Charles Owen Cross-Country Helmet MS1 Pro Jockey Skull black

The MS1 Pro is a groundbreaking cross-country helmet and the first of its kind to feature MIPS technology. No other cross-country helmet has previously integrated MIPS technology, so with its three certifications to three international equestrian standards (SEI certification to ASTM F1163-15, Kitemarks to VG1 01-040 2014-12 and PAS015: 2011, and a CE mark to VG1 01-040 2014-12), riders can truly feel protected when galloping or simply out riding. The ABS outer shell provides a deep fit, secured by the unique, padded harness. Ten vents and a removable liner complement the functionality of this new cross-country helmet.

MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) has been available in the ski and cycling industries for over a decade. Helmet brands like Bell and Giro already incorporate MIPS into some of their protective helmets. The equestrian industry introduced MIPS technology in 2018 and, so far, it is only available in one helmet brand: Back on Track (TraumaVoid / EQ3).

How it works: MIPS mimics the effect of the scalp as an additional

protective layer in the event of a rider's fall. During a fall, the scalp helps to dissipate the energy of the impact. Tests on equestrian helmets with MIPS technology have shown little improvement in protective effectiveness for the most common types of falls in equestrian sports (i.e., skull fracture, bruising).

However, there was a significant improvement in higher-speed falls such as polo, horse racing, and other disciplines that involve cantering or galloping. The scalp has only a certain elasticity, and once it reaches its stretching limit, the brain will continue to move, causing arteries/veins to tear and leading to a cerebral hemorrhage. The MIPS liner in the helmet is designed to imitate the stretching of the scalp and thus reduce the likelihood of cerebral hemorrhages.

Charles Owen has been a MIPS licensee for several years and has produced a private label polo helmet with MIPS for Armis Polo.

After careful consideration, Charles Owen decided to develop a new helmet family with MIPS technology. Roy explained: “As part of the EU-funded research project 'Horizon 2020', we investigated jockey falls on grass and sand surfaces. It was clear that standard helmet technology does not reduce brain injury in high-speed falls. MIPS is part of a new generation of protection, and we can now see how riders who want to reduce the risk of less catastrophic brain injury will benefit from it. We are delighted to be able to integrate this technology into an affordable helmet for every rider.”