Setting the Standard for the Future
For over a century, we’ve been dedicated to protecting riders with cutting-edge technology and timeless design. In 2025 we announced an exciting redesign of our worldwide renowed brand. This re-brand is a reflection of our commitment to progress. While our legacy will always be at the heart of everything we do, and our existing products remain the mainstay of our range, we’re stepping forward with a bold new vision.
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.
Our Story
Established 1911
To own a Charles Owen helmet is to own not only a part of equestrian history, but its future.
Saving lives since 1911
World famous for raising the bar in safety, Charles Owen is a leading British manufacturer of riding helmets with a history dating back over 115 years.
When Charles Owen himself founded the company in 1911, his mission was to make products ‘for a safer world’.
A Legacy Begins: The Origins of Charles Owen
It all began with a mechanic in East London named Charles Owen. To escape acute poverty, he attended night classes to learn hat making, and in 1911, he created his first tropical pith helmet. The company’s early days revolved around manufacturing military helmets, which were worn by the British Army throughout the First World War. Soon after, the business expanded into motorsport protective headwear.
Surviving Through Wars And Challenges
After Charles Owen passed away in 1932, his wife, Francis, and daughter, Zena, took over the family business, steering it through the challenges of the Second World War. In 1946, Zena married Walter Burek, a Polish war refugee who had escaped a prisoner-of-war camp. Under Walter’s leadership, the company grew rapidly, producing some of the world’s most advanced motorcycle helmets.
A New Era: The Birth of Equestrian Helmets
Walter and Zena’s children developed a love for horse riding, inspiring Walter to design a helmet prioritising rider safety. This marked a turning point for the company, as riding helmets became its flagship product. Charles Owen quickly earned a reputation as the gold standard for equestrian safety, creating the first dual-standard riding helmet in 1983 and receiving a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II that same year.
Innovation and Scientific Advancements
In 1981, Walter’s son, Roy Burek, joined the company. A scientist at heart, Roy played a key role in developing the first equestrian helmet safety standards. The grandson of Charles Owen, Roy was dynamic in leading industry research, studying traumatic brain injury and setting new standards for safety technology. His passion for head injury research led him to become an Honorary Professor at Cardiff University. From the first patent granted in 1924 to today’s Microfit system, Charles Owen has always prioritised safety, comfort, and innovation.
The Future of Safety
Following Roy’s unexpected passing in 2019, the company entered its fourth generation under Owen Burek’s leadership. Today, Charles Owen continues its 115-year tradition of innovating to create ever-safer rider protection. Deeply ingrained in the global equestrian industry, the brand is trusted for its commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and style.
A Legacy Begins: The Origins of Charles Owen
It all began with a mechanic in East London named Charles Owen. To escape acute poverty, he attended night classes to learn hat making, and in 1911, he created his first tropical pith helmet. The company’s early days revolved around manufacturing military helmets, which were worn by the British Army throughout the First World War. Soon after, the business expanded into motorsport protective headwear.
Surviving Through Wars And Challenges
After Charles Owen passed away in 1932, his wife, Francis, and daughter, Zena, took over the family business, steering it through the challenges of the Second World War. In 1946, Zena married Walter Burek, a Polish war refugee who had escaped a prisoner-of-war camp. Under Walter’s leadership, the company grew rapidly, producing some of the world’s most advanced motorcycle helmets.
A New Era: The Birth of Equestrian Helmets
Walter and Zena’s children developed a love for horse riding, inspiring Walter to design a helmet prioritising rider safety. This marked a turning point for the company, as riding helmets became its flagship product. Charles Owen quickly earned a reputation as the gold standard for equestrian safety, creating the first dual-standard riding helmet in 1983 and receiving a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II that same year.
Innovation and Scientific Advancements
In 1981, Walter’s son, Roy Burek, joined the company. A scientist at heart, Roy played a key role in developing the first equestrian helmet safety standards. The grandson of Charles Owen, Roy was dynamic in leading industry research, studying traumatic brain injury and setting new standards for safety technology. His passion for head injury research led him to become an Honorary Professor at Cardiff University. From the first patent granted in 1924 to today’s Microfit system, Charles Owen has always prioritised safety, comfort, and innovation.
The Future of Safety
Following Roy’s unexpected passing in 2019, the company entered its fourth generation under Owen Burek’s leadership. Today, Charles Owen continues its 115-year tradition of innovating to create ever-safer rider protection. Deeply ingrained in the global equestrian industry, the brand is trusted for its commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and style.
Royal Works
Our award winning facility is situated in Wrexham, North Wales.
Inside the huge space, the workforce is organised into small teams that create the Charles Owen branded products from start to finish.
Quality is paramount when it comes to safety.
