We are absolutely thrilled to be stocking KEP Italia — a premium Italian helmet brand that brings exceptional craftsmanship, cutting-edge design and world-class safety to our equestrian community in New Zealand.
Why KEP Italia Stands Out
Founded and engineered in Italy, KEP Italia helmets blend style with substance. The brand is built on the principle that a helmet should not only look great, but it must deliver uncompromising protection and adaptability. Their website emphasises the union of artisan manufacturing and technical innovation: 100% designed and made in Italy.
Cromo 2.0, Polo Visor with Nebula Front Panel and Rose Gold Frame and Grid.
KEP’s commitment to quality extends through every aspect — from the outer shell materials, ventilation technologies, interior padding and cleanliness, to clever features like integrated NFC micro-chips for emergency medical data. For riders who care about both performance and protection, KEP Italia has set a high-bar.
Spotlight on the Hero Helmet: The Cromo 2.0
One of the standout models landing at The Saddlery Store is the KEP Italia Cromo 2.0. This is far more than a standard riding helmet — it’s designed to be highly customisable, multi-discipline friendly, and built with top-tier safety in mind.
Cromo 2.0, Polo Visor with Swarvoski Crystal Frame.
Here are some of the features that make the Cromo 2.0 a game-changer:
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The helmet shell uses a lightweight yet robust polycarbonate in-mould design — striking the balance between comfort and protection.
- Ventilation is handled via KEP’s “Air Control System”, with enhanced rear vents to regulate internal temperature and keep riders cool under pressure.
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Customisation is built-in: using an innovative mechanical interlocking system, riders can replace the front insert, rear insert, and visor easily — even after purchase. This means you can switch from a jockey/cross-country layout to a show-jumping visor, to a polo/horse ball style.
- The chin strap is crafted from genuine leather or a high-quality eco-leather for the matte and shine varieites, with five attachment points for stability. The inner padding is made of breathable eco-friendly fabric, removable and machine washable at 30°C.
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Safety technology: the Cromo 2.0 includes an integrated microchip (NFC) under the front insert. Via the KEP app, you can upload medical and contact information — potentially speeding rescue/first-aid response in an emergency.
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Versatility: It comes supplied with a jockey-style visor, and by virtue of the swap-out system, you can adapt it for different disciplines — cross-country, show jumping, dressage, polo, horse-ball, everyday riding.
Whether you’re hacking out, doing showjumping rounds, or playing polo, the Cromo 2.0 offers one helmet that does it all — without compromising on safety or style.
Cromo 2.0, Easy Interchangeable Visor with Jockey, Standard and Polo Peaks.
Meet the new arrival: Smart Nova
Joining the range at The Saddlery Store is another exciting addition — the KEP Italia Smart Nova. Positioned as a slightly more accessible model, it retains core KEP safety and design credentials while offering flexibility for everyday riding and competition alike.
Key Highlights of the Smart Nova:
- Outer shell is ABS with inner EPS lining for shock absorption.
- Comfortable and practical: features include removable washable padding, hypoallergenic eco-leather chin strap, five-point attachment for stability.
- Flexible visor options: you can select standard, polo, or jockey style visors depending on your discipline.
- Ventilation again plays a key role: front air intake plus rear vents help maintain airflow and comfort.
- Safety certifications: CE and ASTM standards are met, making it suitable for competition as well as leisure riding.
So if you’re looking for a reliable, stylish everyday helmet — or want a KEP option without quite the high-end customisation of the Cromo 2.0 — the Smart Nova is an excellent choice.
Safety First — and Always
One of the most important aspects when choosing a helmet is safety. KEP Italia helmets are designed with multiple layers of protection, materials engineered for impact resistance, and ventilation systems that minimise rider fatigue. The addition of features like the integrated micro-chip for emergency data (in models like the Cromo 2.0) shows KEP’s commitment to real-world rider welfare.
Moreover, by offering interchangeable visors and panels, riders are encouraged to use the helmet across disciplines — reducing the chance of having multiple helmets that might compromise fit or maintenance. Proper fit, good ventilation, and comfort all contribute to consistent helmet use — which is ultimately what keeps a rider safer.
KEP Italia Carbon Helmet E-Light Three Inserts.
Why this Matters to New Zealand Riders
Here in New Zealand, many riders partake in a wide set of disciplines: from pleasure hacking and show days, to eventing and polo. Having a KEP Italia helmet means you can confidently choose one trusted brand and one helmet model for most of your needs — a strong investment in safety and versatility.
Also, for riders who care about fit, style and performance in the local environment (often warm and humid under helmet), the advanced ventilation systems of KEP helmets will make a real difference. And when a helmet is comfortable, it’s more likely to be worn regularly — which is the simplest path to better safety.
Cromo 2.0, Polo Leather Visor with Leather Panels.
Visit Us to See KEP Italia in Store
We at The Saddlery Store NZ invite you to come in and try on the new KEP Italia range in person. Our team can fit you correctly, help you understand visor options and answer all your questions about certification and suitability for your discipline.
We are proud to bring KEP Italia to the NZ market as the official retailer, and we’re confident that riders will appreciate the combination of Italian design, high-end safety engineering and adaptable style. Ride with confidence — and look great doing it.
Welcome to the future of equestrian head-protection. Welcome KEP Italia.
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