Equestrian Helmets Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Show Helmet, Basic Helmet and Skull Helmet), By Application (Men, Women and Children), and Regional Forecast to 2034

EQUESTRIAN HELMETS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Equestrian Helmets Market is poised for significant growth rising to USD 0.0859 billion in 2025, and projected to reach USD 0.126 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2034.

An equestrian helmet refers to protective headgear and is used in riding horses. This kind of helmet is specifically made to save the head of a rider, in case of a horse falling, most particularly hitting a solid object in the course of the fall or being hit in the head by a horse's hoof. Many competitive riding activities, especially the high-speed jumping ones, require certified helmets as headwear. In the English style of riders wear more helmets, and they are becoming more accepted as a necessary headgear for children and young teenagers. They become popular, as well, with such sports as horse racing, eventing or show jumping. They are necessary in eventing, during endurance riding and other forms of races.

The increase in awareness of equestrian sports about traumatic brain injury risks stimulates the growth of the market. About 75 per cent of equestrian sportsmen state that they habitually wear helmets, but the rates considerably vary in different riding sports. The new step of the equestrian helmet is the use of the related technologies, such as multi-impact absorb systems, MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology and the use of lightweight composite materials. This use offers the protection to a high level without sacrificing comfort and performance. The combination of new technologies, when it comes to materials, carbon fiber, the new high-tech EPS foam, and moisture-absorbing liners, has transformed the design of helmets, riders get added safety with better styling and circulation systems.

Key Findings

• Market Size and Growth: The global Equestrian Helmets Market is poised for significant growth rising to USD 0.0859 billion in 2025, and projected to reach USD 0.126 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2034.

• Key Market Trends: Nearly 75% of equestrian riders report regular helmet use, though adoption rates differ significantly across disciplines.

• Key Market Drivers: Helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury in riding accidents by up to 50%, driving demand among riders, trainers, and parents.

• Technological Advancements: More than 30% of helmets sold in 2024 featured MIPS or multi-impact absorb systems, combining lightweight composites with added safety features.

• Regional Growth: North America accounts for about 60% of helmet demand, with Europe following as the second-largest region led by the U.K., Germany, and France.

• Type Segmentation: Show helmets and skull helmets together represent over 65% of professional-use demand, while basic helmets dominate entry-level and leisure use.

• Application Segmentation: Men’s helmets account for around 40% of the market, women’s for 35%, and children’s for 25%, with youth adoption rising through safety programs.

• Key Players: Troxel manufactures millions of helmets annually in the U.S.; Charles Owen supplies products to over 70 countries; UVEX captures more than 15% of the European premium helmet market; Samshield has grown sales in competitive riding gear by over 20% in the past three years.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Equestrian Helmets Industry Had Mixed Effects Due to Pandemic-Related Changes in Recreational Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The worldwide COVID-19 outbreak was very influential in the equestrian helmets market, and it both presented a challenge and an opportunity to those involved in the industry. In early lockdown times, conventional equestrian activities and contests were either cancelled or heavily limited, which caused low fluctuations in the demand for new safety accessories. Nonetheless, as measures were lifted and people went outside to enjoy recreational activities, horseback riding has gained increasing popularity, especially among those who wanted to employ remote forms of staying fit. The pandemic has also increased the speed at which retail transactions have occurred in the online channel, as several consumers bought equestrian safety products online instead of physically visiting stores. Production sites went idle and supply chains were jolted, putting production processes and inventory out of schedule.

LATEST TREND

Growing Safety Standards and Technological Innovation to Drive Market Growth

The most recent trends of the equestrian helmets market are the increase in popularity of using high-tech safety features and adopting the use of updated and more internationally accepted safety measures. The post-development of the Equestrian STAR rating system has also given the consumers, all the information about the performance of their helmet so that they can make better decisions using this information depending on the scientific method of testing those products. The rating system is used to assess the performance of helmets in several impact situations, and it gives this helmet a star rating that can be used to distinguish the high-performance helmets and simple compliance helmets. Helmet technology is still innovating itself with the addition of smart technology, such as impact sensors, GPS tracking and communication systems. The market is experiencing a higher demand for discipline-oriented helmet products that are more specialized to different equestrian sports like dressage, show jumping, cross-country and trail riding.

EQUESTRIAN HELMETS MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Show Helmet, Basic Helmet and Skull Helmet

• Show Helmet: Show helmets are designed to be used in competitions, being both good-looking and safe as well, typically bearing a certification to their high standards of equestrian sport safety. Among professional riders and event participants, they are popular.

• Basic Helmet: They are multipurpose helmets that can be worn during leisure or during training. They provide necessary head protection at a lower cost; hence, they may be used by novice riders and leisure riders.

