Champion Helmets: 50 Years of British Safety Innovation

When it comes to equestrian safety, few brands carry the legacy and trust of Champion. With over 50 years of experience, Champion has become synonymous with rider protection, combining heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation to deliver some of the most trusted helmets in the industry.

Built on Safety From Day One

Champion was founded in Great Britain in the mid-1970s by John and Bridget Ayres, driven by a simple but powerful mission: to make horse riding safer for everyone. What began as a personal commitment to protecting their own children quickly evolved into a brand that would shape safety standards across the equestrian world. 

From the very beginning, safety has been at the core of everything Champion does—and that ethos still defines the brand today.

Setting the Standard in Helmet Protection

Champion hasn’t just followed safety standards—it has helped create them. The brand played a key role in developing the PAS 015 safety standard, one of the most widely recognised benchmarks in equestrian helmet protection, and was the first to bring helmets meeting this standard to market. 

More recently, Champion has continued to push boundaries by incorporating advanced technologies such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), designed to reduce rotational forces and help minimise concussion risk during impacts. 

This commitment to innovation ensures that riders benefit from the latest advancements in safety, without compromising on comfort or performance.

Handmade in Great Britain

One of Champion’s defining characteristics is its dedication to British manufacturing. Every riding helmet and body protector is proudly handmade in Great Britain, reflecting a level of craftsmanship and quality control that sets the brand apart. 

This hands-on approach allows Champion to maintain exceptional standards while staying true to its heritage—something that has remained unchanged for five decades.

Tested to the Highest Level

Champion doesn’t leave safety to chance. The brand operates its own state-of-the-art testing laboratory in Cardiff, where products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet and exceed the latest safety standards. 

Every helmet is pushed to its limits, ensuring it can perform when it matters most—giving riders confidence every time they step into the saddle.

Trusted by Riders Worldwide

Champion’s reputation isn’t just built on heritage—it’s backed by performance. The brand has consistently ranked at the very top of independent safety ratings, including achieving the number one position in the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, holding multiple top spots. 

From grassroots riders to professionals, Champion helmets are trusted across disciplines for their reliability, fit, and proven protection.

A Legacy That Continues to Evolve

From a small family workshop to a globally recognised safety brand, Champion’s journey has always been driven by one goal: protecting riders.

Today, that mission remains stronger than ever. With continuous innovation, British craftsmanship, and an unwavering focus on safety, Champion continues to lead the way in equestrian helmet design.

Why Choose Champion Helmets?

  • Over 50 years of safety expertise
  • Pioneers of industry-leading safety standards
  • Advanced technologies including MIPS
  • Handmade in Great Britain
  • Independently recognised for top-level protection

In a sport where safety is everything, investing in the right helmet matters. Champion’s blend of heritage, innovation, and proven performance makes it one of the most trusted names in equestrian protection—giving riders the confidence to focus on what they love most: riding.

SHOP CHAMPION

Updated on 3rd June 2026

Originally published on 8th April 2026 in Safety

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