When we spoke to Equilibrium I’ll admit I had no idea that they manufactured headcollars, or that they have done research into headcollar safety, and I must admit I was quite shocked at the statistics.
Equilibrium kindly offered to write a blog to share some of their findings and things that, as horse owners, we can consider when it comes to safety.
Is Your Horse’s Headcollar Safe?
Whether you’re leading, tying up, or turning out, headcollars are an essential piece of kit. But have you ever stopped to think about how safe your horse’s headcollar really is?
Recent research has revealed some surprising facts about headcollars and the injuries they can cause. Let’s break it down.
The Shocking Truth About Headcollar Injuries
A study of over 5,600 riders and horse owners found that 31% had experienced a headcollar-related injury. That’s nearly one in three! Even more alarming, 134 incidents involved fractures, and tragically, 167 horses lost their lives due to accidents involving headcollars.*
The most common situations where injuries occurred were:
- Tying up – 70% of injuries happened when the horse was tied.
- In the field – 20% of accidents happened while horses were wearing a headcollar at liberty.
- Handling accidents – Some incidents also resulted in human injuries (1 in 7).
What Makes a Headcollar Safer**?
Not all headcollars are created equal. Some materials and designs put your horse at greater risk, while others can reduce the chance of injury. Here’s what the research found:
- Leather vs. Synthetic – Leather headcollars tend to break under pressure more easily than synthetic ones, making them a safer choice in case of emergency. Saying this though, it very much depends on the quality and type of leather.
- Safety Headcollars – Specially designed ‘breakaway’ headcollars have built-in release points to release under strain, helping to prevent serious injury.
- Baler Twine? Maybe Not! – Many of us tie horses up using baler twine, assuming it will break if needed. However, tests showed that breaking strength varies massively! Some twine breaks under light pressure, while heavy-duty twine might hold until serious injury occurs.
This is a difficult thing to quantify – how do you look at a piece of baling twine and know at what force it will break?
What Can You Do to Keep Your Horse Safe?
Small changes can make a big difference in reducing the chance of injury. Here are some simple ways to improve headcollar safety:
✔️ Choose the right headcollar – Opt for leather or a safety design rather than tough synthetic webbing. Safety headcollars like the Equilibrium Stellar Headcollar range are tested to have a consistent release point that is tailored to the average horses weight using that size of headcollar.
✔️ Check before you tie up – Always tie your horse to a secure but ‘safe’ point. Consider a purpose-made breakaway tie or safety headcollar rather than relying on baler twine. If you do use baler twine, take a view on whether it could be thinned and therefore, less strong.
✔️ Consider multiple ways for the horse to ‘breakaway’ – for example, using baling twine alone will not help if the horse get’s their headcollar caught on something, as there may be no pressure on the leadrope and tie area. Another consideration would be that most safety headcollars require force in a direction (i.e. downwards) to release. If your horses leadrope
✔️ Turnout tip – If your horse doesn’t need to wear a headcollar in the field, it’s best not to. However if they do need to, make sure it’s designed to break under pressure if they get caught.
✔️ Educate yourself and others – The more we know, the safer our horses will be!
The Science Behind the Equilibrium Stellar Headcollar
The above-mentioned research was undertaken independently but commissioned by Equilibrium Products as part of their commitment to equine wellbeing and safety. They continued to work with Dr. David Marlin to develop and refine a tested release mechanism, ensuring consistent and reliable safety features.
The Stellar Safety Release
Made with ‘sandwiched’ Velcro, the Stellar Safety Release was tested extensively to determine the ideal release mechanism for different horse sizes. Multiple Velcro specifications and strap lengths were evaluated to ensure the downwards release force was set at approximately 10-15% of the horse’s body weight.
The safety strap is designed to release consistently up to 10 times, after which Equilibrium recommends replacing it (or sooner if the Velcro shows signs of wear) to maintain its effectiveness.
The Stellar All Weather Headcollar
From field to yard to showground, the Stellar All Weather Headcollar is a workhorse—weatherproof, tough, and durable while remaining easy to clean. This scientifically tested safety headcollar has undergone field trials to help reduce the risk of injury without compromising practicality.
Find out more here: https://equilibriumproducts.com/products/stellar-headcollar-2024
The Stellar Style Headcollar
New for 2025, the Stellar Style Headcollar combines scientifically tested safety with superior comfort and durability. Made from durable nylon with soft fleece padding, it offers enhanced comfort while maintaining a sleek and stylish appearance. Most importantly, it incorporates the proven Stellar Safety Release system, giving you peace of mind every day.
Find out more here: https://equilibriumproducts.com/products/stellar-style-headcollar
Want to Learn More? If you’re interested in the science behind headcollar safety, check out the research from the British Equine Veterinary Association and other leading equine studies. Knowledge is power!
*https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13480
**https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17543371211039610
Thank you to Equilibrium for this really informative blog. If you are an Equiteam member then have a look at the posts in the Equiteam Connected group for an exclusive 15% off discount code.
