The Stellar® Head Collar Story
For over 10 years, the Field Relief Muzzle Protector has been an essential part of our UV and Fly Protection range. We have always recommended that horse owners use the Muzzle Protector with a field-safe head collar. So we decided to look at head collars, and really question how we 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 we decided to create our own, one that could have everything you’d want in a first-class head collar, but it’s been scientifically tested too!
Introducing Stellar®
- Tested in laboratory & field trials
- Re-usable release system
- Adjustable for a great fit
- Durable and weatherproof
- Long-lasting stainless steel fittings
- Comfortable padding at nose and poll
- Smart leather-look synthetic material with low maintenance
Patented Release System
As a piece of everyday equipment, we should be able to trust our horses’ head collars to be fit for purpose, but also to release in the situation of a serious incident.
Stellar® has a specially designed headpiece with adjustable press-stud fasteners and keepers on both sides of the head collar. The headpiece releases when needed to prevent injury to the soft tissue and nerves on the face, poll and neck. By moving the keeper, the force it takes for the head collar to release changes. In laboratory conditions, in position A, the head collar consistently released on average between 50-60kg. For position B, it was between 80-90kg. Ideally, position A should be used as much as possible, however if there is a situation where you need it to release at a higher force, move the keeper to position B.
This patent pending Safety Release System has been scientifically tested to provide measurable and consistent results. Thorough testing in both laboratory conditions, as well as everyday practical situations, provides the necessary balance between safe handling and horse safety.
UK Patent Application No. 2000234.1
Materials
Stellar® is made from PVC which gives it its durable and weatherproof qualities. Neoprene padding on the headpiece and nosepiece aid comfort, especially if worn for long periods of time – please note: it is not suitable for horses with a neoprene allergy. The durable stainless-steel fittings are suitable to be out in all weathers.
Testing
Before we began questioning whether we should make a head collar, we approached Dr David Marlin to find out if there was any information already out there on head collars. After searching, he couldn’t find anything in scientific literature – which considering a head collar is used by many horse owners on a daily basis, is quite surprising.
Survey
Dr David Marlin started some research by conducting a large survey of 5615 horse owners/handlers to find out their experience with using head collars, how often they use them and the problems they have had associated with them.
Again, the results were surprising.
31% experienced a horse being injured as a result of a head collar.
15% of people had injured in a head collar related incident.
There were 167 horse fatalities as a result of a head collar.
Looking closer into the 30% of injured horses, it didn’t seem to matter if they used a standard head collar, safety head collar or a safety device, however baler twine was associated with a higher risk of injury.
These results demonstrated that perhaps, head collars should be investigated in more depth…
Laboratory Testing
There are a lot of different head collar 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 head collars broke or released at.
Firstly, typical head collars were identified – webbing, synthetic, rope, leather, safety.
Each head collar was tested in a standardised way which was repeatable. They were tested 6 times. For head collars which broke, there was a new one tested each time. For safety head collars 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 standardisation or an appropriate load for head collars to release at, especially if they are a safety head collar.
Field Testing
When handling horses, we can’t afford for a head collar to release at too low a weight (for example, 10kg), because it’s not practical to use. However if the head collar 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.
Size Guide
| Size |
To Fit Bridle Size |
| Extra Small |
Small Pony |
| Small |
Pony |
| Medium |
Cob |
| Large |
Horse/Full |
| Extra Large |
Extra Full |
Use and Care
Care:
While the Stellar Head Collar may have a ‘leather-look’, it does not need the same care as leather head collars.
To clean it, simply wipe down with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water.
Do not use soaps, detergents or oils as this can damage the weatherproof material.
Take care to keep the stud fasteners clean and dirt free. In the event of a release incident, check the stud fasteners for damage. If you’re unsure or in the rare event of damage, please get in touch.
Figure 1
Use:
The size of each Stellar™ Head Collar is based on a standard bridle size, however if your horse or pony needs a more tailored fit, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
This head collar is not designed to open in daily normal use or when horses are being led (figure 1).
Figure 2
The head piece is designed to open when poll pressure is greater than the release point set by the keepers. The position of the keepers increases or decreases the release point. 75% of accidents happen when the horse is tied up so the pulling back and up will increase pressure on the poll (figure 2).
By moving the headpiece keepers downwards, the force required for the head collar to release increases. In laboratory conditions, in position A, the head collar released on average between 50-60kg. For position B, it was between 80-90kg. Ideally, position A should be used as much as possible, however if there is a situation where you need it to release at a higher force, move the keepers downwards to position B.
Returns & Delivery
Delivery
Free Next Working Day Shipping for orders over £75 (Order before 2pm -Excluding Highlands, N. Ireland & Islands) = Free
Economy 5-8 day UK delivery (Excluding Highlands, N. Ireland & Islands) = £3.95
Next working day UK delivery (order before 2pm – excluding Highlands, N. Ireland & Islands) Note: does not include Saturday delivery = £5.95
Over £75 discounted Highlands & Islands delivery (2-3 working days) = £7.95
Over £75 discounted Republic of Ireland (2-3 working days) = £7.95
Highlands & Islands delivery (2-3 working days) = £9.95
Northern Ireland (2-3 working days) = £9.95
Republic of Ireland (2-3 working days) = £9.95
Returns Policy
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.
Read more here
Guarantee
All Equilibrium Products are covered under a one year satisfaction guarantee, except for Equilibrium Therapy 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 are not completely satisfied or find the product faulty during the guarantee period, please contact the company you purchased it from, and they will be more than happy to arrange a refund or replacement.
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 Therapy Multi Plug Charger and correct Equilibrium Therapy 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.
Judy Harvey –
Bento had a potentially nasty accident a few weeks ago which would never have happened if he had been wearing one of these. Thank you so much for another great innovation. I now don’t need to worry about the horses pulling back.
James Sommerville –
This really has been a godsend for Casper. He gets very nervous tied up and the amount of head collar and lead ropes we have been through is painful! Not to mention the safety of our precious Casper. This head collar has helped him feel more secure and he hasn’t panicked when he has pulled back with the Stellar headcollar doing its job! Thank you so much Equilibrium for creating this amazing product! Happy pony, happy life!
Molly Cook –
The new Stellar Head collar is just incredible. There is nothing worse than seeing our horses panic whilst being tied up or accidents when head collars have been caught on something. I always travel my horses in leather head collars due to breaking easier in comparison to a nylon one but this Stellar head collar beats them all! The safety release feature has been under rigorous scientific testing and is not leather meaning it is a lot easier to clean and maintain! It’s gorgeous design makes my horses look very smart, and it’s practicality is unbeatable.
I think this head collar should be a staple for all those with equines, and I truly believe in there phrase that safety should not be a choice! I will be using this head collar for EVERYTHING.