FAQ's

We strongly advise against painting, stickering, applying crystals, cameras or any other objects to or otherwise modifying a helmet as all of these modifications can damage the helmet and/or reduce its protective capabilities. In addition, dry-cleaning, cleaning solvents, chemicals, paint, heat or bug sprays may affect the helmet’s integrity or performance. Troxel branded helmet covers, headliners and other Troxel accessories can be used on Troxel helmets and not interfere with the ASTM standard, so long as the user instructions are followed. All other modifications void Troxel’s warranty and may affect the helmet’s protective capabilities.

Troxel helmets are designed to fit different head shapes. Troxel’s removable and washable interior headliner changes shape and can alternate between a more oval or more round shape. This is accomplished by the engaging the FlipFold™ tabs located inside the sides of the headliner.

At Troxel, we appreciate the tradition of wearing a cowboy hat but we also understand the ramifications of not having a certified helmet on when an accident happens. Learn more about the differences between helmets versus cowboy hats and western hat helmets, how to protect yourself and the many options available here.

We have two helmets with sizing tailored to young riders, our Youngster helmet (up to hat size 7) and our XS Spirit helmet (up to hat size 6 ½). Both these helmets feature our DialFit™ comfort system and a FlipFold™ headliner with tabs that allow for additional fit customization. Featuring full coverage designs, these helmets provide optimal fit and comfort for little ones in the saddle.

Watch Troxel Athlete, Julie Goodnight explain more.

All active gear will suffer from differing degrees of normal wear-and-tear, depending upon the user. Equestrian helmets used by a rider 150 days a year will by comparison, wear faster than gear used by a weekend rider. By taking care of your Troxel helmet you will ensure a longer lifespan for your product. However, due to evolving helmet standards, technologies and the potential for unseen material deterioration, it is recommended that you replace your helmet at least every five years from the date of purchase. Those who ride often should replace their helmet more often. Any Troxel helmets involved in an accident should be replaced immediately. Your helmet is only designed for one impact event. Watch Troxel Athlete, Julie Goodnight explain more.

Avoid loaning your helmet to others. As a savvy rider, you want to know exactly what kind of treatment your helmet has experienced during its entire lifespan so you can knowledgeably assess its integrity over time. Never purchase or borrow a used helmet as you do not know if it has already been involved in an impact, potentially reducing the protective capabilities of the helmet. Watch Troxel Athlete, Julie Goodnight explain more.

Concussions can be difficult to diagnose. Though you may have a visible cut or bruise on your head, you can’t actually see a concussion. Signs may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms last for just seconds; others may linger.

Concussions are fairly common. Some estimates say a mild brain trauma is sustained every 21 seconds in the U.S. But it’s important to recognize the signs of a concussion so you can take the proper steps to treat the injury.

There are some common physical, mental, and emotional symptoms a person may display following a concussion. Any of these could be a sign of traumatic brain injury:

• confusion or feeling dazed
• clumsiness
• slurred speech
• nausea or vomiting
• headache
• balance problems or dizziness
• blurred vision
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to noise
• sluggishness
• ringing in ears
• behavior or personality changes
• concentration difficulties
• memory loss

If you think you or someone you know may have a concussion it is important that you seek medical attention. A health care professional can decide how serious the concussion is and whether you require treatment.

We are frequently asked if putting your hair up under your helmet compromises the fit of the helmet or its ability to protect the rider’s head. It is important to wear a snug but comfortably fitting helmet that won’t move excessively while riding. Always try on and fit your helmet with your hair.

Visit our Care & Cleaning Page for helmet cleaning tips.

As long as your helmet is ASTM/SEI-certified, you’re buying a certified protective helmet. Spending more might get you different padding, fancier styling or materials, but it doesn’t translate into advanced protection. Watch Troxel Athlete, Julie Goodnight explain more.

Anyone riding is at risk. Whether riding Western or English, the height above the ground, the frequency of falls and the variables introduced by the horse itself, create an environment where head impacts are relatively common. Despite the agility and experience of a rider, it is often impossible to adjust one's position during a fall to avoid a high energy, head impact with the ground, a rock or other objects. The more hours you ride, the higher your risk of receiving a head injury goes up cumulatively. Riding horses has the same amount of injury accidents per riding hour as riding a motorcycle.

Troxel helmets may touch the top of a rider's ears based on head shape and the shape of the helmet together. But, most Troxel helmets have a cut above the ear for clearance and can comfortably fit riders with hearing aids. We would suggest trying several models on to find the most comfortable option as the fit varies slightly between styles.

SEI is the Safety Equipment Institute, an organization that certifies protective equipment for a variety of industries. ASTM is one of the world’s most respected standards organizations, developing standards for everything from curing of concrete to hotness of red peppers to protective headgear. Click here to learn more about equestrian helmet safety standards.

