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Canada 2025: Top 5 Crownpieces & Headstall Straps — Expert-Tested Picks to Improve Poll Comfort, Fit, and Bridle Stability

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Crownpieces and headstall straps form the primary support across the poll and determine overall bridle stability and comfort. Riders increasingly favor anatomical cuts, targeted padding, and lightweight synthetic options to reduce peak pressure, improve fit, and preserve range of motion. In Canada, climate and riding diversity (from indoor dressage arenas to wet trail conditions) shape consumer preferences: owners look for durable materials that tolerate moisture, easy-care synthetics for everyday use, anatomical shapes to avoid pinching sensitive tissue, and therapeutic features for horses with poll soreness or previous injuries. Performance riders prioritize low-profile, low-pressure designs that maintain consistent bit contact, while leisure riders often choose padded, forgiving options for long hours in the saddle. Availability, adjustability, brand reputation, and the ability to pair with existing bridle hardware are strong purchase drivers across Canadian equestrian communities.

Quick Menu

1. Best Anatomic Fit for Headstalls

2. Best for Jumping and Movement

3. Best Budget Padded Option

4. Best Value Anatomical Design

5. Best Therapeutic Poll Support

1
BEST ANATOMIC FIT FOR HEADSTALLS

Schockemohle Anatomic Select Crownpiece

Schockemöhle Anatomic Select Crownpiece

The Schockemöhle Anatomic Select Crownpiece is a premium, anatomically shaped leather option designed to relieve poll pressure and provide a close, stable fit for headstall straps used in both flatwork and jumping. It stands out for its high-quality materials and precision cut compared with the more sport-focused PS of Sweden and the value-oriented Kavalkade, offering long-term durability that can be more cost-effective than repeatedly replacing cheaper alternatives.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Anatomic pressure-relief

  • Cloud-like suede

  • Anatomic pressure-relief

  • Cloud-like suede

Review Summary

91%

"Users praise the Schockemöhle Anatomic Select for its high-quality leather, thoughtful anatomical shaping and long-lasting comfort for sensitive horses, though it's considered expensive and some find the fit requires careful selection. Overall buyers report it noticeably reduces pressure on the poll compared with standard crownpieces."

  • Ears stay comfy

  • Anatomically shaped to relieve pressure on the poll and around the ears.

  • Ears stay comfy

  • Anatomically shaped to relieve pressure on the poll and around the ears.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

The Schockemöhle Anatomic Select Crownpiece is a premium, anatomically shaped leather option designed to relieve poll pressure and provide a close, stable fit for headstall straps used in both flatwork and jumping. It stands out for its high-quality materials and precision cut compared with the more sport-focused PS of Sweden and the value-oriented Kavalkade, offering long-term durability that can be more cost-effective than repeatedly replacing cheaper alternatives.

  • Anatomic pressure-relief

  • Cloud-like suede

  • Ears stay comfy

  • Anatomically shaped to relieve pressure on the poll and around the ears.

  • Soft leather construction with a cutback design for clearer rein aids.

  • Anatomic pressure-relief

  • Cloud-like suede

  • Ears stay comfy

  • Anatomically shaped to relieve pressure on the poll and around the ears.

  • Soft leather construction with a cutback design for clearer rein aids.

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$120-200 CAD

2
BEST FOR JUMPING AND MOVEMENT

PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution Crownpiece

PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution Crownpiece

The PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution Crownpiece is engineered for jumping disciplines with integrated shock-absorbing and suspension features that maximize poll freedom during high-impact work. Technically advanced relative to the traditional Schockemöhle leather fit and the simpler padded Kavalkade, it commands a premium but delivers measurable comfort and reduced concussion for performance horses that justify the investment.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • High-jump stability

  • Revolutionary roll

  • High-jump stability

  • Revolutionary roll

Review Summary

88%

"The PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution crownpiece is widely liked for its innovative anatomic cut, soft padding and modern look, delivering good comfort for performance horses; a few users note higher price and occasional wear at stress points. Most riders find it a comfortable, performance-oriented option."

  • Zero-slip grip

  • Curved ergonomic design allows maximal freedom of the poll during jumping.

  • Zero-slip grip

  • Curved ergonomic design allows maximal freedom of the poll during jumping.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

The PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution Crownpiece is engineered for jumping disciplines with integrated shock-absorbing and suspension features that maximize poll freedom during high-impact work. Technically advanced relative to the traditional Schockemöhle leather fit and the simpler padded Kavalkade, it commands a premium but delivers measurable comfort and reduced concussion for performance horses that justify the investment.

