Decoding Riding Helmet Certifications: Models, Tech & Safety Standards

Decoding Riding Helmet Certifications: Models, Tech & Safety Standards

Choosing a helmet is the single most critical safety investment an equestrian can make. Whether you are galloping cross-country, jumping in the ring, dancing in dressage, or riding at home, modern riding helmets combine advanced materials—such as carbon fiber, composite shells, and energy-redirection liners—with rigid international safety standards.

Below is a breakdown of top equestrian helmet brands, their featured models, and the specific safety certifications and testing protocols backing them up.

 

Quick Reference: Safety Standards Decoded

Before diving into individual brands, here is a quick look at the core safety standards you’ll see printed inside equestrian helmets:

  • ASTM F1163-23 / SEI (USA): Standard Specification for Protective Headgear used in horseback riding, independently certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI).

  • CE VG1 01.040 / EN 1384:2023 (Europe): The European standard evaluating shock absorption, penetration resistance, strap strength, and lateral crush resistance.

  • PAS 015:2011 (UK): British Standard requiring higher drop tests and greater mechanical strength tests.

  • Rotational Testing (MIPS & WG11): Special testing protocols designed to reduce rotational forces to the brain during angled impacts (such as MIPS low-friction layers or Kask's WG11 test protocol).

  • BSI Kitemark (UK): Independent batch-testing process verifying consistent quality straight off the production line.

  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management Standard): An international factory audit certification (featured by manufacturers like KEP Italia and LeMieux) guaranteeing strict manufacturing consistency, material quality control, and zero structural defects across production batches.

  • CE EN 1078 / CPSC 1203 (Multi-Sport & Asphalt Safety): Hard-surface impact standards (European EN 1078 and US CPSC 1203). Featured on multi-certified helmets like the KEP Cromo 2.0, this certifies the helmet to dissipate severe impacts against paved roads, concrete, and asphalt—making it dual-certified for equestrian road hacks as well as e-bikes, bicycles, and scooters.

 

Helmet Brand & Specific Model Breakdown

Brand Models Carried Core Safety Certifications Key Features & Protective Tech
KEP Italia Cromo 2.0 & Nova

ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, VG1, ISO 9001

(Cromo 2.0: CE EN 1078 / CPSC 1203)

 Composite outer shell, emergency health data NFC microchip, asphalt dual-certification
Kask Dogma, Star Lady ASTM F1163 / SEI, CE VG1 01.040, WG11 Test Internal WG11 rotational impact protocol & low BrIC score
Evoke Callisto & Callisto MIPS PAS 015:2011, VG1 01.040, ASTM F1163-23, BSI Kitemark, CE/UKCA, MIPS (select styles) Triple-standard protection, Dial-fit, British Kitemark quality, MIPS options
One K CCS & Avance CCS ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, CE VG1, PAS 015, MIPS Custom Color System (CCS) with available MIPS® protection
Equinavia Crown MIPS ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, MIPS Integrated MIPS® system, high-impact ABS shell, wide brim options
Samshield 2.0 Shadowmatt, 2.0 Premium, 2.0 Miss Shield CE EN 1384:2023, CE VG1, ASTM F1163-23 / SEI Variable-density polystyrene liner, polycarbonate shell, updated lower-occipital coverage
LeMieux Verv EN 1384:2023, ASTM F1163-23, BSI Kitemark, SEI Certified, ISO 9001 Corrugated ABS twin-shell, 360° wrap fit, EN 17950 rotational testing
Freejump Voronoi CE EN 1384:2023, ASTM F1163-23 Dedicated temporal (temple) guard protection & carbon fiber shell
Tipperary Windsor, Caledon, Clover ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, MIPS Full MIPS® coverage across all models, Tipperary Retention System™

Detailed Model Breakdown

1. KEP Italia

Italian engineering focused on customizable composite protection, factory quality audits, and multi-sport hard-surface testing.

  • Models Carried: Cromo 2.0 and Nova.

