Stellar Headcollar
£49.99
The Equilibrium Stellar Safety Headcollar could save your horse from serious injury. Smart, weather-proof, and scientifically tested too. Ideal as a field safe, everyday or competition headcollar.
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Key features
- Reusable safety release system prevents injury to the soft tissue and nerves on the face, poll and neck of the horse.
- Scientifically tested.
- Smart, durable and weatherproof material. Made from PVC with stainless steel fittings.
- Neoprene padding for comfort, on the headpiece and nosepiece.
- Ideal for use with the Field Relief Muzzle Protector.
- Matching Stellar Leadrope available.
What inspired the Stellar Safety Headcollar?
We’ve offered the Field Relief Muzzle Protector for a long time, and as a welfare, safety conscious company we would always recommend using it with a field safe headcollar. As a company, we like to make products where we think they can be improved, or where there’s a gap in the market. So we set out to investigate headcollars, how safe they were and if there was any testing on them.
We approached Dr David Marlin to find out if there was any research on headcollars. He couldn’t find anything in scientific literature, which we found quite surprising as headcollars are used so frequently.
Initial Survey
Dr David Marlin started researching by conducting a survey of 5615 horse owners* to find out their experience with using headcollars. This included how often they used them and the problems associated with them.
The results were surprising.
- Almost 1 out of 3 people experienced a horse being injured as a result of a headcollar.
- More than 1 in 7 people have been injured in a headcollar related incident.
- There were 167 horse fatalities as a result of a headcollar.
Diving into the horse injuries – it didn’t seem to matter what headcollar they were using. There were combinations of standard headcollars, safety headcollars and safety devices, however baler twine was associated with a higher risk of injury.
Unsurprisingly the majority of incidents happened tied outside, closely followed by in the field.
These results demonstrated that perhaps, headcollars should be investigated in more depth…
Find the full research paper here.
Scientific Testing
There are a lot of different headcollar designs, materials and safety systems. However, none of them appear to have been studied in any kind of systematic way.
For the next stage of testing, Dr David Marlin constructed a testing rig, to measure at what load the different headcollars broke or released at.
Firstly, typical headcollars were identified – webbing, synthetic, rope, leather, safety.
Each headcollar was tested in a standardised way which was repeatable. They were tested 6 times. For headcollars which broke, a new one tested each time. For safety headcollars that released, they were re-used where possible.
The results showed that some broke incredibly easily, while others were so strong that they could suspend more than an average horses’ weight without breaking.
Based on this research, it was clear that there is a need for an appropriate load for headcollars to release at, especially if they are a safety or field safe headcollar.
Find the published results here.
Field Testing
When handling horses, we can’t afford for a headcollar to release at too low a force, because it’s not practical to use. However, if the headcollar doesn’t open at all or at a high load, it increases the risk of injury and, as we’ve seen from the survey results, the injury could even be fatal.
The Stellar® Headcollar has been independently field tested by Writtle University College on their yard by a variety of people and horses for all general horse handling.
How can the Stellar Headcollar benefit horses?
We all know accidents with headcollars happen, but you think “it’ll never happen to me!”, however as we know from the research, it is far more common than we think! And while lead ropes, and baling twine can and do release – but not consistently – there are several instances where they wouldn’t even come into play. For example, your horse could get the headcollar caught on a gate/water trough/stable door/etc.
The Stellar® Safety Headcollar has been scientifically tested to have a consistent release point where the headpiece releases when poll pressure is applied, with an average of 83kg of downward force. Our research indicates that this is strong enough for safe horse handling, but low enough to prevent serious injury to the horse in the event of an incident. The Headcollar can also to be quick to release. While we wouldn’t recommend getting in the thick of it if your horse is stuck for the risk of getting caught, the headcollar can be released easily if the keeper can be pushed up and stud fastener pulled outwards, rather than downwards.
