Could save your horse from serious injury. Stellar Headcollar an all weather field safe headcollar for horses.
- Reusable safety release system.
- Scientifically tested.
- Smart, durable material.
- Padding for comfort.
A stylish, comfortable field safe headcollar for horses with a reusable, patent pending safety system, which releases when needed to prevent injury to the soft tissue and nerves on the face, poll and neck.
Tested in the laboratory for a consistent release point, and practical field trials for everyday use. Match it with the Stella Leadrope
The Stellar® Field Safe Headcollar Story:
For over 10 years, the field relief muzzle protector has been an essential part of the UV and Fly protection range. Equilibrium have always recommended that owners use the Muzzle Protector with a field safe headcollar for their horses. So decided to look at headcollars, and really question how they knew they were safe. For a piece of equipment we normally use every day, whether it’s in the field, to lead and tie up or to travel with, shouldn’t they all be ‘safe’?
So they decided to create our own safety headcollar, one that could have everything you’d want in a first-class headcollar, but it’s been scientifically tested too!
Introducing Stellar® Field Safe Headcollar for Horses
The all weather safety headcollar which could save your horse from serious injury.
Laboratory Testing
The Stellar® Field Safe 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. See the testing tab for more details.
Materials
The Stellar® Headcollar is made from PVC with stainless steel fittings. This makes it durable and weatherproof, with neoprene padding on the headpiece and nosepiece for comfort. This is ideal for horses wearing a headcollar for long periods of time – i.e. when turned out in the field. Please note; it is not suitable for horses with a neoprene allergy.
Testing
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 use them and the problems associated with them.
Again, 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.
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, there was a new one tested each time. For safety headcollars that released, they were re-used if 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 appears that there is a need for an appropriate load for headcollars to release at, especially if they are a safety headcollar.
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.
Stellar® has been independently field tested by Writtle University College on their yard by a variety of people and horses for all general horse handling.
*An online survey of equestrian headcollar use and safety by D.J. Marlin, J.M. Williams and K.J. Pickles has been accepted for publication in Equine Veterinary Education
Available in Black, Brown or Navy in XS-XL
Use and CareStellar® Headcollar Use:
Click the stud fasteners on the headpiece firmly shut, before sliding the keeper over the end of the headpiece as illustrated.
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. Spare keepers and headpieces can be purchased separately.
Taking Care of your Stellar® Headcollar
Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water. Do not use soaps, detergents or oils as this can damage the weatherproof material.
We are one of the largest independent retailers of Equilibrium in the UK & a verified premium stockist giving us access to the entire Horseware range. Our sales advisors all use these products on a daily basis so are able to offer expert advice. If you need any assistance in selecting the right item for you or your horse please don't hesitate to contact us.
