Pony & Shetlandpony Headcollars
- Frequently asked questions
- Which headcollar is suitable for young horses?
- Which headcollar is suitable for yearlings?
- How do you get foals used to a headcollar?
Which headcollar is suitable for young horses?
If you want to get your young horse used to the headcollar, it is important to choose a simple headcollar. It should be easy to adjust and easy to put on and take off. Basically, it doesn't matter what kind of headcollar you choose - whether a simple standard headcollar or a headcollar with soft teddy fleece. The most important criterion is that it fits the horse in 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 grow with your horse to a certain extent. You can find different headcollar styles in our online shop for this purpose. You can choose between headcollars with infinitely adjustable neck straps or single adjustable neck straps with buckles. In our headcollars for young horses you can also choose soft padded headcollars with teddy fleece. For young horses that are growing quickly, a headcollar that grows with the horse is suitable, which can be widely adjusted in the neck as well as in the nose, chin and cheek area.
Which headcollar is suitable for yearlings?
If the yearling is already used to the headcollar, you are basically free to choose which headcollar to use. If you start with ground work carefully 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 in ground work and are light in weight, they can cut sharply into the neck area when the rope is tugged. This can have dramatic consequences for young horses whose muscles are not yet fully developed. If your yearling is still too impetuous in handling and jumps around when being led, it is better to choose a headcollar with a wide neck strap, which distributes the pressure better and does not cut into the horse's neck. You can find headcollars with wide webbing for this purpose in our online shop. Some styles also have soft fleece padding on the neck and noseband.
How do you get foals used to a headcollar?
The most important factor in accustoming a foal to a headcollar is a trusting relationship with the human being that has been built up through a lot of calm 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, an experienced helper can be brought in if necessary to hold the foal. 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 stroke the foal, its neck and head with the headcollar first. 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 fasten 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.