Shop Breastplates & Martingales
We have a nice selection of top quality breastplates and martingales. Be sure to also check out our bridles, halters & lead ropes and stirrups & girths. You might also be interested in our bit range.
When riding horses, breastplates and martingales are helpful pieces of tack that keep the saddle stable and give the rider more control. But choosing the right one can be confusing. We'll look at the types of breastplates and martingales, their uses, and how to pick the best one for your horse
Types of Horse Breastplate
Breastplates come in different styles, each serving a unique purpose:
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Three-Point Breastplate: This type is simple, attaching to three points to help keep the saddle in place. It’s great for jumping or fast movements, as it keeps the saddle from slipping without adding too much bulk.
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Five-Point Breastplate: This has extra straps and points of attachment to provide more stability. This is ideal for jumping events or cross-country riding when you need extra security.
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Elastic Breastplates: These breastplates have elastic inserts, which allow for better shoulder movement. They are best if you want your horse to have more freedom.
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Hunting Pattern Leather Breastplate: This one is used for hunting and cross-country. It is strong, with extra leather straps for added safety.
How to Correctly Fit a Breastplate
A breastplate should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit your fist between the chest strap and the horse. If it is too loose, it is possible the horse could get its leg caught, whichhas happened, and obiopusly will result in a dangerous situation.
Two Most Common Types of Martingales
Martingales are used to help with control. The two most common types are standing martingale and running martingales:
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Standing Martingale: This type attaches to the girth and the noseband. It keeps the horse from raising its head too high by attaching around the horse's neck with a neck strap. It’s good for horses that tend to throw their heads.
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Running Martingale: This martingale is more flexible. When correctly fitted, it attaches to the reins and puts downward pressure on the horse’s mouth when the horse raises its head too much. This pressure encourages the horse to lower its head, giving the rider better control. The martingale rings play an important role in this process. It’s often used in jumping and cross-country events.
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Irish Martingale: This one is less common and helps prevent the reins from getting tangled. It’s more for safety than control.
For more information on different types of martingales, you can browse the collection of martingales and straps.
How to Choose the Right Tack
Choosing the right breastplate or martingale depends on a few factors:
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Riding Discipline: If you are doing jumping or cross-country, a five-point breastplate or a running martingale will provide the stability you need. If you are doing casual riding, a simple three-point breastplate will do.
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Horse's Behavior: If your horse often throws its head, consider a standing martingale. If your horse needs more flexibility, a running martingale might be better.
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Safety and Comfort: Always make sure the tack fits well. Ill-fitting tack can cause discomfort or even injury. Elastic breastplates are a good choice for horses that need more shoulder movement.
Benefits and Safety Tips
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Control and Stability: Breastplates help prevent the saddle from slipping, especially during fast movements. Martingales help control the horse’s head carriage by exerting downward pressure on the reins. This pressure encourages the horse to lower its head, giving the rider better control. For jumping, a running martingale helps keep control.
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Fit Matters: The breastplate should be snug but not too tight. The martingale should not pull down on the reins unless the horse’s head is too high. Using rein stops can help prevent the rings from getting caught.
Real-Life Examples
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Five-Point Breastplate for Jumping: Many riders use a five-point breastplate when jumping because it provides the best stability. It has been shown that horses jumping with a properly fitted five-point breastplate tend to have fewer issues with saddle slippage.
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Elastic Breastplate for Freedom: An elastic breastplate is often chosen when a horse needs more shoulder movement. This is great for horses that do cross-country or long rides, as it does not restrict their natural movement.
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Running Martingale for Head Control: For horses that tend to throw their heads, a correctly fitted running martingale is often used. It helps keep the head down without being as restrictive as a standing martingale. This assists the rider in maintaining control over the horse, preventing it from raising its head too high.
Using the right breastplate or martingale can make a big difference in your riding experience. Breastplates keep the saddle secure, while martingales help control the horse’s head. Always consider what type of riding you are doing and what your horse needs before choosing your tack. Make sure everything is fitted correctly for the comfort and safety of your horse.
For additional tack that helps with stability and control, consider exploring stirrups and leathers to complement your breastplate or martingale.=
Popular Questions
Below you can see some of the popular questions we get asked about our breastplates and martingales selection.
Do You Sell Showjumping Breastplates?
Yes. In fact our most popular sellers in the collection are breastplates and martingales for show jumping.
What Brands Do You Sell?
Some of the more popular brands include Dy'On, Lemieux, ad Kentucky breastplates. Equipe is also another great brand we sell.
Do You Sell Western Breastplates?
Yes. In face we have a dedicated western breastplate page.
