Breastplates

Horse tack breastplate types

To the novice equestrian, a saddle can be a complex, mysterious piece of equipment. Once you understand the purpose of each part, however, you will see how they all work together to provide you and your horse with the most comfortable riding experience.

One important, yet optional, saddle accessory is the breastplate, used in both Western and English riding.

Breastplates (sometimes called breaststraps or breastcollars) serve one main purpose: to keep the saddle securely on the horse while providing the animal free range of movement. By wrapping around the front of the horse's chest and connecting to the saddle (sometimes in several places), a breastplate prevents the saddle from slipping back.

Purchasing a Breastplate

A very common and functional piece of horse tack, breastplates can be found at almost any equine supply store. Usually made of mostly leather, breastplates can be plain or decorative. Typically, Western-specific pieces are thicker and have more design, sometimes incorporating metal accents.

One must take great care to make sure the breastplate fits the horse properly. With the correct fit, a breastplate will not sit so high that it restricts a horse's throat, nor will it sit so low that it inhibits its legs. It should also fit with some slack because rubbing too hard on the skin will cause a rash or sore.

Equestrian Hunter Breastplates

A hunting breastplate is most common in English riding and typically uses thinner leather than a Western breastplate. A leather ring, called a yoke, is slipped over the horse's neck. Attached to the yoke is a straight strap that connects to the girth of the saddle (underneath the horse, just behind the front legs). Two smaller straps are attached to the sides and connect to rings on either side of the saddle.

Martingales and Breastplates

Martingales can be easily used with a breastplate. A martingale, which is a strap of leather used to control a horse's head movement, connects bridles and breastplates. When a horse raises its head too high, the strap tightens and places pressure on the horse's nose. This is useful in activities like jumping, when the rider's head will be low to the horse's neck and a collision of the two would be injurious.