Fitting Helmets & Body Protectors

By Charles Owen, Official Safety Partner to British Eventing

Wearing approved safety equipment is essential, but it’s only effective if it fits correctly. A helmet or body protector that is the wrong size, poorly adjusted or worn incorrectly cannot perform as designed in a fall.

As part of the BE Prepared campaign, Charles Owen is encouraging riders to take time to reassess the fit of their safety equipment. Bodies change, equipment ages, and a fit that once felt right may no longer provide the level of protection required today.

This guide explains how to check that your helmet and body protector fit properly, and what to look for before you ride or compete.

Fitting a Riding Helmet Correctly

A correctly fitted helmet should feel secure, comfortable and stable without pressure points or movement.

Step 1: Measure your head

Use a soft tape measure and measure the circumference of your head approximately 2.5 cm (one fingers width) above the eyebrows, passing the tape just above the ears and around the widest part of the back of the head, below the occipital ridge (bumpy bone on the base of the skull). This measurement gives a starting size but fit can vary depending on head shape.

Step 2: Position the helmet correctly

The helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead without tipping back. If you can see the whole of your forehead or the helmet feels perched, it is likely too small or incorrectly positioned.

Step 3: Check stability

With the helmet fastened, gently rock it forwards, backwards and side to side. The skin on your forehead should move with the helmet. Excessive movement indicates a poor fit and reduced protection.

Step 4: Adjust and check the harness

The harness should sit snugly under the chin, allowing room for one finger between strap and skin. Straps should meet neatly under the ear, forming a comfortable “V” shape. A loose or uneven harness can allow the helmet to move or come off in a fall.

Step 5: Assess comfort over time

A helmet should feel secure without causing pressure or headaches. If discomfort develops quickly, the helmet may not suit your head shape even if the size appears correct.

Important: Helmets should never be adjusted with padding not designed for that model, and any helmet that has taken an impact should be replaced immediately.

Fitting a Body Protector Correctly

A body protector must fit closely to the rider’s body to protect the chest, ribs and spine effectively, while still allowing freedom of movement.

Step 1: Take accurate measurements

Body protectors are sized using a combination of chest, waist and back length measurements. Back length is particularly important and should be measured from the base of the neck (C7 vertebra) to the waistline.

Step 2: Put the protector on correctly

Fasten the body protector over light clothing. It should feel snug but not restrictive and should sit evenly without twisting or gaping.

Step 3: Check coverage

A correctly fitted body protector should:

• Cover the chest fully, sitting just below the collarbone

• Protect the ribs at the sides without excessive gaps

• Cover the bottom rib at mid-chest by approximately 2.5cm, but should not cover the belly button

• Cover the spine down the back

• Finish above the saddle when seated, allowing you to sit comfortably

If the protector presses into the saddle or pushes up when seated, the back length may be too long.

Step 4: Assess movement and flexibility

You should be able to:

• Lift your arms freely

• Bend forward into a riding position

• Breathe comfortably

If movement feels restricted, the protector may be too small or incorrectly adjusted.

Step 5: Check fastenings and adjustment

Hook and loop fastenings should secure firmly and evenly, with elastic panels lying flat against the body. If the protector shifts, rides up or feels loose during movement, it may not provide adequate protection in a fall.

When to Recheck Fit

Fitting is not a one-time task. Riders should reassess fit:

• At the start of each season

• After weight or fitness changes

• When replacing other equipment (such as saddles or clothing layers)

• If the equipment feels different or uncomfortable

Children and young riders can outgrow safety equipment quickly and require regular size checks.

Why Correct Fit Is Critical

Both helmets and body protectors are designed to work as complete safety systems. Poor fit can allow equipment to move, expose vulnerable areas, or reduce impact absorption—undermining the protection the equipment is designed to provide.

Correct fit supports both safety and performance, allowing riders to focus fully on their horse and their round.

BE Prepared with Charles Owen

At Charles Owen, our commitment to rider safety goes beyond meeting standards. Fit, comfort and correct use are fundamental to effective protection.

As part of the BE Prepared campaign, we encourage all riders to take a few minutes to reassess the fit of their helmet and body protector this season. A simple check can make a meaningful difference.

Because the best protection starts with the right fit.