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 high-quality Stellar Lead Rope has been tested to work with the Stellar Safety Headcollar, plus it matches too.

The Stellar Lead Rope was tested by Dr David Marlin, on a Test Rig under controlled conditions, to work with the Stellar™ Head Collar to ensure consistency with the required release points. This is important because 75% of accidents* happen when the horse was tied up (*survey of 5,615 respondents).

The handy stop ‘cuff’ gives the end of the rope extra grip, while the ‘chunky’ rubber collar near the clip end of the rope enables the handler to maintain a good grip of the lead rope under the horse’s head. Our lead rope is also smart so perfect for every day or use at shows.