Choosing a new helmet is a complex decision, especially for young riders when style, popularity, and fashion factor in as well as safety. While helmets may look similar on the outside, they are not all created equal in terms of protection against head injuries. It is essential that riders look beyond trendy rhinestone details or chrome stripes and examine the safety rating inside. 

The first question any rider should ask when shopping for a helmet is, “what safety standards does it meet?” No single standard covers all areas of protection for every possible scenario, as each standard has its own testing methods and criteria. Therefore, the more safety standards a helmet meets, the better protected the rider is for a wide range of situations, explained Matt Stewart, Head of Innovation at Charles Owen. Having manufactured helmets for over 110 years, Charles Owen is renowned for its rigorous focus on helmet safety - and for consistently raising the bar on equestrian helmet safety standards. 

Below are the most recognized safety standards in the U.S. and Europe for equestrian helmets: 

• PAS015: This is a British standard that is known for its rigorous testing criteria, including tests for crush resistance, impact, and penetration. This has the best criteria for impact absorption 

• ASTM F1163-23: This American standard focuses on impact protection and crush resistance 

• EN1384: This European standard covers a wide range of tests, including impact absorption, crush resistance, and resistance to penetration 

• VG1: Another European standard, VG1 is another European standard that will be replaced by EN1384 over the next few years 

 

What Are the Risks of Single-Standard Helmets?  

A helmet that has only been tested for one scenario, such as falls, might not protect a rider for a different type of accident, such as penetration from a hoof or a sharp object. Multi-standard testing in helmets is like safety testing for cars, where vehicles are tested for frontal impact, side impact, run-off-road and rear-end impact, to evaluate how the car will protect the occupants in a variety of situations.  

It is especially vital that young riders are properly protected for all scenarios as developing brains are more susceptible to injury, Stewart said.  

This is why having a helmet that adheres to multiple standards is crucial: 

1. Comprehensive Protection: Different standards test for different types of impacts and forces. For example, while one standard might test for crush resistance, another might focus on the helmet's ability to stay in place during a fall. A helmet that meets multiple standards is more likely to protect you in a variety of accident scenarios. 

2. Higher Safety Assurance: Helmets with multiple certifications have undergone extensive testing and passed various stringent requirements. This means they offer a higher level of assurance in terms of safety and performance. 

3. Versatility in Use: Whether you're participating in show jumping, dressage, or cross country, a helmet with multiple standards is versatile enough to offer the protection needed for different equestrian disciplines. 

The crush test 

The Charles Owen Safety Standards poster (pictured below) details the tests that are carried out to meet each standard. The flat anvil test represents falling on a road, concrete, or any hard surface. The hazard test represents hitting an object like a curb stone, fence or hard corner. The spike test represents pointy objects that you might come across if you fall on a trail ride, such branches, rusty posts or sharp metal. The crush test ensures that the helmet is stiff enough to withstand events such as when a horse falls on its rider. 

The ASTM F1163-23 standard, for example, requires tests for two drops of the helmet onto a flat anvil from 1.8 m; two drops onto a spiked anvil from 1.3 m; and a crush test with 630 newtons of force. However, the PAS015 standard also has a spike test of 75 cm. The SNELL standard adds in round impact tests of 1.5 m, and is mostly used for eventing, Stewart said.  

“If you have an ASTM-only helmet then you've got protection in fewer scenarios than if you have ASTM, VG1 and PAS015 standards on your helmet,” Stewart explained. “We recommend having three standards on a helmet to cover you for more scenarios.” 

Different standards also aim to protect different areas of the head. In the graphic below, anything above the standard’s colored line is protected in case of impact. The ASTM line offers more protection to the front and back of the head, while the PAS015 line protects the temples more.  

“Again, having multiple standards on a helmet means that you are giving yourself more test coverage, meaning that the helmet has been tested in more places on the head,” Stewart said. 

How to Choose the Right Helmet 

The fit of a helmet is as important as its safety rating. Even if it meets multiple safety standards, a helmet that doesn’t fit a rider properly will not protect their head to the fullest extent. A badly-fitting helmet can create risks by rotating on the head, hitting the nose, or even rotating backwards in an accident and exposing more of the head to potential hits, Stewart explained.  

Charles Owen has a video guide on their website explaining how to measure a rider’s head to ensure the best fit. As Charles Owen has helmets to cater to every head shape, if one design doesn’t fit correctly then another might. Alternatively, the Kylo helmet comes with dial fit adjustable sizing.  Riders should always look for a snug fit with even, firm pressure around the entire head, and the helmet should lock onto the back of the head. It should also sit level on the head (covering the forehead, leaving about ¼ inch above the eyebrows) and should not rock back and forward when fastened. 

What to Do After a Fall  

Concussions are a serious risk after a fall if the rider hits their head. In such cases, they should be carefully monitored for the following signs of concussion. If any of these symptoms develop or worsen, they must seek medical attention immediately.  

• Headache or pressure 

• Dizziness or balance problems 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Confusion or memory issues 

• Sensitivity to light or noise 

• Changes in mood or behavior  

• Sleep disturbances 

The rider should avoid mental and physical stress as much as possible after a head injury, and gradually return to activities (including riding), under doctor supervision. 

When to Get a New Helmet 

After any significant impact, a rider needs to replace their helmet. Helmets are designed to absorb the force of a fall, which then compromises their protective ability after an accident even if they don’t appear damaged, Stewart advises.  

Riders should always remember that a helmet is an investment in their safety and allows them to enjoy the ride with the knowledge that their head is protected.  

If riders do have an accident in a Charles Owen helmet, the company asks them to fill out an accident report that will provide data to the safety committees that write the standards to make them better, and ultimately, improve helmet safety. 

(photos courtesy of Charles Owen)