Equilibrium Stellar Safety Headcollar Black
The Equilibrium Stellar Safety Headcollar could save your horse from serious injury. Smart, weather-proof, and scientifically tested too. Ideal as a field safe, every day or competition headcollar.
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The Equilibrium Stellar Safety Headcollar could save your horse from serious injury. Smart, weather-proof, and scientifically tested too. Ideal as a field safe, every day or competition headcollar.
Key features
- Reusable safety release system prevents injury to the soft tissue and nerves on the face, poll and neck of the horse.
- Scientifically tested.
- Smart, durable, and weatherproof material. Made from PVC with stainless steel fittings.
- Neoprene padding for comfort, on the headpiece and nosepiece.
- Ideal for use with the Field Relief Muzzle Protector.
- Matching Stellar Leadrope available.
What inspired the Stellar Safety Headcollar?
Equilibrium have offered the Field Relief Muzzle Protector for a long time, and as a welfare, safety conscious company always recommend using it with a field safe headcollar. As a company, Equilibrium make products where they think they can be improved, or where there’s a gap in the market. So, Equilibrium set out to investigate headcollars, how safe they were and if there was any testing on them.
They approached Dr David Marlin to find out if there was any research on headcollars. He couldn’t find anything in scientific literature, which we found quite surprising as headcollars are used so frequently.
Initial Survey
Dr David Marlin started researching by conducting a survey of 5615 horse owners* to find out their experience with using headcollars. This included how often they used them, 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.
Diving into the horse injuries – it didn’t seem to matter what headcollar they were using. There were combinations of standard headcollars, safety headcollars and safety devices, however baler twine was associated with a higher risk of injury.
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://doi.org/10.1177/17543371211039610
Scientific Testing
There are a lot of different headcollar 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 headcollars broke or released at.
Firstly, typical headcollars were identified – webbing, synthetic, rope, leather, safety.
Each headcollar was tested in a standardised way which was repeatable. They were tested six times. For headcollars which broke, a new one tested each time. For safety headcollars that released, they were re-used where 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 was clear that there is a need for an appropriate load for headcollars to release at, especially if they are a safety or field safe headcollar.
Find the full research paper here: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13480
Field Testing
When handling horses, we can’t afford for a headcollar to release at too low a force, because it’s not practical to use. However, if the headcollar 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.
The Stellar® Headcollar has been independently field tested by Writtle University College on their yard by a variety of people and horses for all general horse handling.
How can the Stellar Headcollar benefit horses?
We all know accidents with headcollars happen, but you think “it’ll never happen to me!”, however as we know from the research, it is far more common than we think! And while lead ropes, and baling twine can and do release – but not consistently – there are several instances where they wouldn’t even come into play. For example, your horse could get the headcollar caught on a gate/water trough/stable door/etc.
The Stellar® Safety Headcollar has been scientifically tested to have a consistent release point where the headpiece releases when poll pressure is applied, with an average of 83kg of downward force. The research indicates that this is strong enough for safe horse handling, but low enough to prevent serious injury to the horse in the event of an incident. The Headcollar can also to be quick to release. While we wouldn’t recommend getting in the thick of it if your horse is stuck for the risk of getting caught, the headcollar can be released easily if the keeper can be pushed up and stud fastener pulled outwards, rather than downwards.
For instance, in normal circumstances you should be able to lead, tie up, turnout, load and travel your horse in the Stellar Headcollar. There may be some instances however, where you decide it is not appropriate to use it. For example, if your horse is near or on a busy road – i.e., you are travelling abroad or when you break down and must unload your horse on a motorway. In these circumstances a bridle may be more appropriate.
Who is the Stellar Headcollar for?
The Stellar Headcollar has been designed to be used by all horses and horse owners. While some may think ‘safety headcollars’ are just for use in the field, we know from research that accidents do happen elsewhere too, with the vast majority of them being when your horse is tied up outside.
