With sponsorship from Jacqueline Mars, USHJA, USEF, USEA, we have rated a total of equestrian helmets using the STAR evaluation system. Our impact tests evaluate a helmet's ability to reduce linear and rotational acceleration of the head from a range of head impacts a rider might experience. Helmets with more stars provide a reduction in concussion risk for these impacts compared to helmets with fewer stars.

• infoUnderstanding the rating system
  Our ratings provide an independent and objective assessment of equestrian helmet performance for consumers, free from manufacturer influence.
  
  Each helmet is evaluated using 16 laboratory impact tests that simulate a range of real-world fall scenarios. We use two different impact devices to replicate different fall conditions. Pendulum impact tests simulate falls when the horse is moving slowly or is stationary. Oblique drop tests simulate falls when the horse is traveling at speed.
  
  For every impact, we measure both linear and rotational head acceleration, biomechanical factors closely correlated with concussion risk. All helmets in these ratings have passed American (ASTM F1163, SNELL E2016) and/or European (VG1 01.040, PAS 015) certification standards.
  
  Pendulum Testing
  Using a pendulum impactor, we test the helmet at the front, side, and rear locations, with two different impact severities. These test energies are based on industry standards, video analyses of equestrian falls, and peer-reviewed equestrian research. The lower and higher energy conditions represent a range of impacts likely to cause concussions.
  
  
  
  Oblique Drop Testing
  Using a guided drop tower, we impact the helmet at the front boss and rear boss locations. Drops are performed at the speed and anvil angle recommended by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), addressing impact points distinct from those tested in the pendulum protocol.
  
  
  Helmet Rating: Each laboratory impact is weighted in the calculation of a helmet’s overall score. For each test, we compute concussion risk from the measured peak linear and rotational accelerations. Risks are multiplied by their weighting factors and summed to produce an overall STAR score. This score estimates the number of concussions an average rider would sustain if subjected to identical impacts as tested. A lower STAR score reflects better helmet performance.
  
  Important Note: STAR scores from equestrian helmet ratings are not directly comparable to STAR scores from our helmet ratings in other sports. Differences in test methods, impact conditions, risk functions, and weighting factors are sport-specific.
  
  For complete details, see the technical documentation.
• file_downloadTechnical documents
  Peer-Reviewed Journal Paper: Equestrian STAR: Development of an Experimental Methodology for Assessing the Biomechanical Performance of Equestrian Helmets. Annals of Biomedical Engineering. 2025.
  
  A comparison sheet of standards for testing equestrian helmets.
• sticky_note_2Notes about these ratings
  A lower score offers better protection.
  
  Cost shown is the price of the helmet at the time of testing.
  
  *Any player in any sport can sustain a head injury with even the very best head protection. This analysis is based on data trends and probabilities, and therefore a specific person’s risk may vary. This variation is likely dominated by genetic differences, health history, and impact factors such as muscle activation.