teens mostly |
| Bright colors | |
| Fits most helmets |
How it Compares to Others
This isn’t the cheapest cover for your helmet I’ve included here but it is one of the most fun!
Expert Tips
The BHS is a great resource for information and I love sharing their tips. Their advice, and I agree is to always make sure you purchase a helmet that has at least one of the accepted safety certifications in the country you live in.
#8 Fleece Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Hunter Orange
As I mentioned earlier, it is essential that riders wear high visibility gear in certain circumstances. This bright orange fleece hat cover will ensure you are spotted.
Features & Attributes
- Fully fleece
- Ear, cheeks, neck, and chin fleece cover
- Comes in bright orange
- Velcro closure
- 100% Polyester
Measurements
- Two sizes, adult and child
Benefits & Drawbacks of Fleece Equestrian Riding Helmet Cover - Hunter Orange
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Keeps you warm in the winter | Since this cover is all fleece it is easier for stuff like hay and dirt to stick to it |
| Machine washable | |
| Great visibility | Expensive for what it is |
How it Compares to Others
If you want something that provides high visibility, then this is the best option compared to the others. However, it is made entirely of fleece, which makes it wear out more quickly and attract dirt.
Expert Tips
This hat cover will also fit helmets that have a western style. That is helmets shaped like standard English ones but decorated with patterns and colors.
Why You Need Covers for Horse Riding Helmets
You need covers for horse riding helmets to protect them. They prevent scratches and help keep the helmet cleaner. This way you can keep your schooling helmet in horse show condition.
Check: How Long Do Helmets Last?
What Material Can Protect Horse Riding Helmet From UV Rays?
Helmet covers made from lycra or elastane provide excellent UV ray protection. Another name for lycra is spandex. You might come across hat covers saying they are made from one or the other but they are the same material.
Avoid covers made from cotton or nylon as they don’t provide much UV ray protection.
Buying Guide for Horseback Riding Helmet Covers
Thankfully, buying horseback riding helmet covers is pretty easy. The hardest part is sifting through all the options to find one you like. Riding hat covers are all essentially the same.
They are made from a stretchy material that is designed to fit your hat snugly. If you want something for the cold months, I suggest looking at the winter hat covers. These have fleece attached that keep your face warm
So when looking for a cover for yourself, your main goal is just picking one that you like the best. I do suggest something that you can wash easily and that is made with a material that provides UV ray protection.
One other thing I want to point out is that if you use a skull helmet, you need a cover that comes with a flexible peak instead of just a pocket.
FAQs
Even though choosing a horseriding hat cover is straightforward, you might still have some questions. I’ve tackled a few for you here.
What are equestrian helmet covers for?
Equestrian helmet covers keep your hat from getting scratched. They also prevent dirt from damaging the finish and some protection from UV rays.
Should I wear a helmet when riding a horse?
Yes, you should always wear a helmet when riding a horse. Even the quietest horse can spook or trip. Also, you never can predict something in the environment causing an accident.
What horse riding helmet accessories are there?
There are very few accessories for horse riding helmets as they can affect the safety qualities of the hat. However, you can easily find covers to protect them. You can also use mini cameras that mount on your helmet.
Conclusion
You can have a lot of fun with a cover for your riding helmet. In a sport that is often conservative with color, a helmet cover gives you the chance to express your personality.
They also make wearing a helmet so much more fun for kids. I know it can be a challenge to get kids to wear one as they find them hot and uncomfortable.
My favorite from my guide is the unicorn pattern. Who doesn't love unicorns?! Then, of course, I'd definitely need a winter riding hat cover.
Have fun and keep your riding helmet in great condition with this affordable piece of equestrian gear!
References
- Available from: https://www.fei.org/stories/lifestyle/teach-me/tips-winter-riding-snow-and-ice
- Helmet Fitting Guidelines for Horse Owners – Extension Horses . horses.extension.org. . Available from: https://horses.extension.org/helmet-fitting-guidelines-for-horse-owners/
- Horse Riding Hats & Helmets | Advice & Information | The BHS . www.bhs.org.uk. Available from: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/tack-and-equipment/what-to-wear/headwear
- Hi-Viz Clothing | Advice & Information | British Horse Society (BHS) . www.bhs.org.uk. Available from: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/tack-and-equipment/what-to-wear/hi-viz
- Sachs L, Institute GH. What Do Those Sun Protective Clothing Labels Really Mean? . Good Housekeeping. 2014 . Available from: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a25199/sun-protective-clothing/
What are your favorite horse riding helmet covers? Please share below!