Many horse owners favour the best leather headcollars over synthetic varieties. As leather should break under pressure, they are considered safer and are advisable if you’re transporting horses. They’re also considered more comfortable for the horse, especially if they’re an ergonomic and padded style.
A good leather headcollar also looks very smart, and should be long-lasting if cared for correctly with one of the best leather cleaner and conditioners. Some leather headcollars also come with nameplates that you can engrave with your horse’s name, which also makes them one of the best personalised gifts for horse lovers.
Best leather headcollars
LeMieux Anatomic Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob or full
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
This padded leather headcollar has an anatomically shaped headpiece and noseband to offer extra comfort. It has solid metal fittings that add style to this classic headcollar.
Para dressage rider Tamsin Addison tested this leather headcollar for H&H and she said: “I particularly liked the shape and padding of the headpiece. I found it easy to adjust for a comfortable fit.”
This was one of the best leather headcollars in the group test. Read the full LeMieux Anatomic Headcollar review – we awarded it H&H Approved status.
Collegiate ComFiTec Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or warmblood
H&H Review: 9/10, H&H Approved
This headcollar has an anatomically shaped headpiece that evenly distributes pressure across the poll, as well as padding under the nose, crown and cheek straps for added comfort. Parts of the headcollar look like leather but aren’t, which isn’t a bad thing as it helps keep the price down.
Event rider Sam Jennings tested this Collegiate leather headcollar. She liked the anatomical shape and found the padded headpiece with padding to act almost like a poll guard for added protection.
Read the full Collegiate ComFiTec Leather Headcollar review – we awarded it H&H Approved status.
Shires Velociti Gara Fully Adjustable Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: Suckling, foal, weanling, yearling, pony, cob, full or extra full
Available in seven sizes and fully adjustable at the head and nose for the perfect fit, this leather headcollar is ideal for really young horses and horses with harder-to-fit heads. It’s a simple and unpadded design with solid brass fittings for a classy look.
John Whitaker Chicago Perforated Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
H&H Review: 8/10
Made from a vegetable-tanned, eco-friendly leather, which is quick drying and perforated to allow for greater breathability. It has a wide, padded crown and noseband, stainless steel hardware and decorative tonal stitching.
Tamsin found that this headcollar fitted well and the clips on each side of the throat lash were useful when grooming and washing off the horse’s head area without losing control. Read her full John Whitaker Leather Headcollar review.
Shires Velociti Gara Leather Travel Headcollar
Colours: Black or havana
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full
The smart leather headcollar features generous padding at the headpiece and noseband making it particularly suitable when travelling. It is adjustable on both sides of the headpiece with crank style noseband and clip-on throatlash. Quality brass fittings finish the look. It’s made from environmentally vegetable dyed leather for deep colour.
Henry James Comfort 3D Air Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full
This Henry James headcollar has a headpiece designed with a central air gap is designed to avoid contact with vertebrae of the neck. It features solid brass fittings and nameplate.
LeMieux Leather Grooming Headcollar
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob or full
A great everyday soft and supple leather headcollar to make your life easier when grooming your horse. It features a detachable throat strap and noseband that can be undone or removed to groom or clip your horse.
The anatomically-shaped noseband provides comfort, while the slimline headpiece allows you to plait your horse’s mane and forelock more easily – perfect for early show mornings.
Schockemohle Ulm Pro Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob or Full
This is a premium choice. Crafted from quality leather, it boasts elegant raised detailing and soft padding for exceptional comfort. The flat cheekpieces offer a sleek look and a snug fit, while the reversible nameplate allows for personalised engraving, adding a practical and stylish finishing touch.
Dy’on Working Plaited Leather Headcollar
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
Whether for everyday use or special occasions, this Dy’on headcollar is a versatile and stylish addition to your horse’s wardrobe. Crafted from high-quality buffalo leather with cream stitching, it features an adjustable nose closure for a customised fit. The buckles on each side of the headpiece allow for easy adjustment, while the snap closure throat lash offers convenience during grooming and handling.
What is the best headcollar for travelling?
A leather headcollar is considered the best choice for safety reasons. In the event of an emergency, leather will break under extreme pressure or can be easily cut, reducing the risk of injury.
If you don’t wish to use a leather headcollar, you could also consider one of the best field-safe headcollars as they are also designed to break under pressure.
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