Resistol RideSafe Helmet Review

When given the chance to try Cowboy Mounted Shooting, I wondered if this English equestrian could dress authentically Western and still protect my head with a riding helmet. I learned sporting the cowgirl look and “melon” safety is possible thanks to the Resistol RideSafe cowboy helmet! Resistol, an industry-leading maker of cowboy hats, sent me one RideSafe helmet to wear and review for my mounted shooting debut and one to give away.

[Update7/6/17: The giveaway is closed.] Resistol is partnering with me on an Instagram giveaway in which one lucky rider will win a RideSafe helmet (which retails for around $250!). You must join this giveaway!

[This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click through and purchase, at no cost to you I will receive a small commission which will go toward my horse’s carrot fund.]

Why I Choose to RideSafe

I wasn’t always an “every ride, every time” helmet-wearer until that time I got a concussion from falling off my halted horse. Despite landing in soft arena footing, my brain was jolted enough to warrant a trip to the ER and render me spacy for a few weeks. The only positive outcomes from that fall were the ER doctor was cute and I wasn’t seriously injured.

Flash forward to present day and you can see why I was pumped to find out a cowboy hat exists that has the safety features of my English helmets!

English Meets Old West

The innovative RideSafe riding helmet has all the protective features of a traditional English riding helmet with a stylish cowboy hat exterior. It’s truly a fusion of English meets Old West!

Before I run down the list of features, I have to tell you just how comfortable the RideSafe is. It feels more cushy on my head than my everyday schooling helmet. It just has a really nice fit.

RideSafe Features

• ASTM/SEI certified (this alone is invaluable–RideSafe has the same “innards” of a helmet like 3-day event riders wear, for example)
• Shape-able black felt exterior, just like a regular felt cowboy hat (important for fashionistas who their hat molded in a particular way). There’s also a straw colored one which you can see here.
• Sizes XS through L, so it will fit any horse lover’s noggin
• Adjustable sizing dial to get a perfect fit
• Easy to clean with a damp cloth on the plastic parts and soft brush like this on the felt hat portion
• It looks cool–like a real cowboy hat! I’m not just saying that because I want to think I looked cool (even though I think we all want to). I had several people compliment me during the mounted clinic, and ask questions about the RideSafe.

A Word About Sizing and Such

The RideSafe helmet is unisex and after downloading a print out sizing tape from the company website, I was able to measure my precise size which turned out to be Large. (For reference, I am a Medium in my Ovation schooling helmet and a 7 3/8 in my Charles Owen.)

If there is one thing that I wish were different with the RideSafe, it would be I think it should have some vents. I’ve gotten spoiled with my vented helmets which are a bit cooler on a sunny day. Another suggestion is that it would be great if the RideSafe were available in other colors, or maybe even a straw hat version too. My guess is that one day that will be an option.

Closing Thoughts

Someone I met recently said she saw a rider at Thermal schooling in a Resistol Ridesafe, which I thought was awesome. I can’t guarantee I will ride in it for my jumping lessons, but this is definitely a helmet that will come in handy on trail whether on my own horse or when I adventure on trails like riding to the Hollywood sign or beyond. It nice to have the option to look good and #RideSafe in a Western saddle.

Leave a Reply: Have you tried the Resistol RideSafe helmet? Do you have a favorite type of riding headwear you are passionate about wearing?

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