When to Replace Your Helmet and Body Protector – and How to Care for Them

Feb 3
Riders invest in quality safety equipment with the expectation that it will protect them when they need it most. But helmets and body protectors are not designed to last forever.

Over time and particularly after impacts, their protective capabilities can be significantly reduced, even if there are no obvious signs of damage.

As part of the BE Prepared campaign, Charles Owen is encouraging riders to understand when safety equipment should be replaced, and how correct cleaning and care can help prolong its effective lifespan between replacements.

When Should You Replace Your Riding Helmet
A riding helmet is designed to absorb and disperse impact energy. Much of this protection comes from the internal liner. Of which damage to which is not always visible.

After any fall or impact
If you experience a fall where your head makes contact with the ground, fence, horse or solid object, your helmet should be replaced immediately. Even a low-speed or minor impact can compromise the liner, reducing its ability to protect you in a subsequent fall.
Importantly, helmets are designed to absorb impact once. Continuing to use a helmet after a fall puts you at increased risk of serious injury.

Due to age and wear
Even without an accident, helmets should typically be replaced every 3–5 years. Over time, materials degrade due to:
  • Sweat and body oils
  • UV exposure
  • Temperature changes
  • Regular handling and wear

These factors can weaken the helmet’s protective structure, even if it appears outwardly sound.

Signs it may be time to replace
  • Loose or damaged harness 
  • Cracked shell or liner
  • Poor fit or increased movement
  • Missing or unreadable safety labels

If you are unsure about the condition of your helmet, it is always safer to replace it.

When Should You Replace Your Body Protector?
Body protectors are designed to reduce the severity of impact injuries to the torso, ribs and spine. Like helmets, they rely on specialist materials that can degrade over time.

After a significant impact
If your body protector has been involved in a serious fall or heavy impact, it should be carefully inspected. Cracked, compressed or hardened panels indicate reduced impact absorption and mean the protector should be replaced.

Due to age and condition
As a general guide, body protectors should be replaced every 3–5 years, depending on frequency of use and care. Regular riding, repeated flexing and exposure to sweat can all affect performance.

Fit changes matter
Riders’ bodies change. A protector that no longer fits correctly - riding up, leaving gaps, or restricting movement, cannot offer the intended level of protection and may need replacing, even if it is otherwise in good condition.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Helmet Good care won’t stop ageing, but it can help maintain comfort, hygiene and performance between replacements.

How to clean your helmet
  • Remove any detachable liners and wash according to manufacturer instructions
  • Clean the helmet shell using lukewarm water and The Charles Owen Helmet Cleaner and Deodoriser for any internal padding
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge never abrasive materials
  • Allow the helmet to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight

What to avoid
  • Never use harsh chemicals or solvents
  • Do not submerge the helmet in water
  • Do not use direct heat sources such as radiators or hairdryers

Storage tips
  • Store helmets in a cool, dry place
  • Use a helmet bag to protect from knocks and UV exposure
  • Avoid leaving helmets in hot cars or damp tack rooms

Cleaning and Caring for Your Body Protector
Regular cleaning helps maintain flexibility and comfort, while allowing you to spot signs of wear early.

How to clean your body protector
  • Wipe down regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent
  • For deeper cleaning, follow manufacturer guidance carefully
  • Allow to air dry naturally, laid flat or hung correctly

What to avoid
  • Do not machine wash or tumble dry
  • Do not fully submerge in water 
  • Avoid harsh cleaning products that can damage protective materials


Storage tips
  • Store flat or hanging to avoid creasing foam panels
  • Keep away from excessive heat or moisture  
  • Avoid folding for long periods, which can weaken foam panels

Why Replacement and Care Are Both Essential Even the best-designed safety equipment relies on proper use, care and timely replacement. Cleaning helps maintain hygiene and comfort, but it cannot reverse material degradation or repair impact damage. 
Regular checks, combined with an understanding of when equipment should be replaced help ensure that when a fall does occur, your helmet and body protector are capable of offering the protection they were designed to provide.

BE Prepared with Charles Owen
At Charles Owen, rider safety is not just about meeting standards, it’s about understanding how equipment works, how it wears, and when it’s time to replace it.

As part of the BE Prepared campaign, we encourage riders to:
  • Replace helmets after any impact
  • Review the age and condition of body protectors regularly
  • Clean and store equipment correctly
  • Never ignore changes in fit or performance

Because being prepared means knowing when to let go of old equipment—and trusting new equipment to do its job.