Removing a Headcollar

You may find that the horse you are going to be riding is waiting in his box or outside. In his box he may be loose or tied up with a headcollar.

The headcollar is used in the loose box (the proper name for his stable home) when he is tacked up (fitted with a bridle and saddle) to prevent him from getting down and rolling which could damage his back and saddle. In this case the headcollar will be fitted over the top of the bridle. This policy will vary from school to school, in some only known 'rollers' will be tied up, in others all horses are whilst awaiting their riders.

A headcollar has no bit and so can be worn all the time by a horse if necessary. When turning out horses into a field headcollars with breakable straps can be used so that if the headcollar becomes tangled or caught on something it will snap and fall off before injury is caused.

Here's how a headcollar is removed.

Headcollar

The red arrow shows the buckle to undo to release the headcollar.

The headcollar can then be simply slipped forward over the nose and safely hooked up on the box wall. Don't let it dangle down near the floor where you or the horse may trip on it.

Hanging collar

Fitting the headcollar is just the reverse of this process. First slip the front of the headcollar over the horse's muzzle and then flick the headpiece strap over the neck and do the buckle up.

Unbuckling Headcollar

There will be several different sized headcollars in all stables to suit a pony to a large 17 hand horse. If you're having difficultly getting a headcollar on check it's the right size for your horse. (Yes, I've struggled to try and fit too small a headcollar and wondered why I can't get the headpiece to meet the buckle.)

Important Note

If in doubt always get an experienced person to demonstrate and help you. Each riding school will have its own particular procedures and ways of working which must take precedent over any examples shown here.

Next - the mysteries of the quick release knot.