Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Charles Owen has recalled one of its helmets for safety reasons.
The decision was made after cases were reported of corrosion affecting the limited edition 4Star cross-country helmet with chrome buckle.
A spokesman for the manufacturer said the company had not been asked by authorities to issue the recall.
“We’ve had a couple of cases where there seems to be surface corrosion of the buckle,” she told H&H.
“We only made a limited number of these, but this has come to light and we don’t know how the corrosion might affect the buckles so we’ve done this for safety reasons.”
“We don’t know why this is happening, but we want the helmets back.”
The voluntary recall affects the model in sizes 54, 55 and 56, but the spokesman said anyone who thinks his or her hat may be affected is welcome to contact the company.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“We’re offering a like for like replacement for customers with affected helmets, and anyone who wants reassurance that theirs isn’t affected can email,” she said.
“We are asking that people go to their local stockists for the replacements, to ensure optimum safety, but we can send them if necessary.”
The spokesman added that Charles Owen is grateful to all those who have shared news of the recall on social media, to help “get the message out there”.
To mark International Helmet Awareness Day, we find
Should dressage riders have the freedom to wear
'You always think you’d be able to get
“A few mums have rung up to check whether their sons’ or daughters’ helmets are safe – I’d be the same if it was my children,” she said. “Anyone is welcome to get in touch.”
If you think your hat may be affected, call 01978 317769 or email info@charlesowen.co.uk
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.