Breast girth or breast plate?

[Joanna710]

Ok chaps, I'm venturing in to pick some brains.

From the start of his ridden career I have used a breast girth on my horse (a little Friesian) to stop his saddle from slipping back. It was suggested by my saddler at the time she first fitted the saddle and I have never questioned it's use. Earlier this week I let a friend and very good rider try my horse, which was great as I very rarely get to see him with someone else on board.

As he is still learning, my primary aim with him is to get him stretching forward and down (not something that comes naturally to his breed), and bending nicely around my leg. One thing I noticed when my friend was riding was that each time he attempted to stretch forwards and down, the breast girth was really digging into his neck. I'm wondering if this is maybe something that is preventing him from wanting to stretch... Does anyone agree with this theory?

Having seen this happen, I have been trying to figure out the best plan of action for him. Obviously my first plan is to take off the breast girth and see how the saddle sits without it, however if this does not work what other routes could I try? I'm considering trying a hunting breastplate (without the martingale attachment) but am worried that this will restrict his shoulder movement. Any suggestions would be peachy

 

[ArtyLinz]

Generally I would avoid a Breast girth if the horse had a low set neck, as it can interfere with the wind pipe. Otherwise the do pretty much the same job, just attach to the saddle at different points.

Try without as he may have filled out a bit since the saddle was fitted, or if you find you need the support - you could try a breast plate, which shouldn't interfere with the shoulder when correctly fitted

 

[Joanna710]

Generally I would avoid a Breast girth if the horse had a low set neck, as it can interfere with the wind pipe. Otherwise the do pretty much the same job, just attach to the saddle at different points.

Try without as he may have filled out a bit since the saddle was fitted, or if you find you need the support - you could try a breast plate, which shouldn't interfere with the shoulder when correctly fitted

Ta for your reply artylinz I did think that but now feel guilty for not noticing it sooner! I get lessons weekly and my RI has never mentioned it before so I hadn't picked up on it 'til now. Haven't ridden with a saddle since I noticed so will try without the breast girth tomorrow and let you know how we get on. If I did need a breast plate how should it be fitted exactly? I'm paranoid about fitting it wrong, even though I have used martingales/ breastplates many times before on other horses! x