Not only that, but the Stellar Headcollar is made from a weatherproof material with stainless steel fittings to ensure it is long-lasting and ready to tackle the elements!
Therefore, the Stellar Headcollar is great to be used as:
- A field safe headcollar.
- An everyday headcollar.
- A competition headcollar.
How do I care for the Stellar Headcollar?
The Stellar Headcollar is designed to look like leather, but without the maintenance that comes with it. Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and warm water. Do not use soaps, detergents, or oils as this can damage the weatherproof material.
PLEASE NOTE: During peak times our returns process can take up to 14 working days. We thank you for your continued patience.
Our delivery estimates are based on orders placed before 2pm for Harry Hall brands stocked in our website. If you order on a weekend or a Bank Holiday, your order will be dispatched on the next working day.
UK Orders placed after 2pm on a Friday will be despatched the following Monday.
During peak or busy periods and for orders despatched for our third party brands, please anticipate deliveries may take a little longer then the estimates below.
Personalised Products
All personalised orders are subject to a £4.95 delivery charge, will be shipped separately and delivered to you within 14-21 working days.
Personalisation orders are not available for delivery outside of the UK mainland or our One Club Premium / Next Working Day Service.
Personalisation orders are non-returnable.
Our recommended cut-off for pre-Christmas delivery on Personalisation orders is 3rd December.
Partner Brands
We showcase many partner brands on our website, most are not available for delivery outside of mainland Britain (excludes Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands & Channel Islands) or are eligible for our One Club Premium / Next Working Day Service. If you would like to check on a particular product, please contact our Customer Service team.
Our own brands are Harry Hall, Masta, Protechmasta, Caldene, Mastacare & Woofmasta.
Bespoke Orders
Please refer to the individual products for delivery estimates of bespoke orders.
Delivery Options
Please note as of the 1st January 2021 all consumer parcels shipping out of the UK may be subject to additional VAT, Customs and Duty charges.
All delivery times are estimated based on standard orders for Harry Hall branded products and we can not guarantee they will be universal for all orders.
For all delivery times and costs please refer to the table of estimates below:
Service |
Delivery times |
Cut off |
Cost |
---|---|---|---|
One Club Premium Next Day GB Service - *Excludes: partner brands (is not Harry Hall, Masta, Cottage Craft and Caldene), personalised items and non-UK mainland addresses. |
1-2 working days |
2pm (Mon-Thurs only) |
£3.95 |
One Club Gold Members Free GB Mainland Delivery |
3-5 working days |
2pm (Mon-Thur) |
FREE |
Free GB Mainland Delivery over £50 for One Club Bronze members |
3-5 working days |
2pm (Mon-Thur) |
FREE |
Free GB Mainland Delivery over £75 for non-members |
3-5 working days |
2pm |
FREE |
GB Mainland |
3-5 working days |
2pm |
£5.95 |
GB Mainland Next Day |
1-2 working days |
2pm (Mon-Thurs only) |
£7.95 |
Northern Ireland, Republic of Island and Scottish Highlands and Islands *Excluded from Gold membership free delivery |
3-5 working days |
2pm |
£10.95 |
Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland - £150 minimum order value |
2-4 working days |
2pm U.K. Time |
£17.95 |
Denmark, Estonia - £150 minimum order value |
2-4 working days |
2pm U.K. Time |
£19.95 |
Finland, Norway, Romania - £150 minimum order value |
2-4 working days |
2pm U.K. Time |
£25.95 |
USA, Australia and other locations - £150 minimum order value |
Contact us for a quote |
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Please contact us for delivery quotes for any country not listed above. If you have any issues getting a quote automatically at checkout, please contact our customer service team to help retrieve a shipping quote for you order.
*Excludes: partner brands, personalised items and addresses outside of mainland Britain. Partner brands are those not in the Harry Hall, Masta, Mastacare, Protechmasta, Cottage Craft, Woofmasta and Caldene ranges.