  • Certifications: ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, VG1 01.040, ISO 9001. (Cromo 2.0: CE EN 1078 & CPSC 1203 Multi-Sport/Asphalt certified).

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Factory & Build Quality: KEP operates under ISO 9001 quality management, guaranteeing strict raw material traceability and zero-defect consistency across production batches.

    • Asphalt Dual-Certification: The Cromo 2.0 is multi-certified (CE EN 1078 / CPSC 1203), meaning its polycarbonate in-mold shell and EPS core are lab-tested against flat, unyielding surfaces like paved roads and concrete. This makes it dual-certified for equestrian road hacking, e-bikes, and bicycles.

    • Emergency NFC Microchip: An integrated microchip stitched beneath the front insert lets riders upload medical and emergency contact data via the KEP App, accessible to first responders via smartphone scan.

2. Kask

100% designed and crafted in Italy, bringing advanced rotational protective technology from cycling and alpine sports into equestrian arenas.

  • Models Carried: Dogma and Star Lady (wide brim).

  • Certifications: ASTM F1163 / SEI, CE VG1 01.040, Kask WG11 Rotational Impact Test Protocol.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • WG11 Rotational Testing: Beyond standard drop tests, Kask subjects both the Dogma and Star Lady to its internal WG11 Rotational Impact Test, inspired by motorcycle standard ECE 22.06.

    • Concussion Risk Reduction: The protocol tests performance during angled falls using Brain Injury Criteria (BrIC), ensuring forces sent to the skull stay well below severe trauma thresholds (achieving BrIC values under 0.39 against a danger threshold of 0.68).

3. Evoke

A British-engineered brand designed to make multi-standard safety, continuous quality control, and rotational impact tech accessible to every rider.

  • Models Carried: Callisto and Callisto MIPS.

  • Certifications: PAS 015:2011, VG1 01.040, ASTM F1163-23, BSI British Kitemark, CE/UKCA approval, MIPS on select options.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Rotational Impact Protection: The Callisto MIPS integrates a low-friction liner that swivels 10–15 mm during oblique falls, redirecting rotational energy away from the brain to lower concussion risk.

    • Ongoing Batch Testing: Holds the prestigious BSI Kitemark, meaning independent British laboratories pull and crush-test random production samples straight off the factory line to guarantee continuous structural compliance.

    • Multi-Standard Defense & Fit System: Built to demanding PAS 015 standards for higher drop heights and severe puncture resistance. Features a triple-vented lightweight ABS shell, an interchangeable moisture-wicking liner system available in custom thicknesses, and a soft-touch 4-point leather harness.

4. One K

Known for combining clean, low-profile styling with customizable color features and rotational impact technology.

  • Models Carried: CCS (Custom Color System) and Avance CCS (wide brim).

  • Certifications: ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, CE VG1 01.040, PAS 015.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • MIPS® Technology Options: Available with integrated MIPS® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)—a low-friction liner that swivels 10–15 mm inside the EPS shell to absorb and redirect dangerous rotational forces during an angled fall.

    • Customization without Compromise: The CCS line allows riders to swap top panels, front shields, and rails without affecting the underlying impact-absorbing polycarbonate shell.

5. Equinavia

Equinavia brings top-tier European safety standards and rotational protection into a sleek, rider-friendly profile.

  • Models Carried: Crown MIPS.

  • Certifications: ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, MIPS.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Rotational & Structural Protection: Features an integrated MIPS® low-friction liner paired with a high-impact ABS outer shell to diffuse rotational energy during fall impacts.

    • Ergonomic Precision: Features crown airflow slots and a rear precision dial-fit system to ensure the helmet remains locked in place over variable terrain.

6. Samshield

A fixture in dressage and show jumping rings worldwide, Samshield combines outer shells modeled after high-end motorcycle helmets with luxurious custom trim.

  • Models Carried: 2.0 Shadowmatt, 2.0 Premium, and 2.0 Miss Shield.

