From everyday essential headcollar and leadrope sets and fieldsafe headcollars suitable to leave on in the field, to luxury anatomical leather and sheepskin headcollars, we have a headcollar for every occasion available at Houghton Country.
Our selection of headcollars and lead ropes has been selected from leading equestrian manufacturers such as LeMieux, Horseware and Shires to ensure we offer something for everyone.
A headcollar, or halter as it is sometimes termed, with a leadrope is one of the most essential items you will need for your horse, as it enables you to handle your horse. A headcollar and leadrope is used to lead your horse, for example to and from the stable or field, onto a horsebox, or to graze in hand. It can also be used to tie the horse up. It is advisable to tie the horse up while grooming them, while they are getting their feet done by the farrier, and while they are being tacked up.
Headcollars can come with trigger clip fastenings at the throat, meaning it can be slipped over the head quickly. Other headcollars do not have this trigger clip, and are secured with a buckle at the piece that slips over the poll. These ones are more suitable for a horse with sensitive ears, as the headcollar does not have to slip over the ears to be put on.
Nylon headcollars are most commonly chosen for day to day wear. One of the main advantages of nylon headcollars is that they are machine washable and quick to dry, making them suitable for use in the field and being left out in the rain. They are generally very durable and do not snap easily - the nylon headcollar that you buy your horse is likely to last for years. They are available in all sorts of colours, patterns and designs to suit your horse and can be matched to your horse's travel rugs and travel boots.
Leather headcollars are often chosen for shows or for travelling, as they offer a smarter appearance. It is popular to have a name plate on the side of your leather headcollar with your horse's name on, and this looks very smart. Leather is also very durable and a good quality leather headcollar is likely to last you for some years. It is advisable to take care of your leather headcollar with leather cleaning and conditioning products, just like you take care of your saddle and bridle.
Sheepskin covers are available to attach to your leather headcollar to make it more comfortable for sensitive horses or to add a luxurious look. Alternatively, fluffy headcollars are made of artificial sheepskin that is not removable and offer the same comfort and luxury. The benefit of the artificial sheepskin is that it is machine washable, allowing you to keep your headcollar looking in great condition.
Anatomical headcollars, like bridles, are becoming more and more popular. They are cut back from the ears to relieve pressure at this sensitive area, and some feature an anatomical noseband or cheekpieces too, designed to relieve pressure from sensitive facial nerves. Some less sensitive horses do not require an anatomical headcollar, but if the horse is to be standing in his headcollar for a long time, for example while travelling long distances, or being tied up for a significant period of time, or is more sensitive, they may benefit from an anatomical design.
Fieldsafe headcollars are designed to be safe for wear during turnout, as they quickly come undone if the horse was to become stuck. Traditional headcollars are not safe for wear during turnout as they may not come undone if the horse was to get it stuck on something - for example on a branch of a tree, or even their leg while scratching themselves. Getting stuck can lead to all sorts of injuries and trauma. A fieldsafe headcollar comes undone quickly and safely when pressure is applied to the fastenings, meaning they reduce the risk of getting stuck. They are commonly chosen for turnout of horses that are difficult to catch, as having a headcollar on is likely to make it easier to get hold of them.
You will need a leadrope to go with your headcollar to enable you to lead the horse around or tie him up. Headcollar and leadrope sets come with a leadrope, or headcollars and leadropes can be bought separately. Some leadropes feature a trigger clip which some find a little easier to undo than an walsall clip - a trigger clip may be worth choosing if you are likely to be undoing the leadrope frequently, for example if you leave the headcollar on your horse when turning him out, or if you are using the headcollar to put the horse in cross ties regularly. If you are not having to undo your leadrope very regularly, you may choose a walsall clip.
Leadropes come in different lengths, and a longer leadrope may be chosen for bigger horses or for horses that are more likely to try to get away from the handler.
We have hand picked a huge selection of the above types of headcollar for you to choose from, with designs from Horseware, LeMieux, Shires and more. We offer a free click & collect service for your convenience, or express delivery or standard delivery.
