Weaver
Miracle Collar
Horsewear
Manufacturer: Weaver
Model: Miracle Collar
Category: Horsewear
Purchase: I acquired this used miracle collar with the purchase of my otttb cribber approximately 2 years ago. Don't know how old it is but they retail at around 45 dollars.
Likes: It cleans up beautifully with leather cleaner and conditioner. He now only wears it while in the stall as he doesn't tend to crib while turned out from 7am-7pm. He used to wear it 24/7 as he tended to crib more often in the past (despite being turned out 24/7). I have secured all water and feed buckets at ground level in his stall. The most likely time for him to want to crib is after treats or meals. Interestingly, if I offer him a treat with the collar off, he immediately tries to crib. If I apply the collar before the treat he doesn't even try to crib. He lets me apply it without resistance yet seems to understand that it will take the fun out of cribbing. He doesn't even try much anymore. Some nights I leave it off. He used to need to wear it at all times except while longing, riding or grazing in hand. I find it easiest to apply it while he is in the grazing position (eating hay or grain). However, it would be easy to apply it too tightly in this anatomic position so be sure to evaluate which hole the straps need to be secured prior to leaving the horse unattended. Do this by offering a treat and letting him try to crib, then adjust the front strap one hole at a time until his attempted cribbing fails. Do not tighten the back strap too tightly. This is where people get their horses in potential trouble. If others (barn workers) will be applying the collar please color code the holes with paint so they don't put your horse at risk. You should in-service anyone who will be using the collar.
Dislikes: The miracle collar is a wonderful device if applied correctly. Since I acquired it used with my horse purchase I did not receive application instruction with it. When applied incorrectly, It can end up with both straps in front of the ears by morning. I also know of one owner who claimed that she had to strap it on so tightly to prevent cribbing that her horse actually collapsed in front of her. She also did not read the instructions. Luckily she initially monitored her horse after applying and promptly removed it. The collar should have stamped instructions on the underside to prevent these mishaps. The strap behind the ears must not be tight. Please go to the website for instruction before use. I have seen many owners apply them incorrectly. Rubs may occur and fleece sheaths may be purchased. They must be kept clean. Sheepskin sheaths would be preferable and could be easily custom made.
When rubs did occur, I purchased a grazing muzzle and used it in lieu of the collar until they resolved (a few days). Please do not longe or ride your horse with the miracle collar on.
Quality: The miracle collar is constructed of heavy yet stretchable leather. It is designed in such a manner that it just sits there (passively) until the horse arches his neck to crib. As an airway expert (I am a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who provides anesthesia care/airway management to humans), I can appreciate the design safety of this device when applied correctly. There are 2 colors available: russett and dark. The dark one looks good on my dark bay as it blends in with his coat.
Summary: The Miracle Collar is truly a miracle when used appropriately. I would never even consider using other devices such as a french cribbing strap or nut cracker as I believe that they are designed in such a fashion that they could lead to asphyxiation.
Rating: 5
Author: horse lover
Date: 2007-11-02
Usefulness Rating: 4.2 out of 5.
5 reader(s) voted.
Other Reviews You May Find Interesting
Mattes Fleece Half Pad Horsewear
Weaver Equiskins Full Body Slinky Horsewear
Weatherbeeta Orican Freestyle Lightweight Horsewear
Tough 1 600 D Turnout Blanket Horsewear
Brookside (Kensington) Midweight Turnout Blanket Horsewear
Turtleneck - Paint Rock Designs Frost Turtle - Blanket Horsewear
Schneider's Adjustafit Sheets Horsewear
McAlister 200D Stable Blanket Horsewear
McAlister 600D Mediumweight Turnout Blanket Horsewear
Equine Couture Newport Turnout Mediumweight Horsewear
Schneider's Viking 2 Turnout Horsewear
Weatherbeeta Kool Coat Fly Sheet Horsewear
Ozark Leather Heavyweight Turnout Blanket (1680 D) Horsewear
Saxon 1200 Denier Medium Weight Turnout Blanket Horsewear
Tough 1 600D Turnout Blanket Horsewear
Equine Couture Royal Caliber Medium Weight Turnout blanket Horsewear
Dover Rider's International Turnout Blanket Horsewear
Paint Rock Ice Turtle Heavyweight Turnout Horsewear
Smartpak Fleece Sheet Horsewear
Jacks European Fleece Quarter/Exercise Sheet Horsewear
