Abstract: An animal headgate including a pair of neckbars attached to the gates in such a manner that the neckbars are movable and adjustable independently from the movement of or adjustment of the gates. The neckbars are biased to pivot away from each other. Contact of the neckbar lever with a locking mechanism acts to overcome the biasing force and positions and locks the neckbars in a predetermined desired spaced relationship when the headgate is in the latch position. When the locking mechanism is released, the neckbars immediately release from the animal's neck while the shoulder bars gradually release from the animal's shoulders as the gates open.

Abstract: An animal headgate having a forward portion and a rearward portion on a stationary frame (11), having a pair of gate pivot members (19) pivotably connected to said frame (11), and a pair of headgates (13) attached to said gate pivot members (19), said headgates (13) being operably movable among receive, latch and release positions. The headgate further includes a pair of first animal securement means (14) attached to said headgates for substantially restraining movement of an animal, and a pair of second animal securement means (15) positioned forward of said first animal securement means (14) to further restrain movement of said animal, said second animal securement means (15) being movably attached to the headgates and operably movable among receive, latch and release positions.