  • High-jump stability

  • Revolutionary roll

  • Zero-slip grip

  • Curved ergonomic design allows maximal freedom of the poll during jumping.

  • Neoprene-padded sections reduce friction and improve comfort.

  • High-jump stability

  • Revolutionary roll

  • Zero-slip grip

  • Curved ergonomic design allows maximal freedom of the poll during jumping.

  • Neoprene-padded sections reduce friction and improve comfort.

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$150-260 CAD

3
BEST BUDGET PADDED OPTION

Kavalkade Ergonomic Soft Padded Crownpiece

Kavalkade Ergonomic Soft Padded Crownpiece

The Kavalkade Ergonomic Soft Padded Crownpiece is a budget-friendly, softly padded option that prioritizes immediate comfort and everyday wearability for crownpieces and headstall straps. While it lacks the high-end leather finish of the Schockemöhle and the technical suspension of the PS of Sweden, its lower price and plush padding make it an attractive, cost-effective choice for daily schooling or riders seeking a forgiving fit.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Pillow-top padding

  • Ergonomic load-spread

  • Pillow-top padding

  • Ergonomic load-spread

Review Summary

83%

"Kavalkade's Ergonomic Soft Padded crownpiece is commonly praised for being comfortable and good value with soft padding that helps relieve pressure, though some reviewers mention stitching or leather wear over time. It's seen as a solid mid-range, budget-friendly anatomical option."

  • Feather-light feel

  • Generous soft padding distributes pressure evenly across the poll.

  • Feather-light feel

  • Generous soft padding distributes pressure evenly across the poll.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The Kavalkade Ergonomic Soft Padded Crownpiece is a budget-friendly, softly padded option that prioritizes immediate comfort and everyday wearability for crownpieces and headstall straps. While it lacks the high-end leather finish of the Schockemöhle and the technical suspension of the PS of Sweden, its lower price and plush padding make it an attractive, cost-effective choice for daily schooling or riders seeking a forgiving fit.

  • Pillow-top padding

  • Ergonomic load-spread

  • Feather-light feel

  • Generous soft padding distributes pressure evenly across the poll.

  • Flexible ergonomic shape suits a wide range of head conformations.

  • Pillow-top padding

  • Ergonomic load-spread

  • Feather-light feel

  • Generous soft padding distributes pressure evenly across the poll.

  • Flexible ergonomic shape suits a wide range of head conformations.

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$80-150 CAD

4
BEST VALUE ANATOMICAL DESIGN

Collegiate ComFiTec Anatomical Crownpiece

Collegiate

The Collegiate ComFiTec Anatomical Crownpiece offers a widely available, mid-range anatomical solution that balances comfort and value for riders updating headstall straps across a tack room. It provides many of the pressure-relief benefits found in premium models like Schockemöhle at a more accessible price point, making it a sensible choice for those who want anatomical shaping without the higher outlay required by specialist or top-tier products.

4
★★★★☆
  • ComFiTec anatomic fit

  • Poll-pleasing relief

  • ComFiTec anatomic fit

  • Poll-pleasing relief

Review Summary

79%

"Collegiate ComFiTec Anatomical crownpiece gets positive marks for affordability and decent ergonomic relief compared with flat crownpieces, but users say the materials and finish aren't as premium and fit can be bulky on some bridles. Buyers typically feel it delivers good value for the price."

  • Lightweight durability

  • Anatomical cut provides extra shoulder and poll freedom to relieve pressure.

  • Lightweight durability

  • Anatomical cut provides extra shoulder and poll freedom to relieve pressure.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

The Collegiate ComFiTec Anatomical Crownpiece offers a widely available, mid-range anatomical solution that balances comfort and value for riders updating headstall straps across a tack room. It provides many of the pressure-relief benefits found in premium models like Schockemöhle at a more accessible price point, making it a sensible choice for those who want anatomical shaping without the higher outlay required by specialist or top-tier products.

  • ComFiTec anatomic fit

  • Poll-pleasing relief

  • Lightweight durability

  • Anatomical cut provides extra shoulder and poll freedom to relieve pressure.

  • High-density foam padding covered in quality leather for comfort and longevity.

  • ComFiTec anatomic fit

  • Poll-pleasing relief

  • Lightweight durability

  • Anatomical cut provides extra shoulder and poll freedom to relieve pressure.

  • High-density foam padding covered in quality leather for comfort and longevity.

