Charles Owen Riding Helmets

Every equestrian helmet manufacturer has its pros and cons. Charles Owen ranks among the very best because of its long-standing involvement in setting standards for hats and helmets for riders, to make the sport safer for all. The company rigorously tests and checks the helmets it designs and manufacturers while striving to offer riders aesthetically pleasing options.

If you look on the heads of top riders, odds are good that they will be wearing a Charles Owen helmet.

Wearing a properly fitting, ASTM-approved (American Society for Testing and Materials) riding helmet in the ring is critical for safety and competitiveness.

To calculate your correct helmet size, advises the USPC Horse Management Handbook, first measure the circumference of your head just above the eyebrows using a sewing tape measure (essentially a ruler on fabric or flexible plastic). Then divide the number of inches by 3.14 and round up or down to the nearest 1/8th inch. For example, if your head circumference is 22", when you divide that figure by 3.14, you get 7.006", which rounds to a size 7.

Make sure that your hair is styled as you would wear it when you ride, whether that's in a pony tail, braid, or tucked up using a hairnet, so you can judge the fit more accurately. The visor on the helmet should sit level on your head, rather than tipping up or down, falling 1/2" to 1" above your eyebrow. You should not be able to wiggle the helmet from side-to-side.

The chin strap should make contact with your jaw without being too snug. You should be able to get your fingers in between the strap and your head.

Of course, the retailer who is helping you select your Charles Owen helmet should also be able to suggest models that are more suited to your head shape. Some have deeper crowns and others are more shallow, to offer something that will fit your head snugly without hurting.

In a word, yes. Whether you're riding for pleasure in your own field, taking lessons at a nearby barn, or are competing at national horse shows, a helmet is a must. Even a small fall from eight feet can cause serious brain damage, especially if you're not wearing a helmet. And the risk does not decrease with experience.

The more trained and skilled you and your horse are, the more likely any fall will be unexpected and awkward - meaning dangerous. Protecting your head with a Charles Owen helmet will reduce the risk of a concussion or damage caused by a fall. Never go horseback riding without one on.