PRE-LOVED BREECHES? YES. PRE-LOVED HELMET? NEVER.
NEVER.
EVER.
BUY A USED
RIDING HELMET.
We love a good bargain. Secondhand breeches? Absolutely. A gently used saddle pad? Yes, please.
But a used riding helmet? That's one bargain you should NEVER make.
🚨 You don't know its history.
A helmet can look absolutely perfect on the outside and still have damage inside. One fall, one hard impact, or even being dropped onto a hard surface can compromise its protective capabilities. And you may never see the damage.
🧠 Helmets absorb impact. They don't bounce back.
Most riding helmets contain an impact-absorbing liner that crushes or compresses to help protect your brain. Once that material has absorbed a significant impact, it may not provide the same protection again. You can't simply inspect it and know it's safe.
⏳ Helmets have a limited lifespan.
Materials deteriorate over time. Sweat, heat, sunlight, moisture, and everyday wear can affect a helmet's components. Even a helmet that's spent most of its life sitting on a shelf isn't necessarily safe forever.
☀️ You have no idea how it was stored.
Was it left in a hot car all summer? Tossed around in a tack trunk? Stored in a damp barn? Exposed to chemicals or cleaning products? Improper storage can affect the materials that make a helmet protective.
LOOKS PERFECT?
THAT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S SAFE.
🐴 Someone else's perfect fit could be your dangerous fit.
Helmets aren't one-size-fits-all, even when the size label matches. Different brands and models accommodate different head shapes. A helmet that shifts, tips, or doesn't sit correctly may not protect you as intended.
🔍 Hidden damage is still damage.
A clean shell and an unbroken visor don't tell the whole story. Internal foam, retention systems, straps, and other components may be damaged or worn without obvious signs.
📋 You can't verify its safety or recall history.
With a secondhand helmet, you may not know its actual age, whether it's been involved in an accident, whether components have been replaced, or whether it meets current safety standards. Missing labels can make verification even harder.
💰 Saving money isn't worth gambling with your brain.
A traumatic brain injury can change your life in an instant. There are affordable NEW riding helmets that meet recognized equestrian safety standards. You don't have to buy the most expensive helmet on the shelf to make a safer choice.
THE BOTTOM LINE.
A riding helmet is not a fashion accessory. It's a piece of potentially lifesaving safety equipment.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement after an impact.
Don't donate it, resell it, or pass it along to another rider. Cut the harness and make sure it can't be reused as protective equipment.
GOOD HELMETS.
EVERY BUDGET. 💙
At Fair Hill Saddlery, we believe every rider deserves a properly fitted helmet, regardless of budget.
We're always happy to help you find a NEW helmet that fits your head, your riding needs, and your wallet.
SHOP NEW RIDING HELMETS →