Whether you are competing or riding for fun, it is imperative that you wear a helmet when riding a horse. Believe it or not, horseback riding is the leading cause of head injuries out of all common sports. In fact, roughly 18 percent of injuries and 60 percent of equestrian deaths were all related to head injuries. Unfortunately, only about 20 percent of horse riders wear the appropriate headgear when riding. As you can see, it is very important that you are always wearing a helmet when you are on or even around a horse. Here is what you need to know when purchasing a horse riding helmet.

Know Your Head Measurements

Before you head to a store to buy a horse riding helmet, you need to know the size of the helmet that you need. To measure your head, grab a cloth measuring tape. You will want to start one inch above your eyebrows and pull the tape around your head. Make sure to pull it snugly as you will want the helmet to fit snugly. Pay attention to both the inches and centimeters, as some helmets are measured in centimeters and others are measured in inches.

Look for the ASTM/SEI Safety Tag

When you get to the store, one of the first things you will want to do — other than looking for the right size helmet — is to look for the ASTM/SEI safety label. This label lets know that the helmet has been approved and certified by the Safety Equipment Institute and the American Society for Testing and Materials. With this label, you can rest assured that you are getting a helmet that will protect your skull and brain in the event of a fall from your horse.

Wear Your Hair as You Would with the Helmet

Because you need your helmet to fit properly, make sure that your hair is fixed the way that you will normally wear it when you wear the helmet. If you will wear it down, then wear it down. However, if your hair will be in a bun, then make sure your hair is fixed in a bun. The way your hair is fixed will affect the way your helmet fits and functions.

Ensure the Helmet Fits Snugly

When you find a helmet, try it on. The helmet should be positioned on your head horizontally — roughly an inch above your eyebrows, think back to where you measured your head's circumference. Keep in mind that you may need to try on different helmets until you find out that feels right because there are different shaped helmets, and what works for a friend may not work for you.

Now, the helmet should fit comfortably and snugly on your head. If you shake your head, your scalp should literally move with the helmet — the helmet should not rock off your head even the least little bit.

The above tips should help you get a riding helmet that fights comfortably and snugly. If you need help finding men's or women's riding helmets, don't hesitate to ask for assistance at a local store. Remember, a helmet could save your life, so it's worth ensuring that it fits you properly. For more information, contact a company like EQU Lifestyle Boutique.