For instance, in normal circumstances you should be able to lead, tie up, turnout, load and travel your horse in the Stellar Headcollar. There may be some instances however, where you decide it is not appropriate to use it. For example, if your horse is near or on a busy road – i.e., you are travelling abroad or when you break down and must unload your horse on a motorway. In these circumstances a bridle may be more appropriate.
Who is the Stellar Headcollar for?
The Stellar Headcollar has been designed to be used by all horses and horse owners. While some may think ‘safety headcollars’ are just for use in the field, we know from research that accidents do happen elsewhere too, with the vast majority of them being when your horse is tied up outside.
Not only that, but the Stellar Headcollar is made from a weatherproof material with stainless steel fittings to ensure it is long-lasting and ready to tackle the elements!
Therefore, the Stellar Headcollar is great to be used as:
- A field safe headcollar
- An everyday headcollar
- A competition headcollar
Using the Stellar Safety Headcollar
Click the stud fasteners on the headpiece firmly shut, before sliding the keeper over the end of the headpiece as illustrated. The keeper must ALWAYS be over the end for the release system to work as intended. Only one stud fastener needs to be attached on each side of the headpiece, however you will notice on the product there are several fasteners. This gives you options for some adjustability in the headcollar. Where possible, undo the throatlatch area and slide the headpiece over your horses’ head to put the headcollar on and off to prolong the life of the stud fasteners.
Take care to keep the stud fasteners clean to ensure efficient closure of the headpiece. The Stellar® headcollar is based on a standard bridle size, however please contact us if you need a more tailored fit.
How do I care for the Stellar Headcollar?
The Stellar Headcollar is designed to look like leather, but without the maintenance that comes with it. It takes quite a lot to get the headcollar dirty due to its weatherproof material, however when it does eventually pick up dirt, we recommend you clean it with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water.
Do not use soaps, detergents, or oils as this can damage the weatherproof material. Either leave it to dry or wipe off with a towel and you're good to go!
Size Guide
| Point | Taken from | XS Small Pony | S Pony | M Cob | L Horse/Full | XL Large Horse/Extra Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Poll to noseband (cm) | 40 | 45 | 49/50 | 54 | 58 |
| B | Circumference around nose (cm) | 40-50 | 50-60 | 50-60 | 60-70 | 70-80 |
| Point | A |
| Taken from | Poll to noseband (cm) |
| XS Small Pony | 40 |
| S Pony | 45 |
| M Cob | 49/50 |
| L Horse/Full | 54 |
| XL Large Horse/Extra Full | 58 |
| Point | B |
| Taken from | Circumference around nose (cm) |
| XS Small Pony | 40-50 |
| S Pony | 50-60 |
| M Cob | 50-60 |
| L Horse/Full | 60-70 |
| XL Large Horse/Extra Full | 70-80 |
Delivery, returns, exchanges and guarantee
Delivery charges are calculated based on the location of delivery, weight, and value of the order. Standard charges are:
For parcels up to 20kg: UK Delivery
- Standard Delivery – 2 Working Days – £4.99 – for orders under £40 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
- FREE Delivery – 2 Working Days – for orders over £40 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
- Scottish Highland & Islands Standard 4-6 Working Day Delivery – £7.99 (up to 15kg)
- Next Day Delivery – £6.99 – for orders under £100 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
- FREE Next Day Delivery – for orders over £100 and placed before 2pm. (UK Mainland only. Excludes Highlands, Northern Ireland, and Islands)
We hope that you are happy with your products, but if you aren’t, we do understand that sometimes when buying online that items may not be as expected, you may need a different size or you might have just changed your mind!
Our policy lasts 30 days. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you may return or change your product without reason within 30 days of the delivery of the goods. This policy does not affect your statutory rights.
In order to receive a refund/exchange:
• your item must be clean, unused and in the same condition that you received it.
• your item must be in its original packaging.
• your item must be returned to us within 30 days from receipt of your order*.
