If there is one thing above all else you should know about horse riding it is that helmets save lives. However, so many people take unnecessary chances and ride without one. Professional and amateur riders in all different types of equestrian sports risk their lives by riding without head protection. Unfortunately, many figure out the consequences the hard way.

Both western and English riding enthusiasts should wear horse riding helmets. It shouldn’t matter if you will be jumping fences or taking a slow stroll through a field. Head injuries from horseback riding can happen at anytime and anywhere. The only surefire way to safeguard against them is by wearing horse riding helmets.

Grabbing any riding helmet is not the best way to go about choosing the appropriate protection against head injuries. Your helmet must be ASTM/SEI certified, meaning it passed rigorous guidelines for the protection of human skulls. Non-certified helmets do not provide satisfactory protection. Furthermore, your helmet has to fit correctly in order to be of use. Beginner riders should always bring a trainer or instructor with them for advice or ask an associate at the store for help.

It is very important your horse riding helmet fits correctly. An improperly fitting helmet may not provide the maximum protection needed. Here are a few tips to make sure your horse riding helmet fits properly:

• Measure the size of your head. Place measuring tape around one inch above your eyebrows. Always round the measurement to the nearest half-inch.

• Your riding helmet shouldn’t shift forward or backward when touched.

• Try moving your helmet from side to side. It is supposed to fit snugly all around your head. If you find there is room between your head and the helmet, go down to a smaller size. If your head feels cramped or squeezed inside the helmet to the point it is uncomfortable, try on a larger size.

• If you have longer hair, pull it back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck

• Adjust your helmet’s chin strap. You preferably would like it so that it fits snug under your chin.

• Test the helmet's brim. It is supposed to be about one and a half inches above your eyebrows. If it is any higher than that, the helmet will not provide full protection.

• Always follow the manufacturer instructions. Different brands will fit in their own way.

It is important to remember that safety standards are constantly changing and improving. So even if your helmet meets ASTM and SEI standards, it might still be obsolete. Experts recommended replacing your helmet every four to five years even if it has never been damaged from a fall or other accident.