What headcollar sizes are there and which one fits my horse?

Common headcollar sizes are Shetland, Pony, Cob (also Thoroughbred), Full (Warmblood) and X-Full (Draught). Kerbl also offers XX-Full. Which size fits depends on the shape of the head, not just on the breed. Measure the nose circumference directly on the horse, about two to three fingers below the cheekbone.

As a guide, the manufacturer HeyMa assigns Icelandic horses, Arabians and Quarter Horses to Cob size, and Haflingers and Fjord horses to Warmblood. According to Nelaya, the nose circumference for Cob is roughly between 52 and 60 cm, and for Warmbloods between 56 and 68 cm.

By Julia Lühr, Ahrens Reitsport in Tangstedt · Updated 18 October 2026

Headcollars are offered in size categories that are roughly based on horse types. The measurements differ from one manufacturer to another though. The only reliable measurement is the one taken on your own horse.

What headcollar sizes are there?

The usual sizes are Shetland, Pony, Cob, Full and X-Full. Cob is often also called Thoroughbred, Full is called Warmblood and X-Full is called Draught. Kerbl also offers XX-Full for some headcollars. There are separate, smaller foal headcollars for foals.

How do I measure my horse for a headcollar?

Measure directly on the horse and not on an existing headcollar, because that can differ significantly. The manufacturer Nelaya explicitly points this out.

Nose circumference: Place the tape measure around the nose about two to three finger widths below the cheekbone and leave a finger’s width of space.
Headpiece: Measure from the height of one eye over the poll behind the ears to the height of the other eye.
Cheekpiece: Measure from about two fingers below the cheekbone to the rear edge of the jaw.

According to Equestrian Stockholm, the measurements there refer to the headcollar fastened on the middle hole, which can be made about 3 cm tighter or looser.

Which nose circumference matches which size?

As a guide, Nelaya gives the following ranges for nose circumference:

Size	Nose circumference
Mini Shetland	40–46 cm
Shetland	44–52 cm
Small Pony	47–54 cm
Large Pony	50–58 cm
Thoroughbred/Cob	52–60 cm
Small Warmblood	56–64 cm
Large Warmblood	58–68 cm
Draught	62–72 cm

The ranges overlap because headcollars are adjustable. If your horse falls in an overlap area, the other measurements will decide.

Which headcollar size do Icelandic horses, Haflingers or Quarter Horses need?

The headcollar manufacturer HeyMa assigns Icelandic horses, Arabians, Quarter Horses and Welsh B to the Cob or Thoroughbred size. Haflingers, Norwegians and Fjord horses are listed there as Warmblood. For Friesians, Irish Cobs and other heavier breeds, the manufacturers do not give a uniform size, so measuring is the only way.

How can I tell that a headcollar fits correctly?

A headcollar must sit tight enough that it does not slip. If it is too loose, the horse can get a hind hoof caught in it when scratching. If it is too tight, it will pinch and the horse will associate the headcollar with discomfort. The vet Dr Annette Wyrwoll emphasises this in Cavallo using foals as an example.