Biothane Horse Headcollars — Waterproof, Wipe-Clean & Built to Last
A premium biothane headcollar delivers the smart, structured aesthetic of fine leather with none of the demanding upkeep. Crafted from genuine Beta Biothane® webbing—a high-tensile polyester core encapsulated in an impermeable protective polymer shield—these headcollars are engineered specifically for horse owners who demand immaculate tack without continuous cleaning rituals.
Criterion biothane headcollars are built right here in the UK, featuring marine-grade solid brass or stainless steel hardware options. Available across a full spectrum of adjustable sizes from Pony to X-Full, every individual headcollar arrives as a complete set including a matching 2-metre performance lead rope, backed entirely by our standard 2-year commercial warranty and free UK delivery.
What Makes Genuine Beta Biothane® Superior?
Traditional nylon webbing acts like a sponge, absorbing mud, abrasive sand, and cold winter moisture that leads to heavy rubbing and bad smells. On the other hand, classic leather requires immediate, careful drying and routine oiling to prevent catastrophic cracking. Biothane eliminates the compromise: it gives you the heavy, supple hand-feel and professional profile of fresh leather tack, but introduces an entirely impervious shield against the elements.
- Waterproof Rating: 100% Impermeable (Nylon absorbs moisture / Leather takes water damage)
- Maintenance Need: Wipe clean in seconds (Nylon requires machine washing / Leather needs oiling)
- Cold-Weather Flex: Stays soft and supple (Nylon stiffens and freezes / Leather hardens and cracks)
- Longevity Span: Decades of rot-proof use (Nylon frays and fades / Leather requires deep conditioning)
Optimized for Rugged UK Turnout & Hard Yard Conditions
The UK's wet winters and deep, clay-heavy fields are precisely what biothane was engineered to master. When your horse comes in from turnout caked in mud, there is no need to scrub or wait overnight for woven material to dry out. Simply hose the headcollar down at the wash bay, give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth, and it is instantly ready for the stable or travel box. Even after a punishing, rain-soaked winter season, a Criterion biothane headcollar maintains the exact same vibrant colour and flexible structure as the day it left our workshop.
The Elite Choice for Endurance & Long-Distance Riding
Because biothane is inherently sweat-proof and non-chafing, it has long been the gold standard for endurance racing and competitive trail riding. Sweat and grime slide off the inner surface rather than embedding into the grain, significantly reducing the risk of painful heat rubs or pressure sores across the sensitive noseband and poll areas. If you regularly wash down your horse post-work or navigate wet trail environments, this is the most practical, cost-effective gear upgrade available.
Technical Sizing & Fitment Matrix
Every Criterion headcollar incorporates extensive dual-zone adjustment points across both the crownpiece and the noseband to let you dial in a completely secure, custom fit.
- Pony: Optimized for refined native lines and young stock (12.2hh to 14.2hh).
- Cob: Designed for compact, wide-faced native breeds, cobs, and large ponies (14.2hh to 15.2hh).
- Full: The standard configuration for sports horses, hunters, and thoroughbreds (15.2hh to 16.2hh).
- X-Full: Scaled for heavy draft crosses, warmbloods, and horses with exceptionally large profiles (16.2hh+).
Fitment Tip: For the safest fit, ensure the noseband sits a clean two fingers below the cheekbone structure, and that you can comfortably fit two fingers flat underneath the jaw strap. If your horse balances exactly between two sizes, we recommend sizing up to utilize the upper buckle holes.
Explore Our Alternate Configurations
Looking for a different material or specific application? Browse our alternative specialist ranges:
- Padded & Calming Fur Headcollars — For hyper-sensitive skin or anxious horses.
- Field Safe Breakaway Headcollars — Safe, unsupervised turnout protection.
- Technical Rope Halters — Knotted pressure nodes for precision groundwork training.
