Pony & Foal Headcollars

Which headcollar is suitable for young horses?

If you want to get your young horse accustomed to a headcollar, it is important to choose a simple headcollar. It should be easy to adjust and also easy to put on and take off. Basically, it doesn't matter what kind of headcollar you choose - whether a simple headcollar or a headcollar with soft teddy fleece. The most important criteria is that it fits the horse in terms of size and that you can adjust it easily. To avoid having to buy a new headcollar every two months, you should choose a headcollar that can to a certain extent grow with your horse. You can find different headcollar designs in our online shop for this purpose. You can choose between headcollars with an infinitely adjustable headpiece or adjustable headcollars with buckles at the headpiece. With our headcollars for young horses you can also choose soft, teddy fleece padded headcollars. For young horses that are growing quickly, a headcollar that grows with the horse is suitable, which can be widely adjusted in the poll, nose, chin and cheek area.

Which headcollar is suitable for yearlings?

If the yearling is already accustomed to a headcollar, you are basically free to decide which headcollar to go for. If you start with groundwork cautiously and in small steps at this age, a rope halter is also a good choice. However, you should be very careful with it. Even though rope halters are a fine means of communication during groundwork and are lightweight, they can cut sharply into the neck area if the rope is pulled hard.. This can have dramatic consequences for young horses whose muscles are not yet fully developed. If your yearling is still too impetuous in handling or jumps around when being led, it is better to choose a headcollar with a wide poll strap that distributes the pressure better and does not cut into the horse's neck. You can find headcollars with wide straps for this purpose in our online shop. Some styles also have soft fleece padding on the neck strap and noseband.

How do you get foals accustomed to a headcollar?

The most important basis for accustoming the foal to a headcollar is a foundation of trust with the human being, which has been achieved through a lot of calmness and patience. The foal should be used to the proximity of humans and their touch, also in the head and neck area.
The first time the foal is fitted with a headcollar, a helper who knows how to hold a foal correctly can be brought in if necessary. However, it is better if this is not necessary in order to cause the foal as little stress as possible.
Open the headcollar at the neck strap and first stroke the foal, its neck and head with the headcollar. If the foal does not show any defensive reactions, you can put the noseband over its nose in steady and calm movements. Reward the foal with a lot of scratching and take the headcollar off again.
Once the foal has accepted this step, you can move on to the next step and carefully close the headcollar. Adjust the headcollar so that it sits loosely on the foal's head and does not exert too much pressure. At the same time, it must not be too loose, otherwise the foal can get caught and hurt itself. Or it will make a nasty habit of pulling the headcollar off.
Under no circumstances should you put too much pressure on the headcollar! If the foal resists being led and starts pulling on the rope, you must give in. Too much pressure on the headcollar can cause lasting damage to the foal's neck muscles, which are not yet fully developed, and can hinder the foal for the rest of its life. It is better to playfully get the foal used to being led, for example by luring it behind you.