As equestrians, we know that horses and horse stuff are very expensive. So it’s important to consider the pros and cons, and ask ourselves if this is necessary before we purchase it. So when I sat down to consider if I needed to purchase a new breast collar for my horse Max, I did just that.
While you stroll through a museum or flip through a historic picture book, have you never noticed that the horses are wearing breast collars? Breast collars, predating the use of stirrups by thousands of years, have been seen on ancient Assyrian, Greek, Egyptian, and Roman sculptures. Breast collars were used by ancient riders to keep the saddle from slipping back. After the advancement of the cinch and saddle, breast collars faded into the background. Yet in the 1900’s contest roping became popular and so did breast collars. Contest ropers soon found that the three leather straps came in very handy when bursting off after a steer. That brings us to today.
Breast collars, or sometimes called breastplates, can be purchased online or at any tack store. They came in many sizes and colors making them very appealing for looks. *I must say, they look very good on horses!* The breast collar is basically three strips of leather that connect to the girth and D rings of the saddle, making a “Y” across the horse’s chest. This allows your horse to breathe freely and for the rider to have maximum stability.
Why use a breast collar?
Used by both Western and English riders, the breast collar’s main purpose is to keep the saddle secure. This can be really important for a wide variety of disciplines. Roping and barrel racing involve fast and tight turns, making the breast collar almost a necessity. When riding a horse through hilly, steep terrain, like in extreme trail riding, a breast collar can be the difference from staying on and tumbling backwards off your horse, saddle and all. Fox hunting horses and even some race horses use a breast collar.
Many people use the breast collar because of the security it provides. A breast collar can also be helpful if your horse’s girth broke during a ride. It would keep the saddle on long enough for the rider to slip off. A breast collar also gives an extra security for a beginner rider, or someone who is learning to gallop. If you’re worried about your saddle slipping, you might consider wearing a breast collar, or borrowing someone’s to give it a try.
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It’s important to remember that the breast collar is security insurance, and in most cases, when a properly fit saddle is involved, it is not necessary. Whether you need a breast collar or not is completely dependent on your personal preference. I personally use a breast collar not just because I like the look, but also because I can really see that it helps to keep my saddle secure and up right.
How to fit a breast collar
Whatever your reason for using a breast collar, it’s imperative that it fits correctly. A good fitting breast collar should not hinder your horse’s movement. A too loose breast plate won’t do its job, therefore; getting a good fit that doesn’t restrict movement, yet isn’t too loose is important. The shoulder straps should be slightly above the horse’s shoulder line. If not fitted properly, the breast collar could rub against the horse and cause sores & hair loss. Be sure to check that your breast collar fits properly.
When fitted correctly, breast collars keep your saddle safe and secure. Some disciplines more than others have a necessity for the breast collar. Overall, the breast collar gives a feeling of security that some riders really thrive with. *If you haven’t used a breastplate, maybe you should give it a try! If you use a breast collar, let us know in the comments how that experience has been?*
Tails & trails,
Reese