Established in 2008, SPIRIT (HK) Sports Co., Ltd. is a specialized helmet manufacturer in China providing comprehensive OEM & ODM services. Our team offers over 18 years of experience serving international brands, backed by a factory with more than 20 years in sports equipment manufacturing.
We develop a wide range of safety helmets—including models for cycling, skiing, motorcycling, and climbing—all engineered to meet major international safety standards such as CE, CPSC, ASTM, and AS/NZS.
As an ISO9001 certified company, we are committed to integrity, quality, and customer satisfaction. We leverage our strong R&D capabilities and professional technical team to deliver the safest protection products to a global market, with primary exports to North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions.
Proper care is essential to maintain the safety and longevity of your equestrian helmet. As a manufacturer, we at SPIRIT provide these key recommendations. First, always store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as prolonged UV exposure can degrade the materials over time. Avoid exposing your helmet to harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or insect repellents, as they can damage the shell and compromise its integrity. Clean the outer shell with only mild soap and water. Most modern helmets have a removable and washable liner; follow the care instructions, typically a gentle hand wash, to keep it fresh. Never leave your helmet in a hot car, as extreme heat can damage the EPS foam liner. By following these simple care instructions, you can ensure your equestrian helmet remains in the best possible condition to protect you when you need it most.
While all certified helmets offer baseline protection, the design of an equestrian helmet is often tailored for the specific discipline. For dressage, the aesthetic is paramount. Helmets are typically very traditional and elegant, often with a classic black velvet finish, a formal bow at the back, and a more conservative profile. For show jumping, helmets become more modern and versatile. They often feature durable matte or gloss finishes, better ventilation, and sometimes a wider, more protective brim. The most distinct equestrian helmet is designed for the high-impact sport of cross-country. Safety is the absolute priority here. These helmets must have a fixed, non-detachable brim, are often brightly colored for visibility, and feature the most extensive ventilation to keep the rider cool during the intense exertion of the course. At SPIRIT, we have the expertise to manufacture the ideal helmet for every discipline.
The journey of creating a custom equestrian helmet with an OEM partner like SPIRIT is a meticulous and collaborative process. It begins with your brand's unique design vision. This includes the helmet's shape, profile, and the specific aesthetic details that will define its place in the market—be it a classic velvet finish for the hunter ring or a carbon-fiber accent for jumpers. Our engineering team then takes this concept and creates a 3D model, ensuring the design can be manufactured to meet or exceed ASTM/SEI safety standards. Once the design is approved, we create physical prototypes for you to evaluate the fit, finish, and feel. After final refinements, we manage the entire production process, from sourcing premium materials to expert assembly and finish application. The final step is managing the official third-party testing and certification, delivering a stunning, safe, and fully compliant custom equestrian helmet ready for your brand.
It is absolutely critical to replace your equestrian helmet after any fall in which you hit your head, regardless of whether there is visible damage. The helmet's most important safety feature is the internal liner, made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam. This material is designed to save your life by crushing on impact to absorb and dissipate energy. This crushing action is a one-time event. Even if the outer shell looks perfectly fine, the EPS liner underneath may be compromised, leaving it unable to provide adequate protection in a subsequent fall. Think of it like the airbag in a car; once it deploys, it must be replaced. As a manufacturer, we at SPIRIT build our helmets to sacrifice themselves to protect you. Continuing to use a damaged equestrian helmet is a dangerous gamble that is never worth taking.
The most important certification in North America is ASTM F1163, which is then verified by the SEI (Safety Equipment Institute). In Europe, the prevailing standard is CE VG1 01.040. These standards ensure the equestrian helmet has been rigorously tested for specific equestrian-related impacts, including falls onto hard surfaces and impacts from a horse's hoof. A helmet bearing these certifications, like those made by SPIRIT, has proven its ability to provide the necessary protection.
Absolutely not. Bike helmets and equestrian helmets are certified to protect against completely different types of impacts. A bike helmet is not designed to withstand the force of a fall from the height of a horse, nor is it designed to protect against a focused impact like a kick from a shod hoof. Using the wrong helmet provides a false and dangerous sense of security. Always use a certified equestrian helmet specifically designed for horse riding.
A high-quality equestrian helmet consists of several key components working together. It starts with a strong outer shell to resist puncture and spread impact force. Inside this is a critical energy-absorbing liner, typically made of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), which crushes on impact to protect the head. A secure, multi-point harness and retention system is vital to keep the helmet in place during a fall. Finally, a comfortable, moisture-wicking inner lining enhances rider comfort and hygiene.
At SPIRIT, the OEM process is a close partnership. It begins with your brand's unique design, which can include specific shapes, ventilation patterns, and aesthetic finishes like traditional velvet, modern matte, or luxurious leather accents. Our engineering team then translates this vision into a design that meets and exceeds ASTM/SEI safety standards. We proceed through prototyping, in-house pre-testing, and material selection to perfect the final product. We then manage the entire manufacturing and certification process, delivering a beautiful, safe, and market-ready custom equestrian helmet.
The standard recommendation is to replace your equestrian helmet every five years from the date of first use, or immediately after any significant impact or fall, even if there is no visible damage. The protective EPS foam is designed for a single impact, and its integrity can be compromised without any outward signs. Additionally, materials can degrade over time due to sweat, heat, and UV exposure. Regular replacement is a crucial part of rider safety.
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It is an inner liner, or slip-plane, designed to reduce the harmful rotational forces that can be transferred to the brain during an angled impact. Given that falls from a horse are rarely straight down, angled impacts are very common in equestrian sports. While not yet a required standard, the inclusion of MIPS in an equestrian helmet is considered a significant advancement in safety technology, and it's a feature SPIRIT can integrate into our modern helmet designs.
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