7 headcollars for handling strong horses safely

Using one of the best control headcollars can be highly effective for managing young, strong or lively horses, providing better control during handling. Some handlers opt for leading horses in a bridle or chifney. While rope halters offer a finer aid, control headcollars do what the name suggests – increase your level of control.

Whether you’re hoping to work on specific groundwork, improve general handling or stop your horse being pushy, control headcollars can be useful. Some designs offer varying levels of influence as well as general use, while others should be used for in-hand work only and cannot be used for tying up.

It’s important to know that control headcollars are not suitable for tying your horse up as they are designed to tighten with pressure – they should only be used while training.

Best control headcollars for strong horses

LeMieux ProSafe Headcollar

Colours: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Designed for perfect control in hand, and ideal for lively horses and ponies, stallions and young stock, this headcollar has a triple ring design that offers three options for varied level of control. The padded nose and poll allow for shock-absorbing comfort and the headpiece is adjustable on both sides.

Designed for in-hand use only – not suitable for tying up.

Monty Roberts Dually Halter

Colours: Dependent on size
Sizes: Mini, extra-small, small, medium or large

Eskadron Control Headcollar

Colours: Navy or blue
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

This headcollar has an integrated lead chain that gives three options of use – as a normal headcollar, with influence or with strong influence – depending on where you clip the leadrope.

Velociti Lusso Soria Control Leather Headcollar

Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full

This headcollar features a cut away, soft and padded headpiece for added comfort. The rolled leather and rope duo noseband offers a practical control effect when used with the sliding ring.

Wauldhausen Pro Safety Halter

Colours: Black
Sizes: Cob or full

This headcollar features an integrated lead chain that offers three distinct uses based on where the leadrope is clipped – a standard headcollar, or with either moderate or strong influence.

LeMieux Rope Control Headcollar

Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob or full

This rope version of the popular ProSafe Headcollar offers a variation to using a chain. Designed for in-hand use only – not suitable for tying up.

HKM Safe Control Headcollar

Colours: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob or full

This patented headcollar offers additional control with a pull-up system that applies pressure on the nose and lower jaw. It has a padded headpiece that you can adjust on both sides with four exchangeable nose pieces – either with iron, chain, cord, or standard, but always padded.

Can be used for tying up if the clip is attached to the standard ring.

What is a Dually halter?

The Dually halter was designed by Monty Roberts and functions as both a standard and training halter. Colour-coded for sizing, it works on the basis of pressure and release to provide more precise training signals than wrapping a lead rope, thanks to its quick pressure release. 

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