Horse Collars Key Terms

Know the terms used for horse collars

By Paula Papp

A horse collar distributes the load around a horse's neck evenly when the horse pulls a plow or wagon. The collar usually has a pair of metal or curved items, called hames, to which the harness straps are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling because it allows the horse to actually push the item forward with its back legs into the collar instead of using its shoulders to pull the load. It is important to know the various terms used when discussing horse collars.

Hames

Hames piece together the harness and the collar. These can be wood or metal and are made in pairs, then fitted using rein rings and tug hooks. They come in a variety of styles based on the purpose for which they're used.
Try: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offers more information.

Breast collars

Breast collars are straps used to prevent the rider's saddle from slipping or falling back. They are applied around the chest of the horse and then attached to the D rings on the front of the saddle.
Try: Horses Dacor has pictures and descriptions of breast collars.

Piped collar

A piped collar keeps the horse's windpipe from being compressed or constricted while it pulls a load.
Try: Discover-Horse-Carriage-Driving has more information about piped collars.

Electric horse collars

Electric horse collars can help control or break any bad habits your horse may have. It is important to use one that will not cause any harm to the horse but is successful in behavior modification.
Try: Gun Dog Supply has information relating to electronic collars used on horses.

Pulling collars

Pulling collars are used by draft horses and are meant for heavy work, such as that done on farms, as well as heavy hauling. These collars are usually made with heavy leather and are stitched with thick nylon-like thread to increase the life of the collar.
Try: More information on pulling collars is available at Horse n' Harness.

Cribbing collars

Cribbing occurs when a horse puts its front teeth on a flat horizontal surface and then arches its back and neck, and pulls backwards. This is also referred to as wind sucking and may occur when the horse is bored. A cribbing collar has a strap that snugly fits around the throat and creates discomfort for the horse in the hopes of breaking this habit.
Try: More information on cribbing collars is available at Weaver Leather.