What Is a Scotch Collar?

Horses require harnesses and other types of equipment suited to the specialized needs of each animal. Work horses are no different. These animals need larger items when being equipped for work or for show. The scotch collar is a distinctive piece of equipment designed for the head of the work, or draft, horse. It is normally worn for show purposes.

  1. Description

    • The scotch collar has an elongated shape with its round end fitting under the horse's neck. The inside open part of the collar fits around the neck. The top comes to a point rising above the neck so it is visible from behind the horse. The scotch collar contains some type of decorative design. It is for show as it fits over the harness.

    Purpose

    • Today the purpose of the scotch collar is decoration, or enhancement of the neck region by wearing a distinctive device. Historically the scotch collar was developed with its tall point so the horse would be seen when behind an automobile. It was, in effect, a safety device to prevent work horses from being struck by automobiles according to TROIKA Drafts &The Shoeing Shop.

    Shows

    • An example of the use of a scotch collar on a draft horse in a show is the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The 95th version took place in January 2011. One of the events is the four-horse hitch which involves hitching four draft horses, like Clydesdales or Belgians, up to a wagon. The horses wear black leather harnesses around their bodies. The decorative scotch collars rise up behind their necks to complete the show appearance. Each scotch collar is specially fitted for an individual horse. Once the horses are ready they are hitched to a wagon and driven around the show arena.

    Equipment

    • The scotch collar is part of the show equipment necessary for a draft horse. According to Troika Drafts &The Shoeing Shop the average cost would be at least $2,000 which would include a scotch collar.