Samshield | Size Guides | Houghton Country

Samshield Riding Hat Standards

Samshield exceeds the safety standards required. The certification standards guarantee the conformity and quality of horse-riding helmets.

To pass the standard the helmet is subjected to various tests and checks:

Impact on the helmet’s front, back and lateral sections to correspond to a horse rider falling on his head. It measures the helmet’s ability to absorb a blunt impact. The requirement of this new standard became very closed to motorcycle helmets standard.

Side-distortion test simulates the squashing of the helmet by a horse. It measures the ability of the helmet to resist distortion. This test didn’t exist in previous standards. It’s the same requirement as motorcycle helmets.

Penetration test measures the resistance the helmet offers to a pointed object that could penetrate the ventilation area.

Stability on the head in case of a fall so that the helmet continues to protect the required areas required and doesn't move too much.

Lateral crushing to ensure the helmet resists impacts from all directions.

Resistance of the retention system tests the harness system.

These standards are very strict and evolve regularly to better protect riders.

Samshield works with the CRITT (a French certified laboratory renowned for being the most demanding in the world) to ensure that all its products respect these standards.

The test results are very positive and considerably higher than standard scores.

Samshield is proud to propose products of exceptional quality which exceed the highest safety standards.

Shadowmatt and Premium helmets meet CE EN1384:2017 and ASTM F1163-15 SEI standards.

Shadow, Premium, Miss Shield Riding Hats

How to measure for a riding hat

Use a soft tape to measure the widest part of your head over your hair about 3/4" above your eyebrows, just above the ear line and around the bump at the back of your head.

Take this measurement in centimetres and repeat a couple of times to get a more accurate sizing.

Please be aware that although Riding Hats and Jockey Skull Caps are sized the same way there is a difference in fit/shape of the hats between brands and styles by those brands.

We recommended that Skull Caps and Riding Hats are fitted by a professional.

Samshield uses 3 shells and a liner system to create their range of sizes for their hats.

If between shell sizes it is usually a case of trying both and seeing which is the most comfortable fit.

Shadow 2.0 & Miss Shield 2.0

Samshield has spent four years researching and listening to customer feedback to improve the Shadowmatt and Miss Shield in reaction to common requests they have slightly altered the shape of the shell to be more round and deeper than the original Shadow and Miss Sheild, improved the positioning of the harness for a more close feel, changed the shape and placement of the ventilation holes, new edging that allows more Swaroski crystals to be added even around the airvents and a new integrated for all hairstyles including a bun.

Samshield uses 4 shells and a liner system to create their range of sizes for their hats.

If between shell sizes it is usually a case of trying both and seeing which is the most comfortable fit.

XC, XJ/XJ MISS

Samshield After Sale Care and Services

Warranty

Samshield helmets have a one-year manufacturer's warranty in case of a defect.

Service & Repair

In the event of a fall, Samshield suggests that your helmet is returned to the Samshield workshop for x-rays and assessment to ascertain if there has been any damage this is arranged through Houghton Country at your own cost.

Once the helmet is accessed Samshield will either replace the damaged area of the hat such as the inner shell for a cost of around 50 euro's although a quote will be provided for the work, time and freight charges.

This is a service that is proposed for the first five years of ownership, it is not a form of warranty.

Due to evolving hat standard changes, technologies and for potential unseen material deterioration, it is recommended that you replace your helmet at least every five years.

Cosmetic Alterations

If you would like to make a cosmetic alteration to your existing helmet (top/frontal band/trim or blazon) this will be subject to a Customisation Charge of 20 euros on top of the RRP of the option you would like to add.

For example, if you would like to add a custom trim = (20 euro customisation charge + 100 euro for custom trim = 120 euros).

The helmet will have to be returned to France to the workshop and may take up to 4 weeks.

Shadow & Premium Technology

XC & XJ Technology

How to carefor your Samshield helmet

To clean the outer shell of the helmets (Shadowmatt, Premium Alcantara, XC or XC-J) it is recommended to use cleaning wipes or simply a wet sponge with natural soap. Helmets should be left to dry naturally. To maintain the leather chin strap of the Premium, XC or XC-J helmets, it is recommended to use boot polish with silicone that will waterproof the leather (same process for the leather top of the Premium). To clean the liner it is possible to use a washing machine but best way is hand wash with soap because it doesn’t need a washing program.

Always inspect the inside and outside of the helmet as well as the chin strap before and after use.

When the helmet is not used, it should be stored away from the light.

The helmet should never be exposed to temperatures lower than -20°C or higher than +50°C.

Any contact with corrosive or aggressive substances should be avoided. Use of solvents can alter the characteristics of the helmet and compromise its quality.

The lifespan of the helmet will depend on its careful maintenance and use. It is recommended that the helmet should have the impact absorption polystyrene shell changed after a major fall or impact and every three to five years

Shadow 2.0 & Miss Shield 2.0 Technology

Clothing Size Guide