The breastplate is designed to ensure that the saddle does not slide back and it remains in position tucked in nicely behind the shoulder. The principle is simple - a neck strap or yoke which has two points of attachment across the top of each shoulder and onto the front of the saddle. A central piece then attaches at the front of the yoke and runs down between the two front legs, attaching to the girth.

Breastplates come in many different styles and materials based around this simple design. Because the security of the saddle is more likely to be compromised during faster work, for example galloping and jumping, breastplates are more commonly seen in Eventing and Racing and, to some extent, show jumping.

Mostly breastplates are made of leather, but some do have elastic inserts to allow freedom of movement when galloping, whilst still keeping the saddle securely in place. Other designs are cushioned with fabric and have sheepskin around potential pressure points, all to maximise comfort and prevent rubbing.

For additional security, some breastplates have a greater number of attachment points. Whereas a standard design has three attachment points, there are also five-point breastplates. Some also have fittings for a martingale attachment if your horse requires both; essentially the yoke of the breastplate becomes the neck piece of the martingale to which is secured two additional pieces of leather through which the reins pass.

In Western riding, the majority of stock horses wear breastplates due to the nature of their job. These breastplates tend to be of thicker, wider leather than the English versions. There is also a very basic breastplate, which is more like a collar and simply attaches to the saddle with no additional piece running between the horse’s front legs. This is sometimes called a breast collar and is popular in Horse Racing.

Breastplates

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Breastplates