Crafted with a smart, weather-proof material and backed by scientific testing, the Stellar All-Weather Safety Headcollar is ideal for daily use, competitions, and as a field-safe option.

Key Features of the Stellar Headcollar:

• Reusable and replaceable safety release system tailored to your horses’ size and weight.
• Scientifically tested for reliability.
• User tested for fit and ease of use.
• Constructed from PVC with high-grade metal fittings for durability and weather resistance.
• Enhanced comfort with soft leather look padding on the headpiece and nosepiece.
• Complete the set with the matching Stellar Lead rope.

Inspiration Behind the Design of Stellar:

Driven by a commitment to equine welfare and safety, Equilibrium embarked on a journey to investigate headcollar standards, a piece of equipment used daily by most horse owners. The survey findings were startling, showcasing alarming injury rates. This ignited the start of a commitment to delve deeper into headcollar testing and safety.

At Equilibrium we are dedicated to continuously evaluating and developing our products. After conducting a thorough examination of headcollar safety and incorporating valuable feedback from our dedicated customer-base, an opportunity was highlighted to further elevate the Stellar All-Weather Headcollar design to offer a tailored release system, which is appropriate for the individual horse’s size and weight. The Safety Release System is now located on the right side of the headcollar allowing for easy replacement no longer needing to replace the whole headpiece, but also allowing for easy adjustability.

Headcollar Safety Survey Results:

Equilibrium commissioned Dr David Marlin to conduct a survey. Answered by 5615 horse owners*, the survey aimed to find out their experience with using headcollars. This included how often they used them, what types were used, how they were used 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.

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 published results here: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13480

Scientific Testing of Headcollars:

To explore headcollar safety further, Equilibrium commissioned Dr. David Marlin to test the release points of different types of headcollars and tying up devices, including baling twine. The results showed a great variation, from some tie up aids releasing as low as 9kg, to some headcollars releasing as high as over 600kg - more than the average horses’ weight.

Find the full research paper here: https://doi.org/10.1177/17543371211039610

Equilibrium conducted more testing to develop this concept further using a tensile machine. Different lengths of straps were tested to measure their maximum load before releasing. This allowed the appropriate strap and release weight to be matched with the ideal horse size, with the average release rates being based on 10-15% of the horse’s or pony’s weight. Therefore, the different headcollar sizes are set to release at an average of:

Small/Pony Headcollar = 45kg.

Medium/Cob Headcollar = 58kg.

Large/Horse Headcollar = 68kg.

Extra Large Headcollar = 83kg.

The release system is tested to release consistently, up to 10 times. Equilibrium recommends that the safety strap is replaced after 10 pulls (or if the Velcro is not adhering well) to ensure efficiency of the strap.

The Stellar Style Safety Headcollar combines scientifically tested safety with superior comfort and durability, giving you peace of mind every day.

• Twisted leadrope to match our Stellar Headcollars
• Polycotton material
• Silver, swivel trigger clip
• Length: 2m

Reusable and replaceable safety release system for Stellar Headcollars tailored to your horses’ size and weight.

We've tested different lengths of straps for their release weight. This allowed the appropriate strap and release weight to be matched with the ideal horse size, with the average release rates being based on 10-15% of the horse’s or pony’s weight.

Therefore, the different headcollar and strap sizes are set to release based on poll pressure and within the following ranges:

Small/Pony Headcollar = 35-50kg

Medium/Cob Headcollar = 50-65kg

Large/Horse Headcollar = 65-80kg

Extra Large Headcollar = 80-95kg

The release system is tested to release consistently with downward (poll) pressure, up to 10 times. Equilibrium recommends that the safety strap is replaced after 10 pulls (or if the Velcro is not adhering well) to ensure efficiency of the strap.

Please note: Whilst Equilibrium have taken every precaution and have thoroughly tested the Stellar Headcollar, we cannot guarantee that it will release in every incident. It is tested to release on downwards pressure against the poll.

Tested both in the laboratory and in real-life situations, the Stellar Safety Leadrope features an integrated safety release system designed to help reduce the risk of injury when horses are tied up, led or handled.

82% of trial participants felt their horse was safer when tied up using the Stellar Safety Leadrope. *

Key features

• Reusable and replaceable safety release system.
• Four size options, with release levels tailored to different horse sizes and weights.
• Designed with a lower release point than the corresponding Stellar Safety Headcollar.
• 2m rope for comfortable, practical handling.

·       One-year guarantee.

Please note: The release system is tested to release consistently, up to 10 times. We recommend that the safety strap is replaced after this (or if the Velcro is not adhering well) to ensure efficiency.

Always check that the fastening is clean and secure before use. The screw should also be checked and tightened if necessary after every release.

*Based on a three-month trial involving 40 horse owners.

Suitable for

• Leading
• Tying up
• General handling
• Travelling