Charles Owen has a large range of riding helmets but there are two main types, a riding hat and a skull cap.

A Riding Hat has a fixed peak design usually covered with velvet or leather. These hats are popular of dressage, showing and showjumping, however, they cannot be used for cross-country schooling or competition. Fixed peaks are banned from cross country due to the risk they pose when coming into contact with the ground or a fixed fence at high speed, the defection from a peak first impact may affect the protection offered by the hat and could also cause injury to the neck by causing over extension backwards.

Skull Caps or Jockey Skulls sometimes just called Skulls originate from horse racing and the demands of a high-speed high-risk sport. Skull Caps are suitable for all types of riding from hacking down a lane to jumping a top-level cross-country course. Most young riders and beginners will start in a Skull because they are so versatile for disciplines and of course the hat silk used can be changed in colour and material for a traditional or modern look.

Using a soft fabric measuring tape, wrap it around the widest part of your head (over your hair).

It should follow a line about 3/4 inch above your eyebrows, just above the ear line and around the bump at the back of your head.

Take the measurement in centimetres (cm) and repeat a couple of times for the most accurate sizing.

Unlike most other helmet brands which rely on adjustable or broad size ranges (small/medium/large), Charles Owen sizing is very specific because that ensures the safest and most comfortable fit.

Tips for fitting

• Hair should ideally be worn in a low pony tail (if applicable)
• Place your forehead into the front of the helmet
• Using a rolling motion, push backwards to feel the helmet lock into the base of the skull (listen for a suction sound)
• Run a finger around the rim of the helmet to check for gaps or loose points. If there is any movement or gaps you may need to try a different size or a Round Fit
• Always adjust the chin strap first, then tie the back laces with a knot and bow (if applicable).

Helmet Sizing Conversion Chart

When you try on your helmet you are looking for the following key things;

• A snug fit with even, firm pressure around the entire head
• No specific pressure points or gaps
• The helmet locks onto the back of the skull
• The helmet sits level on the head, covering the forehead and leaving about an inch above the eyebrows
• With the harness unfastened, the helmet should not rock forwards or backwards
• The chin strap should sit just under the chin and gently touch the bottom of the ear lobe, avoiding the throat
• You should be able to put a finger between the strap and your chin
• The harness laces at the back of the helmet should be secured tightly
• Wear the helmet for 5 minutes to allow it to mould to your head and reveal any pressure points.

Charles Owen make a wide range of helmets with different shaped shells, although the majority of their designs suit a oval shaped head, below you will find a rough guide to what head shapes the helmet suits.

Halo and Luna Comparison Chart

The Halo is the next generation of performance riding hat with three shells and sized liners designed to meet the needs of the modern Dressage and Show Jumper. The Luna shares this three shell with liners to achieve fit however is a more economical yet no less safe stripped back design for everyday riding and flatwork and Show Jumping training.

There are many riding helmet standards around the world. Charles Owen test their helmets to be suitable in the places they are sold so 95% of Charles Owen helmets meet three international safety standards.

Many of Charles Owen helmets have a removable liner allowing riders to easily clean and swap liners to make their helmet more comfortable.

Some of the liners are even able to change the size of the helmet within the shell size allowing you to change your hairstyle without worrying too much about how you hat will fit.

How to fit a dial-fit helmet

Step 1: Measure up
•    Hair should ideally be worn in a low ponytail (if applicable).
•    Using a soft fabric measuring tape, wrap it around the widest part of the head (just under the occipital ridge).
•    It should follow a line just above the ear and about 1cm above the eyebrows to determine shell size.

Top Tip: Shells are universal fits (round and oval). If at the bigger end of the shell size for a round fit, choose a bigger shell for comfort.

Step 2: Fitting process
•    Place helmet on head and hold roughly 1cm above the eyebrow, at its loosest setting.
•    Whilst holding the peak in place, begin to slowly tighten the dial fixing at the back of the helmet until secure.

Top Tip: Please tighten your dial-fit carefully. Over tightening of the dial-fit mechanism when the helmet is being worn may cause the dial to lock. If this occurs, simply remove the helmet and release the dial.

•    Check the fit by gently pulling down on the peak or front of the helmet. The forehead skin should move with the motion of the helmet if it fits correctly. Independent movement from the helmet is indication the helmet is too big or the dial is not fastened tight enough.
•    Due to the dial-fit securing the helmet at the base of the skull (occipital ridge), a consistent contact around the perimeter of the helmet is not necessary.
Top Tip: Before removing the helmet, you should undo the dial. This helps prevent unnecessary stress on the dial fixing, and ensures you are securing correctly with every wear.

Step 3: Final steps
•    The chin strap should fit just under the chin and gently touch the bottom of the ear lobe, avoiding the throat.
•    There should be one fingers width between the chin and the chin strap. The gap between the chin and the chin strap is an indication of how far the hat could move in an accident.

Top Tip: When doing the chin strap up, place your finger between the strap and face to ensure you don’t pinch.

Sizing Foam Usage in EQx Kylo
We do not advise you use sizing foam at the back of the helmet. Any sizing foam added to the back of the helmet will interfere with the dial-fit system and reduce its effectiveness.

How to measure

Please follow these steps referring to the sizing table below.

1. Measure over light clothing using a soft tape measure in centimetres (cm)
2. Take your chest measurement with the tape measure around the widest part of your chest, under your arms
3. Measure the circumference of your waist
4. Take your back length measurement, from the C7 vertebrae (base of the neck) to the base of your spine
5. Select the corresponding size from the size chart below

Still unsure about which hat you need or the fit of your helmet? Out team are here to help 01661 853110 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.