Top Tips for Perfect Helmet and Body Protector Fit – Stay Safe in the Saddle with Charles Owen

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Whether you’re enjoying a quiet hack or training for competition, your helmet and body protector are your most important riding partners.

At Charles Owen, we’ve spent over a century perfecting protection -combining science, design and craftsmanship to keep every rider safe and confident. Here are our expert tips for ensuring your safety gear fits just right.

 

  1. Fit First: Why It Matters

No matter how advanced the technology, a helmet or body protector can only do its job if it fits properly. A poor fit may reduce protection, create pressure points, or cause distractions in the saddle.
Your goal? Comfort, stability and confidence in every ride.

 

  1. The Perfect Helmet Fit

Every rider’s head is unique, so it’s important to find a helmet that matches your shape and size. Here’s what to look for:

  • The helmet should sit level on your head, covering the forehead, about 1 fingers width above the eyebrow, without tipping forward or back.
  • You should feel even, firm pressure all around – snug but never tight.
  • Once the chin strap is fastened, leaving only enough room for one finger between the strap and your chin, try the “wiggle test”: your skin should move with the helmet, not separately.

Avoid guessing your size or relying on old measurements. Visit a trained Charles Owen fitting stockist for a professional fitting or follow our helmet fitting guide to check your fit at home.

 

  1. Finding the Right Body Protector Fit

A well-fitted body protector offers vital protection for your ribs, spine and internal organs. To check your fit:

  1. Snug fit on the waist with more room on the chest
  2. Able to take a deep breath in without feeling restricted
  3. Fully covers your rib cage but not your belly button, which is the bend point on your body
  4. To test that your body protector is the correct length, try bending forward at the waist. If your body protector digs into your stomach uncomfortably, it is likely too long
  5. Adjust your shoulder straps so that they lay midway between the point of the shoulder and the base of the neck
  6. There should be around three inches between the bottom of the back of the body protector and the cantle of your saddle. If the body protector is longer, it may interfere with the saddle
  7. Check that each strap covers the red marker on the hook and loop fasteners. If you can still see any part of a red section when your body protector is adjusted correctly, the body protector is too small.

Always ensure your protector meets the BETA Level 3 safety standard — the highest level of protection for general riding, competitions and cross-country.

If your body protector passes all these fitting checks, it’s ready to ride in!

 

  1. Back Protectors, for a lighter alternative to a full body protector.

Designed exclusively for Equestrians and certified to motorcycle back protector standard EN1621-2-2014 Level 2, whether in the arena or out on a hack, our range of back protectors ensure ultimate confidence in the saddle, without restricting movement.

 

The Shadow is designed to sit discreetly under your competition jacket for showjumping or dressage, or is a welcomed addition to your wardrobe when schooling or hacking at home, to ensure you have an added level of protection.

In collaboration with RE ZRO®, the Charles Owen Eclipse redefines lightweight, flexible and breathable protection for riders who demand both style and security. Born through our Innovation Hub, wrapped in a breathable, performance-fit gilet with premium finishes, secure storage and a customisable inner belt for all-day comfort.

Serious protection, subtle design. Made to move with you.

 

  1. Replace, Don’t Risk It

Even the best protection wears out over time. Replace your helmet after any impact or every 3–5 years, depending on use. Back and body protectors should also be replaced after a fall, if the foam becomes compressed, cracked or misshapen.

A simple visual check before every ride can make all the difference.

 

  1. Quick Safety Wins –  Our Top Tips! 

Before you head out, take two minutes for a quick check:

  • Helmets should fit snug on your head, without any specific pressure points. It should feel comfortable with an even pressure all the way around as uneven pressure can cause headaches. 
  • Chin straps should be properly adjusted. Ensuring there is only one fingers width between the strap and your chin. 
  • Examine the outer shell of your helmet for any cracks, dents or signs of wear. Same goes for buckles and straps on harnesses, there should be no fraying or signs of weakness. 
  • Ensure your harness lace is in a secure knot, or your dial fit is adjusted correctly. 
  • Check your body or back protector over for any visible damage, movement of the foam or impact material within the garment.

A quick check today could prevent an injury tomorrow.

 

Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future. 

At Charles Owen, every product is designed to protect, perform and inspire confidence – from your first riding lesson to your biggest competition.

To explore our full range of helmets and body protectors, or to find your nearest fitting stockist, visit charlesowen.com.

Ride safe. Ride smart. Ride Charles Owen.