Every Charles Owen helmet is built with a singular purpose: to deliver uncompromising safety through intelligent design. At the core of that protection is the helmet shell — the outermost layer engineered to shield against the most severe impacts. Depending on the model, shells are crafted from fibreglass, advanced composite materials, or high-impact ABS plastic. Each material is carefully selected for its ability to distribute force effectively and withstand high-energy collisions.

The shell’s primary role is to minimise the risk of skull fracture by spreading impact forces across a broader surface. It also offers critical protection from concentrated impacts — such as those from a stud — a safeguard not required by all safety standards, but one we consider essential.

Beneath the shell lies a high-performance layer of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which absorbs and dissipates energy on impact. This technology helps reduce the risk of brain trauma by limiting the internal motion of the brain during a fall.

The inner liner completes the protective system. Made from breathable fabrics and multi-density foams, it is designed to conform to the rider’s head for a secure and stable fit — a key factor in maximising protective performance.

Our helmet designs are the result of decades of research and development, informed by our own scientific publications and continuous testing. Charles Owen’s in-house experts also sit on the major international safety standard committees, where they actively contribute to the evolution of helmet standards — ensuring that not only do our helmets exceed current benchmarks, but that the benchmarks themselves continue to move toward greater protection for all riders.

From shell to liner, research to regulation, every Charles Owen helmet reflects a deep commitment to advancing rider safety through expertise, innovation, and integrity.

Understanding the biomechanics, anthropometry, and ergonomics of the human head is essential to creating helmets that offer real-world protection. While traditional testing methods focus on measuring peak acceleration using an aluminium headform dropped onto a hard surface, this represents only the starting point for Charles Owen.

With deep roots in academic research, we work in collaboration with leading universities and research institutions to expand the understanding of head injury prevention. Our designs are informed by a growing body of peer-reviewed publications and scientific data, giving us a uniquely evidence-driven approach to helmet development.

At our design headquarters, we use advanced computational simulation to study how impact energy is transferred and dissipated through different materials and structures. Each helmet begins as a concept sketch, rapidly transformed into a 3D digital model for iterative simulation and refinement.

Prototypes are brought to life using 3D printing, allowing for early testing of form, fit, and function. Combined with insights from user studies and rider feedback, this process ensures that every design is both biomechanically effective and practically tailored to the needs of equestrians.

Final helmet designs are validated against a diverse database of global head shapes, ensuring an ergonomic and secure fit for all riders. This human-centred, research-led process reflects Charles Owen’s commitment to driving safety innovation forward — not only by exceeding current standards, but by helping shape them for the future.