Advise fitting 5point breastplate please *pictures*

[Kallibear]

Toby has a shiney new 5point breastplate but I'm not entirely sure how it should be adjusted?

he has a fairly low set neck and when he puts his head down the breastplate really digs into his neck. The elastic is a set length and can't be made longer to prevent it.

The sheepskin pivot bit can be slide up or down a bit like thus:

But whereever I sit it it still does this:

Note the far-too-long girth - that's it at it's shortest

Suggestions or advise on fitting them please!

 

[sillygillyhorse]

Is that as short as it will go between his legs? If so I am sorry but I think it is too big as the whole thing should be a snug fit.

 

[monkeybum13]

The bit between his legs needs to be alot shorter.
It doesn't seem to "sit" right if that makes any sense?? It doesn't look the same shape as on other horses.
I hope this makes the slightest bit of sense.

 

[ester]

I dont think its going to fit, I think its v hard to get breastplates to fit chunky welsh shoulders....... one like this on my boy http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/prodshow.asp?id=2313&cat=2&scats=49,100

but only for XC and its def not an ideal fit, I wouldnt use if every day

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Why not just use a standard breastplate???? I dont see the need for these 5 point ones if your saddle fits fine.

Not saying the saddle in the pic doesnt I wouldnt know but I do think that they are a bit of a fad.

i use a standard breastplate if XC or JX or at a common ride but its more for stability than anyt thing else

nikki xxx

 

[lilym]

I'd take it back and get a traditional BP TBH. These 5 point things seem to fit sleek TB types very well but rarely fit cobs properly due to the points shown in the pics.

 

[VictoriaEDT]

I have had to have a 5 point made specifically for my cob in my sig and i only have one because he has a loaded shoulder andit stops his m2m saddle from slipping back (yes i know its m2m and should fit, it does and I have a v reputable saddler but the previous saddle didnt fit and as such his is "work in progress" to get his withers back to the shape they should be!)

TBH i wouldnt have a 5 point otherwise unless it is for the reason above or you were competing XC or hunting fast. A standard BP usually would suffice!

 

[Tinker_Belle]

What has been said above. In my limited experience of 5 points, it does not look like it will fit in a month of Sundays going by the pics above. It just looks wrong no matter how it is adjusted.

 

[foraday]

Like everyone says-it doesn't fit!

My 5 point for my giant irish boy fits snug as that's his type-big and sleek.

It looks like you need to have one made to measure really

 

[Kallibear]

*wails and stamps feet* But I want it to fit!!!!

He needs a breastplate to keep the girth forwards mostly. He has a flybite scarred lump just behind the girth and unfortunatly it wants to sit just a little too far back.

He also has a very short back and the saddle needs to stay forwards (though it slipping back isn't a huge problem, as it fits well), esp when we're messing about scrambling up steep slopes etc.

Lastly it helps a little with it slipping sideways - it's pretty stable for most things but he's very sharp and his well-practised 'shooting backwards then spinning round' manouver is not condusive to keeping the saddle in the middle

He already has a normal hunter breastplate but it too digs into his neck when he puts his head down. Hence buying the 5-point, in the hope it would fit better

Doe anyone have pictures of a well fitted 5-point ?- I have a Friendly Saddler who could easily do some adjusting. The elastic would be easy enough to replace with longer and the girth strap (which is as short as it goes in the picture) just needs an extra hole punched in much higher up and the end chopped off. Taking it back's not possible as it's now faintly grubby.........