Unless otherwise stated, standard GB or UK delivery charges refer to mainland England, Scotland and Wales only (excludes Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands and Islands, Channel Islands or other surcharged postcodes).
Harry Hall Returns Policy
*Returns for Christmas gifting will be extended until the 14th Jan 2024 with a proof of purchase, on orders from 18th November.
We offer a 30 day returns promise. This means from receipt of your parcel; you have 30 days to return your products to us for a refund.
Please ensure original tags are attached to your returned items and take care when trying items that could be easily spoiled. We reserve the right to refuse a refund if goods are not returned in a saleable condition or are damaged. Postage fees will not be refunded under the consumer rights act 2015.
Returns from customers not a member of the One Club require the postage to be paid for - this will be deducted from the refund.
Please note we do not arrange product exchanges and recommend that customers place a new order for any products or different sizes online after following the returns process below.
Orders cannot be cancelled after payment and must be returned after despatch using the standard returns process.
Once an order has been placed, no amends can be made to the order.
How to return your item(s):
For guest checkouts and non-members:
- Repackage your item using the bag it was delivered in where possible.
- Enter your order number and email address at harryhall.com/returns
- Select the items to be returned, submit the reasons for return and use our returns label (this will incur a £3.56 charge deducted from your refund).
- Follow the instructions in your return email confirmation to post your return.
For One Club members (free returns for Gold, Platinum and Bronze members):
- Enter your order number and email address at harryhall.com/returns
- Select the product to be returned and the return reason and submit the request.
- Your label containing a QR code will sent to you by email. You can either print the label and attach to the parcel yourself, or download and take the digital version of your label to the post office on your mobile device where they will scan the QR code and print for you.
- Repackage your item using the bag it was delivered in where possible.
- Take your package to your nearest Post Office. Remember to ask for a proof of return receipt.
Receiving refunds:
Once we receive your returned items, you should be refunded within 10 working days - please be aware this process can take up to 14 days during our peak periods. We will send you an email to confirm when the refund has been processed.
One Club Members will not be charged for the cost of return delivery - please note that non-members and guest checkouts will have the cost of the return postage deducted from their refund.
Faulty items:
All our stock is inspected to ensure it meets the incredibly high standards we have in place. Please accept our apologies if your item is faulty. You can request a refund using our online Returns Portal at harryhall.com/returns and selecting 'Faulty' as the reason for return. Please also upload images detailing the fault during this process.
Returning from outside the UK:
Please use the returns process form at harryhall.com/returns
You will need to cover the cost of your return's postage. We recommend you obtain proof of postage.
Who covers the cost of returning my items?
If you are a One Club member the cost of returning your items is free when you use our harryhall.com/returns.
If are not a One Club member, the cost of the postage label to return your item will be deducted from your refund.
Returning a horse rug:
If you have purchased a rug, when trying it on, please ensure your horse is clean and try it on with a thin sheet underneath. We are unable to accept returns that are dirty with mud, dust or horsehair due to hygiene reasons.
Returning a dog coat:
All dog coats to be eligible for a refund must be returned in their original condition; free from dog hair, not been washed or brushed. Please take extra care when trying the coat by making sure the dog is clean and using a towel or cloth to prevent hair and smells sticking to the coat. We are unable to accept returns that are dirty with mud, dust or hair due to hygiene reasons.
Bundles and Free Gift Returns:
- For a full refund, please ensure all items from the bundle deal or free gift promotion are returned. If discounted items are returned meaning that the original promotion conditions are no longer met, the cost of the discount or free gift will be charged to the order.
- Partial bundle returns will be refunded pro rata.
- Free gifts must be returned with their parent product, in order to receive a full refund, otherwise the parent product will be refunded minus the free gift value.
- Free gifts are not refundable on their own.
How can I contact your customer services team?
If you need to return your order we make every effort to try and make this process easy for you.
Email: contact@harryhall.com
Telephone:01274 711 011