I already have a bicycle helmet, can I wear it for equestrian riding?

Dropping your helmet may crack the shell or damage the protective foam. The damage may not be visible. Your helmet is only designed for ONE impact. Regardless of the material, shell failure is not always bad. It is a form of energy dissipation, and energy used to damage the shell is no longer available to damage the rider's head. Even if your helmet has not been damaged, it needs to be replaced every 5 years or sooner, depending on how much it is worn.

No, bicycle helmets are certified to a different standard and are not tested to the same impact speed, height or type of impact surface. Watch Troxel Athlete, Julie Goodnight explain more.

One of the most frequent questions we receive are inquiries from customers wondering the appropriate age for children to start riding. This question does not come with a precise answer, but instead, a series of guidelines for parents to consider. Physical and emotional development coupled with the ability to follow directions are key attributes to examine when considering riding lessons for your child. Parents, knowing their children best, should proceed with guidance from skilled instructors. A helmet is not for use by anyone who cannot comfortably support the helmet's weight. Children under the age of 5 should be evaluated by a pediatrician to verify adequate neck musculature before using a helmet. Horses and even ponies are very large, and potentially dangerous animals. Before purchasing one for a child, or initiating riding lessons, it’s important that parents are prepared, and more importantly that the child is prepared. There is no particular age at which a child should switch to an adult helmet. The size helmet you purchase will depend on how well the helmet fits. Remember you always want to achieve a snug fit as noted in the fitting instructions. “As in all sports, children should be able to gain confidence and some independence from being involved with horses,” says EMSA President, Deborah F. Stanitski, M.D. “Since safety is such a big issue I feel that the instructor should stress this aspect in terms of horse handling, stall safety, leading, cross-tying & finally riding”.

Helmets must fit properly for optimum performance. To find the most comfortable fit for your helmet, follow Troxel's Helmet Fit Guide. Please Contact Us, if you have any questions or would like specific model recommendations

The force required to crack a helmet must be understood in several dimensions. First, there is the focus of the force. Is it very focused such as would occur when landed against a pointed rock, or flat surface such as against an arena dirt floor. Second is the duration of the force. Is it very fast and brief (a fall from a great height) or slower (in milliseconds) such as when a horse kicks the helmet. The third variable is the actual energy involved… we estimate force to be above 200Gs to crack a shell. Fourth is the temperature of the shell.... very cold or very warm temperatures affect plastics. Lastly, analyzing the degree of damage to the EPS that lies under the broken shell also gives us an estimate of the energies involved. Your helmet is designed to give up its structure in order to absorb very high energies. Whenever a shell cracks during a fall, the energies are typically high enough that they would have caused a brain injury without a helmet to absorb these energies. Troxel visors are constructed to breakaway and/ or flex on impact. Please note that our understanding as we work with ASTM is that ASTM (independent head protection standards organization) has no reported visor related neck injuries in past several decades with over 10 million flex visored helmets in the equestrian field.

Here at Troxel, we are continuously developing new helmet models, colors and features in order to serve you, our valued customer, in the best way possible! Troxel takes customer feedback very seriously, which is why we continually evaluate all of our helmets. Based on this deliberation, we sometimes must discontinue certain helmet models. We understand that this may mean discontinuing a helmet you like and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, as the largest manufacturer of western helmets in the equestrian market today, we’re constantly working to develop new models using the most advanced materials and technologies available. This means that we likely already have another helmet that you’ll love or will soon enough!

ASTM/SEI-certified helmets are accepted by many European riding organizations. In order to determine whether or not your specific organization allows this certification within their sanctioned events, we suggest contacting the organization directly or referring to their website for accepted helmet standards information.

Please see our Medical Facts, written by Dr. Richard Timms, Troxel founder and chairman. You may also view our Helmet Educational Guide for helmet and safety information.

It is always best to try on a helmet style you are interested in as the size chart provided with each helmet style is a general guide. Your head shape and the inside shape of the helmet together will determine the actual size needed. If you are between size measurements on the size chart guide, it's best to go up to the next size since further fit adjustments in the helmet can be made. The FlipFold™ tabs in the headliner can be engaged to take up additional space inside the helmet and the SureFit™ or DialFit system can also be engaged to provide additional fit and comfort adjustment. If the helmet is too large as noted by the description in our fit guide and owner’s manual instructions, try a smaller size or different helmet model to be sure the helmet fits as snug as possible without discomfort.

ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmets are designed to prevent serious head injuries and death. When you take a fall, a certified helmet absorbs energy by crushing and extending your head's stopping time to reduce the peak impact on the brain significantly. Helmets are built to compress and fracture on serious impact. A broken helmet is not a sign of a faulty one - in fact, it may crush or crack as it absorbs the energy that could otherwise cause you serious injury.

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