Order Now
From 168.95$
5
BEST THERAPEUTIC POLL SUPPORT

Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard Crownpiece

Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard Crownpiece

The Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard Crownpiece is a specialty product that incorporates ceramic-based textiles to support circulation and soothe sensitive poll areas, making it well suited for rehabilitation or horses with chronic neck tension. Unlike the performance- and leather-focused items on this list, its therapeutic focus justifies a different pricing rationale—owners pay for clinically oriented materials and targeted relief rather than traditional tack aesthetics.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Therapeutic warmth

  • Ceramic heat-therapy

  • Therapeutic warmth

  • Ceramic heat-therapy

Review Summary

85%

"The Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard is frequently recommended for horses needing warmth and therapeutic support at the poll and poll/head complaints, with many users reporting reduced stiffness and improved comfort; some note it can be bulky and less breathable in hot conditions. Overall reviewers value its therapeutic benefits despite fit and thickness trade-offs."

  • Soothing neck hug

  • Contains ceramic-infused material intended to reflect infrared and support circulation.

  • Soothing neck hug

  • Contains ceramic-infused material intended to reflect infrared and support circulation.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

The Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard Crownpiece is a specialty product that incorporates ceramic-based textiles to support circulation and soothe sensitive poll areas, making it well suited for rehabilitation or horses with chronic neck tension. Unlike the performance- and leather-focused items on this list, its therapeutic focus justifies a different pricing rationale—owners pay for clinically oriented materials and targeted relief rather than traditional tack aesthetics.

  • Therapeutic warmth

  • Ceramic heat-therapy

  • Soothing neck hug

  • Contains ceramic-infused material intended to reflect infrared and support circulation.

  • Designed as a poll guard to reduce soreness and aid recovery during rest and exercise.

  • Therapeutic warmth

  • Ceramic heat-therapy

  • Soothing neck hug

  • Contains ceramic-infused material intended to reflect infrared and support circulation.

  • Designed as a poll guard to reduce soreness and aid recovery during rest and exercise.

Order Now

$140-260 CAD

What Research and Biomechanics Tell Us About Crownpiece Design

Scientific and applied biomechanics research has focused on how bridle design affects pressure distribution at the poll and surrounding soft tissues, plus downstream effects on neck posture and comfort. While equine studies vary in scale, several consistent themes emerge: anatomical and padded crownpieces tend to spread load over a larger surface area and reduce peak pressure points; poor fit concentrates pressure and can alter head carriage and rein contact; lightweight synthetic materials can maintain fit and reduce weight-related pressure when well designed; and ceramic or infrared-reflective textiles used in therapeutic gear may increase local skin temperature and blood circulation in short-term trials. Evidence supports the idea that correct fit and design choices can reduce the risk of pressure-induced discomfort, but results are context-dependent and proper fitting by an experienced professional is recommended.

Pressure-mapping studies show anatomical and padded designs lower peak pressures at the poll compared with narrow, unpadded crownpieces.

Research in equine biomechanics indicates that changes in poll pressure can influence head and neck carriage, which affects rein contact and rider communication.

Small clinical studies and manufacturer-led trials suggest infrared-reflective ceramic textiles can modestly increase local skin temperature and circulation; therapeutic results vary by case and are not a substitute for veterinary care.

Lightweight synthetics offer consistent fit in wet climates and require less maintenance than leather, but long-term durability depends on material quality and stitchwork.

Most studies are limited in sample size; combining evidence with correct sizing, gradual evaluation, and veterinary or saddle-bridle fitter advice yields the best outcomes.

This collection highlights five top crownpieces and headstall straps suited to Canadian riders: Schockemohle Anatomic Select Crownpiece, PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution Crownpiece, Kavalkade Ergonomic Soft Padded Crownpiece, Collegiate ComFiTec Anatomical Crownpiece, and Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard Crownpiece. For riders seeking the best all-round blend of anatomical shaping, adjustability, and performance-ready comfort in 2025, the PS of Sweden High Jump Revolution Crownpiece is a strong choice—particularly for sport riders who need low pressure without sacrificing control. If you have a thermally sensitive or rehabilitating horse, the Back on Track Therapeutic Poll Guard Crownpiece is worth considering; for budget-conscious or durable synthetic needs the Kavalkade and Collegiate options provide reliable alternatives; and the Schockemohle Anatomic Select is a premium option for riders prioritizing refined leather fit. We hope you found what you were looking for — you can refine or expand your search using the search function to filter by discipline, material, size, or therapeutic feature.

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