KEP Italia Safety Guide
What you need to know about helmet safety, certifications, fit and when to replace your KEP Italia helmet.
Why helmet certification matters
Helmet certifications are one of the most reliable indicators of safety performance. Before a riding helmet can be certified, it must pass a series of standardised tests evaluating impact absorption, penetration resistance, retention system strength and overall structural performance - providing a consistent and measurable benchmark that goes beyond appearance or marketing claims.
KEP Italia helmets are certified for international markets and comply with the most important widely recognised equestrian helmet safety standards in the world.
| Standard | What it covers |
|---|---|
| CE EN1384:2023 | The latest European equestrian helmet standard. Introduced stricter testing requirements and represents the current benchmark for riding helmet safety within Europe. |
| ASTM F1163-23 | One of the most widely recognised equestrian helmet standards in North America. Focuses on impact protection and retention system performance. |
| SEI Certification | The Safety Equipment Institute independently verifies that helmets continue to meet ASTM requirements through ongoing quality control and testing procedures. |
How KEP Italia helmets are tested
Before a helmet reaches the rider, it undergoes a series of safety tests designed to evaluate performance under different conditions.
| Test | What it evaluates |
|---|---|
| Impact absorption | How effectively the helmet absorbs impact energy during a fall or collision. |
| Penetration resistance | Whether the outer shell can help protect against sharp objects. |
| Retention system | The strength of the chinstrap and fastening system to ensure the helmet remains securely attached during an accident. |
| Roll-off | Whether the helmet stays correctly positioned on the rider's head during an impact. |
| Crush resistance | The helmet's ability to withstand lateral compression forces. |
| Environmental resistance | Performance after exposure to varying temperatures, humidity and environmental conditions. |
Safety features of KEP Italia helmets
A riding helmet's safety is not determined by certifications alone. Design, fit and construction all play an important role.
Extended rear protection
An extended rear profile provides increased coverage at the back of the head while maintaining comfort and freedom of movement.
Extended side protection
The shell extends lower along the sides of the head compared to many traditional riding helmets, providing additional coverage in one of the more vulnerable areas.
Flexible visor
Designed to deform under impact rather than acting as a hard component, which may help reduce the risk of additional injury during certain types of falls.
Five-point chinstrap
The five-point retention system helps keep the helmet securely positioned while riding and during an accident. Always adjust and fasten correctly before every ride.
Lightweight construction
Designed to be lightweight while maintaining high safety standards. A lighter helmet may help reduce neck strain and improve comfort during long training sessions and competitions.
Shell and liner system
The interchangeable liner system allows riders to achieve a precise fit based on head size and head shape - helping the helmet remain stable and correctly positioned during use.
Safety starts with proper fit
Even the most advanced riding helmet can only provide its intended level of protection when it fits correctly. A helmet that is too loose may move during riding or in the event of a fall. One that is too tight may cause discomfort and pressure points.
This is one of the reasons KEP Italia developed its interchangeable liner system, allowing riders to select the correct size and head shape combination for a precise, stable fit.
Rotational Impact Protection
Modern helmet safety research increasingly focuses not only on direct impacts but also on rotational forces that may occur during certain types of falls.
When a rider falls, the head may not always hit the ground in a straight line. In some situations, the impact can cause the head to rotate, creating additional forces that researchers believe may contribute to certain types of brain injury.
To better understand these forces, specialised rotational impact tests have been developed. One of the measurements used in these tests is the BRIC (Brain Injury Criterion) value. In general, lower BRIC values indicate lower rotational forces during testing.
KEP Italia helmets have achieved BRIC values below 0.40 in rotational impact testing. Values below this level are considered strong results within this type of testing, placing KEP among the better-performing helmets evaluated for rotational impact protection.
While rotational impact testing is not currently included in all equestrian helmet certification standards, it is becoming an increasingly important consideration in modern helmet development and safety research.
As helmet technology continues to evolve, KEP Italia remains committed to combining certified impact protection, excellent fit and advanced safety performance for riders around the world.
Quality and manufacturing
Every KEP Italia helmet is designed and manufactured in Italy using carefully selected materials chosen for their combination of strength, durability, comfort and low weight. Materials used throughout the range include advanced polymers, stainless steel, aluminium, carbon fibre and technical fabrics developed specifically for equestrian use.
Every helmet undergoes quality control checks before leaving production to help ensure consistent performance and reliability.
Frequently asked questions
A certified helmet has been independently tested against recognised safety standards. For this reason, riders should always choose a certified equestrian helmet. KEP Italia helmets comply with CE EN1384:2023, ASTM F1163-23 and carry SEI certification depending on the model and market.
KEP Italia recommends replacing a helmet after a significant impact or after approximately five years of normal use, even if no visible damage is present. Exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture and everyday wear can reduce protective performance over time.
Yes. A correctly fitted helmet is more likely to remain stable and correctly positioned during riding and in the event of a fall. Using the wrong liner size - too large or too small - can affect both comfort and protective performance.
The liner system allows riders to achieve a more precise fit, adapt to different head shapes and replace worn liners without replacing the entire helmet. A properly fitted liner also contributes to helmet stability during use.
Requirements vary by discipline and organisation. In the US, ASTM F1163 with SEI certification is commonly required. In Australia, requirements differ per federation. We are happy to advise on which KEP model meets the requirements for your specific situation.
Questions about safety or fit?
15+ years of KEP Italia expertise. Personal advice on helmet choice, certifications and fit - for riders in Europe, the US and Australia.