  • Certifications: CE EN 1384:2023, CE VG1 01.040, ASTM F1163-23 / SEI.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Redesigned 2.0 Geometry: The updated 2.0 series provides enhanced lower-occipital (base of the skull) coverage and an optimized interior shape.

    • Polycarbonate & EPS Density: Constructed with a high-durability polycarbonate shell and a variable-density polystyrene inner core for progressive impact absorption, paired with a memory-foam liner system that eliminates forehead pressure points.

7. LeMieux

Award-winning design combined with dual-certified protective performance and strict factory quality management.

  • Models Carried: Verv.

  • Certifications: ASTM F1163-23, EN 1384:2023, BSI Kitemark, SEI Certified, ISO 9001.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Corrugated ABS Twin-Shell: The award-winning Verv uses a corrugated ABS twin-shell construction reinforced with a polycarbonate rim to deliver extreme structural stiffness against crush and penetration forces.

    • 360° Wrap Fit System: Features an integrated 360° wrap fit wheel and adjustable rear yoke that cradles the head evenly without pressure spots.

    • Tool-Free Peak Switching: Features interchangeable magnetic top panels and magnetic peaks (wide, narrow, brim) designed to detach smoothly upon impact to minimize rotational torque on the neck.

8. Freejump

A pioneer in equestrian safety equipment, Freejump re-engineered the helmet shell around high-risk lateral impact zones.

  • Models Carried: Voronoi.

  • Certifications: CE EN 1384:2023, ASTM F1163-23.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Dedicated Temporal Guard Protection: The Voronoi is famous for offering an optional, removable lower side guard designed specifically to protect the temporal bone and lower lateral skull area.

    • Tri-Layer Construction: Combines an outer carbon fiber shell, an in-molded polycarbonate layer, and a variable-density EPS foam core to distribute force across the entire helmet structure.

9. Tipperary

A classic North American safety brand trusted across disciplines, Tipperary focuses on extensive rear coverage and complete MIPS integration across its model line.

  • Models Carried: Windsor, Caledon, and Clover.

  • Certifications: ASTM F1163-23 / SEI, CE EN 1384:2023, MIPS.

  • Safety & Technology Highlights:

    • Universal MIPS® Protection: Every model in this lineup (Windsor, Caledon, and Clover) features an integrated MIPS® system for angled impact safety.

    • Tipperary Retention System™: Uses a flexible rear harness that cradles the occipital bone at the base of the skull for a self-adjusting, non-slip fit.

 

Final Rules for Helmet Safety: Fit, Care, & Replacement

Choosing a certified helmet is step one—making sure it fits correctly and maintaining it properly is step two. Keep these essential rules in mind to ensure maximum protection every time you mount up:

1. The Perfect Fit Check

  • Positioning: Your helmet should sit level on your head, approximately 1 to 2 finger-widths above your eyebrows.

  • The Shake Test: Before buckling the harness, gently shake your head side-to-side and up-and-down. The helmet should stay snug without rocking, sliding, or causing painful pressure points on your forehead.

  • Harness Tension: The chin strap should fit comfortably snug against your jaw, allowing enough room to speak and swallow without pinching.

2. Post-Impact Replacement

Modern helmets protect your head by allowing internal EPS foam liners to crush and absorb shock upon impact. Always replace your helmet immediately after any fall involving head contact, even if there is no visible external damage on the shell.

3. Proper Care & The 5-Year Rule

  • Storage: Store your helmet in a cool, dry place inside a protective helmet bag. Avoid leaving it in hot cars, direct sunlight, or freezing temperatures, which degrade protective foams over time.

  • Cleaning: Wash removable liners by hand with mild soap and warm water. Never use harsh chemical solvents on the helmet shell or harness.

  • Expiration: Due to natural wear from perspiration, UV exposure, and hair products, safety standards recommend replacing your riding helmet 3 to 5 years from the date of first use.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Visit our store or explore our online catalog to try on top-certified models from KEP Italia, Kask, Samshield, Tipperary, and more. Our trained staff is always available to help you measure and fit your next helmet!

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