Mackey Safety Breakaway Headcollar for Horses

Mackey Safety Headcollar - Breakaway Peace of Mind for Turnout

The Mackey Safety Headcollar is a strong nylon horse headcollar with a leather pressure release mechanism that is designed to break under heavy load. It is best for owners who want a smart, everyday headcollar for turnout, leading and showing, but with a breakaway safety feature that reduces the risk of injury if a horse pulls back when tied or snags the headcollar on a fence or solid object.

Unlike a plain nylon headcollar, which will hold fast under extreme pressure, a breakaway design gives way - normally at the point of the check rings - so the horse can free itself. Leather padding on the headpiece and noseband keeps it comfortable for longer wear, while leather attachments at all points give it a traditional, tidy finish.

Key Features

• Leather pressure release mechanism breaks under heavy load to help avoid serious injury
• Strong nylon webbing for hard-wearing daily use
• Leather padding on the headpiece and noseband for comfort
• Leather attachments at all points for a smart appearance
• Adjustable at the headstrap and side clip
• Versatile: suitable for turnout, everyday handling, in-hand work and showing

Browse more options in our headcollars collection.

Specifications

How to Use

1. Check the size before first use - compare against a headcollar that already fits your horse, or measure from the poll to the noseband and around the nose.
2. Fasten the headcollar so the noseband sits roughly two fingers below the cheekbone.
3. Adjust the headstrap and side clip until you can fit two fingers under the noseband and behind the ears.
4. Position the leather padding evenly over the poll and across the nose.
5. Inspect the leather release point, stitching and clips before turnout each time, and replace the headcollar if the leather or webbing is worn.

FAQ

How does a breakaway headcollar work?
A breakaway headcollar contains a weaker section - here a leather pressure release mechanism - that is designed to break under extreme load. If a horse pulls back when tied or catches the headcollar on a fence or solid object, the mechanism gives way, normally at the point of the check rings, which can prevent serious injury.

Is the Mackey Safety Headcollar suitable for turnout?
Yes. It is designed for turnout as well as everyday handling, and the breakaway feature is particularly useful for horses left in a field where a headcollar could snag.

What size headcollar do I need?
Headcollars are generally sold in pony, cob and full. Ponies and small natives usually take pony, most cobs and lighter horses take cob, and larger horses and warmbloods take full. Measuring an existing headcollar that fits well is the most reliable method and the best way to avoid a return.

Is it smart enough for showing?
Yes. The leather padding and leather attachments at all points give it a traditional finish that suits showing, in-hand classes and yard use alike.

How do I clean and care for it?
Brush off dried mud, wash the nylon in cool water with a mild soap and dry naturally away from direct heat. Condition the leather sections occasionally and check the release point regularly.

Can the headcollar be used again after it breaks?
Once the leather release mechanism has broken it has done its job and the headcollar should be replaced, or the leather section repaired by a saddler, before further use.

About Mackey

Mackey make practical, hard-wearing equestrian equipment for everyday yard life, combining durable webbing with traditional leather detailing. The Safety Headcollar is a good example: a smart, everyday headcollar with a breakaway mechanism built in.