Frequently Asked Questions

Troxel's Safety Resource Center (http://www.troxelhelmets.com/safety) is the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of equestrian helmet safety information available online. Organized into categories for adults, kids, and educators, the site provides an assortment of information, games, and resources designed to engage equestrian riders, promote safe helmet practices and ultimately reduce the occurrences and severity of head injuries.

The Accident Replacement policy allows you to return a damaged helmet. However, the online Product Registration Form must be filled out and sent to Troxel to qualify for the Accident Replacement. The cost is based upon the helmet purchased, when filling out the form online, select the helmet and the cost will be determined on the form before charging your card.

Troxel helmets are available exclusively from equestrian retailers. Visit our Retailer Locator for a dealer near you.

This is largely based on use, exposure to the elements and treatment of the helmet. 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. Any Troxel helmets involved in an accident needs to be replaced immediately.

Try using our Helmet Advisor or read our Selecting a Helmet guide.

Try using our Fit Guide to determine proper fit.

Only mild soap and water should be used for cleaning all Troxel's plastic covered helmets. Troxel's leather covered helmets or the leather components on plastic helmets should be treated and cleaned as you would clean your leather saddles or boots. The velvet covered helmets should be cleaned as you would any real velvet. A steam cleaner will assist in refreshing the nap of the velvet. The helmets soft headliners (inside) can be removed and cleaned with mild soap and water then allowed to air dry. Do not put helmet materials in a dryer. Please consult your owner's manual or download the latest version.

Troxel offers a One-Year Limited Warranty. Any Troxel helmet found to be defective in materials and/or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase will be repaired or replaced at the option of the manufacturer free of charge when received at the factory, freight prepaid. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the helmet and his or her household members. Any modifications made by the user will render the warranty null and void. This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties, and any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose created hereby are limited to the same duration as the express warranty herein. Troxel shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages in connection with the purchase, use or handling of the helmet. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. For return authorization please contact Troxel.

Cycling and Equestrian standards are very different. Bicycle helmets are similar to Horseback Riding safety helmets in appearance, but are not subject to the design specifications and standards that a riding helmet must pass in order to provide adequate protection.

An equestrian helmet offers additional protection to the back of the head and the sweatband area of the helmet. Equestrian helmets are tested by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) for Chinstrap retention, penetration by a sharp object, and for impact absorption. These tests are specifically for horseback riding related accidents.

For more information on the SEI standards visit www.seinet.org. All helmets must meet the American Society of Testing Materials (ASMT) standard F-1163.95a.

It absorbs energy and thereby lessens the force of the impact on your head. The helmet structure is destroyed as it absorbs significant impacts. In the most severe impacts, the helmet will be crushed and its parts are sometimes fractured. This coming apart during serious impacts is not a sign of a defective helmet. Some parts come apart quicker than others under increasing levels of impact. For example, the GPS fits system fractures fairly soon. The GPS fit system is not part of the retention system that holds your helmet in position during an impact. Whenever you wear your helmet, its straps and buckling system should be snug under your chin and properly buckled.

Inside most Troxel helmets are both a "retention system" and a "GPS stabilizing system." The retention system works by using a webbing and buckle to properly secure the helmet in place during falls. In contrast, a GPS (Gripper-Positioning System) stabilizing system simply holds the helmet comfortably in place during minute-to-minute riding so it will not jiggle.

We (Troxel and all its accounts) stress the importance of snugly adjusting and buckling the webbing and buckles for every ride. You should never ride without this retention system snugly fit and buckled. The nylon webbing and buckle system are extremely strong and essential to the protective function of your helmet. This retention system works independently of the GPS stabilizer. The GPS stabilizer is not a part of the safety of your helmet, nor are stabilizers part of the ASTM testing of your Troxel helmet.

Certified equestrian helmets and their components are made in such a manner that they may compress, crush and fracture on serious impacts. These helmets work by giving up their structure in order to absorb as much of the heavier forces as possible. In a simple analogy, they are like a melon over the head—they crush internally upon big impacts. A broken helmet after impact is not per se a sign of a faulty helmet. In the serious impact, the helmet crushes and cracks as much of energy is absorbed. You should replace your helmet after any fall with a helmet impact.

The strap of your GPS stabilizing system sometimes separates or breaks during a fall as the head is yanked against these GPS straps. This is not abnormal nor a sign of how the helmet protects against impacts.