• Skull Helmet: Skull helmets are lightweight and streamlined. Skull helmets are popular in eventing and racing. They usually lack a peak and allow greater protection and ventilation.

BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Men, Women and Children

• Men: Men's equestrian helmets are designed with emphasis on comfort and greater size profiles as well as sturdy constructions that can be ridden under grueling conditions such as in jumping, racing or in polo.

• Women: Women's helmets are stylish, fitted and well ventilated, considering the needs of the user. They can also have the aspect of changeable liners, lightweight materials, etc.

• Children: Independently of the particular brand, the main characteristics of the children's helmets are focused on their highest safety level, reduced sizes and convenience in adjusting. These helmets are usually designed in colorful ways in order to attract the younger riders and provide them with substantial protection.

MARKET DYNAMICS
 

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.           

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Safety Awareness and Injury Prevention Focus to Boost the Market

A factor in the Equestrian Helmets market growth is the Increased publicity of the dangers of traumatic brain injury during equestrian activities is a key market driver, since researchers have found out that helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by a margin of up to 50 per cent in riding mishaps. Safety awareness has been increased in riders, trainers and parents due to educational campaigns conducted by equestrian groups, by attending insurance requirements and due to high-profile fatal accidents. This knowledge is conveyed into helping to boost the use of the helmets and readiness to spend more on high-quality protective devices that can offer more than a minimum level of safety.

Technological Advancements in Helmet Design and Materials to Expand the Market

The market keeps growing as innovations in helmet-making technology continue with the invention of lighter materials, new impact absorption systems and better comfort features, which safety-sensitive customers find desirable. High technologies like MIPS, carbon fiber frame, and integrated communication systems distinguish high grade products and have real safety advantages. Such innovations mean that manufacturers are able to increase prices and spread market expansion to those riders who are more performance inclined but require protection on the latest levels of technology.

• According to the U.S. Department of Labor, elevator-related incidents account for approximately 17,000 injuries annually, driving the need for stronger inspection and maintenance protocols.

• The International Association of Elevator Engineers stated that more than 40% of global elevator units are over 20 years old, fueling demand for frequent inspection and modernization services.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

High Cost of Premium Safety Equipment Potentially Impede Market Growth

The large and price difference in terms of the basic and advanced helmets is a barrier to the price sensitive consumers who can turn out to be youth and recreation markets. The high-end certified helmets with the use of the newest safety advancements can be 3-5 times cheaper than the helmets with simple certification which restricts the possibility of using it and wearing it to a great number of riders. This aspect of cost can as well reduce the rate of adoption and limit penetration power into the market particularly in developing areas where equestrian activities are still on the rise yet economic realities shape the choice of buying.

• According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), compliance costs for elevator inspection can reach USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 per unit annually, posing a financial burden for smaller facility operators.

• The European Safety Federation highlighted that nearly 30% of inspection delays in 2023 were due to a shortage of certified inspectors, restricting timely compliance.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding Equestrian Participation and Growing Youth Programs Create Opportunity for the Market

The growing interest of people in equestrian sport including the youths and recreational riders promises enormous market development. According to the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), there are about 3,500 controlled events each year, which means that competitive equestrian sports are a strong part of the global sporting environment. The increased understanding of equestrian sport as a form of fitness and recreation, coupled with growth in riding opportunities in schools and summer camps is fueling the growth in new riders and the subsequent need of helmets. The same goes with this industry wider protective gear industry, where sales of helmets have been growing by a large margin as a result of increased activity and involvement in the sports. In addition to exposing safety norms at an early age, youth programs are also incorporating the use of helmets as being normal, and increasing the long-term pressure and growth of the equestrian helmet.

• According to the U.S. Green Building Council, over 65% of new commercial buildings incorporate smart elevator technologies, creating an opportunity for advanced digital inspection services.

• The Japan Elevator Association reported that more than 850,000 elevators in Japan are currently in operation, presenting opportunities for international inspection companies to expand their services.

CHALLENGE

Varying Safety Standards and Certification Requirements Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

The safety certification requirements vary across different countries and regions, putting a manufacturer in complicated situations where he or she wants to be in the global market. In North America, ASTM/SEI, Europe CE marking, UK PAS015, and Australian/ New Zealand AS/NZS are some of the requirements for helmets. Such regulatory fragmentation translates to an inconvenient number of certification procedures, compliance costs escalation, as well as difficulties in product development and inventory management on the part of international manufacturers. Delusion in regional standards and a lack of harmonization may make consumers unable to see which helmets are safest, which may lead to them choosing incompatible products. Such a misunderstanding may compromise trust in helmet effectiveness and contribute to making bad decisions that may endanger a person in a dangerous sport.

