When choosing a riding hat it is essential it fits properly and meets certain British standards to offer a wide range of protection.

Charles Owen’s riding helmets cater for every head shape with various models and oval fit or round fit available.

A new riding hat will mould to the shape of your head over a short period of time as you break it in. It should feel snug, with a firm and even pressure all the way around.

Charles Owen recommends checking the following points when buying a new riding hat:

1. A snug fit with even, firm pressure around the entire head
2. No specific pressure points or gaps
3. Helmet locks onto the back of the skull
4. Helmet sits level on the head, covering the forehead leaving about an inch above the eyebrows
5. With the harness unfastened, the helmet should not rock forwards nor backwards
6. The chinstrap should sit just under the chin and gently touch the bottom of the ear lobe, avoiding the throat
7. You should be able to put a finger between the strap and your chin
8. The harness laces at the back of the helmet should be secured tightly
9. Wear the helmet for 5 minutes to give time for it to mould to your head and reveal any pressure points.

For more information please watch the following video on how to fit a Charles Owen riding hat.

The following Charles Owen riding hats come with removable liners:

• My Halo CX
• Luna
• Charles Owen Halo Riding Helmet – Gloss
• Charles Owen Halo Riding Helmet – Matt
• Charles Owen AYR8 Plus Leather Look Riding Hat – Navy
• Charles Owen AYR8 Plus Leather Look Riding Hat – Black
• Charles Owen V8 Hat – Black

All riding helmet manufacturers have to produce helmets to meet one of three international equestrian safety standards or marks: PAS015:2011, VG1 01.040 2014-12 and ASTM F1163:2015. Some may even produce helmets to meet all of them, as Charles Owen do.

British Eventing:

Your helmet must comply with one of the following British safety standards: PAS 015 or VG1, provided they carry the BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC mark.

British Showjumping:

All competitors must wear a helmet that meets at least one of the following British standards: PAS 015 or VG1, provided they are BSI Kitemarked

British Dressage:

British Dressage states that protective hats must meet one of the following standards British: PAS 015 or VG1

Showing:

The British Show Horse Association states riders must wear correctly secured helmets that meet one of the following safety standards: British and European: PAS 015 or VG1

British Riding Club and Pony Club:

The British Riding Club and Pony Club have the same helmet rules as British Eventing which means one hat tag is accepted across all three organisations’ events. The accepted British helmet standards are: PAS 015 or VG1, both must have the BSI Kitemark

All of Charles Owen riding hats meet certain standards but depending on which discipline depends on the maximum safety.

Eventing

The safest Charles Owen skull hat for going cross country when out Eventing is the Charles Owen 4Star.

The Charles Owen 4Star riding hat is the only helmet on the market to hold all four international safety certificates including SNELL, which is the highest performance standard.

Other features include a unique magnetic closure, so you can do the buckle up with one hand, the patented GRpx harness system for a secure fit, plus the Free Fit ventilation system and Coolmax mesh for the coolest ride yet.

Show Jumping

The halo Luxe (wide peak) is just as eye-catching as the standard peak, and provides great protection from the sun (and rain).

This style of peak is so hot right now in showjumping, but it also has safety benefits as its flexibility distributes energy on impact.

Another great safety feature when jumping is the option to add MIPS technology, an innovative liner than helps reduce injuries from rotational falls

Dressage

Dazzle the dressage judges with this next-generation premium helmet, with multiple colour combinations to match to your look.

We also love halo’s slim low-profile styling, which gives the helmet a sleek, modern look.

However, halo isn’t all form and no function. It meets three safety standards (plus MIPS) and has 360 degree ventilation around the head, plus a removable and washable headband, so the helmet works as hard as you do.

Showing

Looks matter in showing. This beautiful helmet is the closest thing you’ll get to the classic Patey, while meeting multiple safety standards.

The Fian is covered in luxurious velvet and trimmed to perfection, while its slim tan harness finishes off its elegant look.

Its traditional satin lining includes a draw lace, so you can ensure the helmet cradles your head.

Pony Club

This affordable helmet has been officially approved by the Pony Club, thanks to its triple-standard protection.

The Young Rider’s Jockey has a deep fit for added protection and is made from fibre glass, which has similar safety benefits to MIPS.

It features eight ventilation holes and comes with a free breathable silk.

There is an SOS card for all your medical info and it comes in regular or round fit.

MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is an additional brain protection system.

The MIPS system was invented in 1996 in Sweden by Hans von Holst, a neurosurgeon and Peter Halldin, a researcher from the Royal Institute of Technology.

MIPS is designed to add protection against rotational motion (or kinematics) transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head, which is how most riders fall

Currently, we have the following hats with MIPS in ,stock:

• Charles Owen MS1 Pro
• Charles Owen Harlow MS1 Pro

At additional cost the following Charles Owen hats can have MIPS:

• Charles Owen CX range
• Charles Owen Halo Matt 
• Charles Owen Halo Gloss

Please call us if you would like to order a hat with MIPS.

More information on how MIPS works can be found in the video below.