Riding Hats & Helmets Buyer's Guide

A riding hat is the single most important piece of safety equipment a rider owns. Whether you are taking your first lesson, competing at affiliated level or hacking out on a regular basis, wearing a correctly fitting, properly certified helmet is non-negotiable.

This guide covers everything you need to choose the right hat for your discipline, understand the safety standards, achieve the correct fit and know when to replace it.

At The Drillshed we stock riding helmets from Charles Owen, Champion and Evoke, covering jockey skulls, peaked riding helmets and hat silks and liners for adults, juniors and children.

Jockey Skulls

A jockey skull is a riding helmet without a fixed peak. For cross-country competition, jockey skulls are mandatory — British Eventing, the FEI and most hunt organisers do not permit a fixed peak during these phases.

Beyond competition, skulls are also a popular choice for everyday hacking and schooling, offering a modern, low-profile appearance and the ability to wear a silk or cover in your colours.

Key features to look for in a jockey skull include:

• A close, secure fit
• A reliable four-point harness
• Current safety certification
• Compatibility with hat silks and covers

Shop All Jockey Skulls

Peaked Riding Helmets

Peaked helmets are the traditional choice for flatwork, dressage, showjumping, showing and everyday schooling. The fixed peak provides a smart appearance and is accepted across the majority of non-cross-country disciplines.

Modern peaked helmets combine traditional styling with up-to-date safety technology, improved ventilation systems and increasingly, dial-fit adjustment systems.

Peaked helmets are available in both standard and wide-peak configurations. Wide peak styles have become increasingly popular for flatwork and showing, offering a broader brim and a contemporary profile.

Shop Peaked Riding Helmets

Hat Silks & Liners

Hat silks are fitted fabric covers worn over jockey skulls, most commonly in competition colours for cross-country and showing.

Available in plain, patterned and pom-pom styles, they allow riders to personalise their helmet and coordinate with team or cross-country colours.

Replacement liners help extend the life of a helmet by restoring internal fit and improving hygiene as the original lining naturally compresses with use.

Always check compatibility with your specific helmet model before purchasing.

Shop Hat Silks & Liners

Understanding Riding Helmet Safety Standards

All riding helmets sold for equestrian use should meet recognised safety standards. The more standards a helmet carries, the greater the range of impact scenarios it has been independently tested against.

Standard	Description
PAS015:2011	The primary UK equestrian standard. Required or accepted across most affiliated disciplines.
VG1 01.040 2014-12	The European standard which replaced EN1384 for most competition purposes. Similar in scope to PAS015.
ASTM F1163	The US equestrian standard, increasingly common on premium helmets.
SNELL E2016	One of the most demanding equestrian standards, including additional impact testing such as drops onto a metal ball.
EN1621-2-2014	Motorcycle back protector standard. Relevant to back protectors, not riding helmets.

Did you know? Most riding helmets at The Drillshed are certified to PAS015, VG1 and ASTM as a minimum.

Always check the current requirements of your governing body before purchasing, as accepted standards can vary between disciplines and competition levels.

MIPS Technology Explained

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is now available across a growing number of helmets, including several models within the Charles Owen Kylo range.

MIPS adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows a small amount of rotational movement during an impact.

Research suggests this can help reduce rotational forces transmitted to the brain during certain types of falls, particularly angled impacts.

MIPS is generally offered as an optional upgrade, allowing riders to choose between standard and MIPS-equipped versions of the same helmet.

Dial-Fit Technology

Dial-fit systems, available on helmets including the Charles Owen Kylo and Charles Owen Phoenix, allow riders to fine-tune the fit using an adjustment dial rather than relying solely on sizing.

This enables a more personalised fit across a wider range of head shapes and makes minor adjustments quick and convenient.

The Brands We Stock

Charles Owen

Charles Owen has been handcrafting riding helmets in Wrexham, Wales for more than 110 years. The range includes skull caps, peaked helmets, wide-peak styles and MIPS-equipped models certified to multiple international standards.

Shop Charles Owen

Champion

Champion has over 50 years of experience producing equestrian safety headwear, offering practical and affordable helmets for riders of all levels.

Shop Champion Helmets

Evoke

Evoke specialises in lightweight, performance-focused jockey skulls. The Orion Jockey Skull is the flagship model and includes a removable liner as standard.

Shop Evoke Helmets

Helmet Fit: The Most Important Factor

A helmet that meets the correct safety standards but does not fit properly cannot provide its certified level of protection.

1. Measure Your Head

Use a soft tape measure around the widest part of your head, approximately 2.5cm above your eyebrows.

Helmet sizing is measured in centimetres and can vary between brands and models, so always measure before purchasing.

2. Understand Your Head Shape

Most helmets are available in standard and round-fit options.

• Standard Fit: More oval head shape.
• Round Fit: More circular head shape.

Selecting the correct shape prevents pressure points and ensures the helmet sits level on the head.

3. Test the Fit

A correctly fitted helmet should:

• Sit level on the head
• Feel snug without painful pressure points
• Move your eyebrows slightly when pushed gently forwards
• Remain stable without rocking side-to-side
• Stay secure when the harness is fastened

If these conditions are not met, try a different size or fit profile.

Read our How to Properly Fit a Riding Helmet guide to help you get the perfect fit.

When Should You Replace Your Riding Helmet?

Replace your helmet immediately after any significant impact.

Riding helmets should generally be replaced every five years, even if there is no visible damage.

Internal protective materials gradually degrade through age, wear and environmental exposure, reducing their ability to absorb impacts effectively.

Any helmet involved in a significant fall, collision or drop onto a hard surface should be replaced immediately, regardless of visible damage.

The protective foam liner compresses during impact and cannot return to its original protective state once damaged.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right riding helmet comes down to four key factors.

1. Correct certification
2. Proper fit
3. Suitable style for your discipline
4. Regular replacement when required

Whether you're looking for a competition jockey skull, a stylish peaked helmet or the latest MIPS-equipped design, selecting a properly fitted and certified helmet is one of the most important investments you can make in your riding safety.

Still Not Sure? Just Ask – We’re Here To Help

If you require any more help on choosing the right equestrian attire for your needs, one of our expertly trained members of staff will be more than happy to assist. For online enquiries, please contact our customer service team on 01702 597833