• According to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), improper maintenance leads to over 30 fatalities annually, highlighting the challenge of enforcing strict safety standards.

• The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work stated that 22% of elevator-related accidents in 2023 were linked to skipped or delayed inspections, emphasizing a challenge in ensuring compliance discipline.

EQUESTRIAN HELMETS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

The North America is the largest region in terms of equestrian helmet demand with a 60 percent proportion of the region being filled with United States. The area has good safety campaign programs in place, thorough insurance necessities and well-entrenched equestrian sectors in diverse fields. The increasing number of people involved in therapeutic riding activities and equestrian sports among youths promotes steady growth in the market. The characteristics of the market are the high-level product adoption by willing consumers to make purchases to meet the need to be equipped with advanced safety technologies and branded products of an established manufacturer. The United States Equestrian Helmets Market is particularly showing a high increase in competitive equestrian sports activity and recreational equestrian or riding activity. The uniformity of demands, the existence of definite liability regulations in most states, which require the use of helmets during specific activities, stabilizes the market demands.

• EUROPE

There is a strong regional market in Europe (the second largest), with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France being the main centers of demand. The territory also pays strict attention to safety standards, with the CE marking and safety projects at the national level. European producers pay much attention to the advancement of the design and the use of high-quality materials, and very frequently tend to become the world trendsetters in terms of the technology and appearance of helmets. The market is characterized by robust equestrian culture, extensive sports training schemes for the young generation, as well as high investments in the sports arena as a sector of competition. The effects of Brexit on trade relationships between the UK and the EU have impacted the redistribution patterns, as well as some regulatory compliance needs that international manufacturers have to address in order to expand into the European market.  

• ASIA

Asia-Pacific is an expanding regional market, and the middle individuals are being involved in equestrian activities in increasing numbers. Regional demand is increasingly being led by China, Japan and Australia, much driven by the interest shown in the western equestrian sports and the heavy investment in equestrian infrastructure. The economic growth is showing major capacity to make high-value-added products adoption, and hence, the discretionary purchases are driving the economy in recreational goods and safety products. The equestrian market of China, in particular, demonstrates great growth potential, where government-driven policy on the development of sports and more urbanization push the interests in engaging in equestrian activities.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Major players operating in the equestrian helmets industry concentrate on ongoing improvement in safety technologies and materials science, and consumer-driven design options. The firms put lots of money into research and development of products, including the creation of safer helmets in terms of the extent of safety, coupled with user feedback data and scientific tests. The continues to be able to purchase market leader advantages by means of well-set distribution structures, awareness among proficient equestrians, and associations with significant equestrian organizations, and events. In their pursuit of competitive advantages in the marketplaces, major players in the industry use sophisticated manufacturing processes, top materials, and the latest safety technologies. They focus on testing procedures, compliance with norms of certification, and proving performance guidelines through cooperation with research facilities and safety assurance organizations. Market expansion strategies of international business distribution and retail presence, as well as sponsorship in equestrian events, are also strategic in building brand presence and trustworthiness among the target consumers.

• ATIS (U.S.): Provides inspection services across tens of thousands of commercial and institutional elevators, ensuring compliance with national safety protocols.

• TÜV Rheinland (Germany): Conducts over 2 million technical inspections annually, including elevators, with a strong emphasis on European safety standards.

LIST OF TOP EQUESTRIAN HELMETS COMPANIES     

• Troxel (U.S.)
• UVEX (Germany)
• KEP (France)
• GPA (U.S.)
• Samshield (France)
• Charles Owen (U.K.) 
• One K (U.S.)
• Ovation (Pennsylvania)
• IRH Helmet (New Jersey)
• KASK (Italy)
• Tipperary (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

January 2025: New helmet testing procedures, including rotational impacts testing, which formed the basis of the safety standard development in other countries and included manufacturers' designing priorities, were published by the International Equestrian Safety Association. The industry is likely to experience improvements in the field of multi-directional impact protection systems as a result of such increased testing demands.

REPORT COVERAGE   

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The equestrian helmets market has been observed to have a good growth potential due to growing awareness of safety, along with technological growth and the participation of more people worldwide in equestrian sports. Although there are barriers of regulatory complexity and price sensitivity, there is increasing demand for advanced safety features and premium protective equipment, which makes the market continue to its growth. Prominent industry participants are also pushing forward with technological advancement and market strategy with the view to improving the workability and availability of their products. With the growing safety awareness and the development of the equestrian sector across the world, the market has further growth potential and further advances within its scope are expected, with innovation and the scope of customer education taking the role of future drivers.