• you must fill out the online returns form before returning your item, and include your name, order number and address inside your return package.
All Equilibrium Products are covered under a one year guarantee, except for Equilibrium Massage products which are guaranteed for 2 years. The guarantee is valid with proof of purchase, either email, card receipt or shop receipt, from the date of purchase, providing the product is used and cared for in accordance with instructions. The guarantee is not transferable to another person.
If you find the product faulty during the guarantee period, and you have bought direct from Equilibrium Products please contact us, we will be more than happy to arrange a refund or replacement. If you have bought your product elsewhere please contact the company you purchased it from.
The following are specifically excluded from the terms and condition of the guarantee:
- Damage caused by misuse, accident, negligence or improper handling of the product or not used in accordance with instructions
- Normal wear and tear.
- Any modification made by the purchaser to the product or any repairs other than by an authorised agent.
- Damage resulting from incorrect maintenance according to the instructions of use (e.g. stored in damp/wet conditions, washed on too hot a wash).
- The guarantee is only valid if the correct Equilibrium Multi Plug Charger and correct Equilibrium Battery are used, the mains charger attachment appropriate to the country of use must be used. The guarantee is invalid if used with an adapter.
- Damage caused due to the use of the product on voltage other than that stamped on the product.
FAQs
If the standard sizes provided do not suit your horse, we will endeavour to help you get the size right. Some horses might need a smaller nosepiece and longer headpiece, and vice versa, and we are happy to accommodate these requirement directly through our shop.
Please ensure that you have the correct fit. The PVC is lined with neoprene padding to make it more comfortable but be aware some horses can be allergic to neoprene.
No, the PVC is lined with neoprene padding to make it more comfortable so it will not be suitable for a horse or pony with a neoprene allergy
You can leave the Stellar Headcollar on your horse 24/7 but be sure to check your horse several times in the 24 hours to ensure it has not slipped or is rubbing or causing pressure sores anywhere.
The breaking point is approx. 83kg
The breaking point is approx. 130kg
For safety measures, it is always best practise to do this, but so long as the Stellar Headcollar is fitted properly, the Stellar Headcollar will release if the horse pulls backwards applying pressure on the poll. An medium width bailer twine will break at average 78kg, and an equi-ping will release at an average of 80kg. The less pressure applied to the horse’s poll before they release, the less risk of injury.
We suggest that you use 2 keepers either side to prevent the tab of the safety release being caught when your horse rubs, you can buy a pack of 2 spare keepers on our website.
Of course, the Stellar Headcollar was designed so that the headpiece can be replaced if it gets lost or damaged, if your horse regularly pulls back it is worth having a spare headpiece. You can purchase the Stellar Headpiece and spare keepers on our website
The weight chosen for the headcollar to release takes these scenarios into consideration. It should not open when the horse pulls back, unless the handler is applying a force of 83kg or more on the Stellar Headcollar.
The keeper must be on the tip of the flap of material, it is a keeper to stop the end of the headpiece being caught and pulling up. The keeper must never be put over the poppers as this will prevent the poppers releasing correctly.
The Stellar rope is made of nylon with brass clip and stainless steel cuff. It has a rubber end and a rubber sleeve on the cuff.
You can buy replacement headpieces for your Stellar headcollar, there is no need to buy the whole Stellar Headcollar, you can also order some replacement keepers
The Stellar Headcollar is made of PVC coated nylon with neoprene padding and stainless steel fittings.
The fly mask should be under the Stellar Headcollar, so it lays flat with the horse’s face.
The Stellar Headcollar and Stellar rope have been tested in the laboratory as well as extensively in the field. We have more information on the testing on our website
https://www.equilibriumproducts.com/product/stellar-field-safe-headcollar/
We recommend washing the Stellar Headcollar with warm water. If the poppers are filled with mud, use an old toothbrush to clear these – alternatively, the headcollar can be put into a wash bag and washed in the washing machine on a cold cycle.
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