Can anybody help me find a...

[Silver Clouds]

...pony-sized hunting breastplate, in black, made from decent (i.e. English or European) leather? Under £100 if possible (I realise it will likely be £80+).

It is for a 14.2hh Connemara; I have a cob-sized Mark Todd breastplate (for a previous horse) but despite adding 8 extra holes it is still far too large. The horse in question takes a cob-size bridle and headcollar, and 5'9" rugs, so I was quite surprised the breastplate was too big.

I prefer brown tack but this is solely for use on fun rides and the saddle I find most comfortable for them is the black one that came with the horse (I use a brown one for competing), and I'm not really keen on buying yet another saddle!

I prefer 'old-fashioned' tack, so no coloured stitching etc if possible. I've had a look online but only found pony-sized ones in cheap leather so far, or the lovely one made by English Bridles at £130 which is a bit more than I'd like to spend. can anyone find what I'm looking for?

 

[SantaVera]

https://www.equus.co.uk/collections...products/shires-salisbury-3-point-breastplate

 

[Silver Clouds]

https://www.equus.co.uk/collections...products/shires-salisbury-3-point-breastplate

Thank you for the link BtoB . As far as I'm aware the Shires leather isn't such good quality (hence the reasonable price) but I might have to look into it as an option. As the horse is a grey and I'm looking at black tack I am very wary of imported leather (from India/China/etc) that may have dye leaching issues

 

[ester]

https://www.fyldesaddleryltd.com/product.php/hunting_breast_plate/?k=:::3826758:0

 

[Silver Clouds]

Thank you Ester that looks ideal; I will contact them to see if they also make them in black (I may be being exceptionally dim today but couldn't see colour options).

 

[ester]

Oh bum maybe not!

 

[Silver Clouds]

I wasn't sure if it was just me being speshul

 

[Sprig]

How about this from Eileen Douglas?
https://www.tackshop.co.uk/shop/for...les-and-breasplates/ascot-5-point-breasplate/

 

[rextherobber]

Thank you for the link BtoB . As far as I'm aware the Shires leather isn't such good quality (hence the reasonable price) but I might have to look into it as an option. As the horse is a grey and I'm looking at black tack I am very wary of imported leather (from India/China/etc) that may have dye leaching issues

I have a couple of Shires bridles, they are fab, lovely soft leather, and look good after 5 years of daily wear, I'd recommend them.

 

[Silver Clouds]

How about this from Eileen Douglas?
https://www.tackshop.co.uk/shop/for...les-and-breasplates/ascot-5-point-breasplate/

I'm not sure I'm that keen on the sheepskin bits (and elastic inserts) as I expect they will look pretty foul by the end of a fun ride with all the mud and sweat I'm beginning to suspect that I'm being too picky, but it's frustrating that if you want cob or full-sized then there are plenty of plain, full-leather, good quality hunting breastplates to choose from, but not in pony size.

Thank you everyone for looking!

 

[Silver Clouds]

I have a couple of Shires bridles, they are fab, lovely soft leather, and look good after 5 years of daily wear, I'd recommend them.

That is really helpful to know, thank you . I'm not a snob about the brand, but as I look after my tack I like it to last for years and I learnt early on that that is only possible if you buy good quality in the first place. I had thought the cost of the Shires tack probably meant that they were using cheaper leather, but maybe they are just able to buy it for less as they produce in bulk.

 

[rextherobber]

That is really helpful to know, thank you . I'm not a snob about the brand, but as I look after my tack I like it to last for years and I learnt early on that that is only possible if you buy good quality in the first place. I had thought the cost of the Shires tack probably meant that they were using cheaper leather, but maybe they are just able to buy it for less as they produce in bulk.

I got mine as they were well recommended on the Forum - have same bridle in black and in brown to match dressage and GP saddles!

 

[sport horse]

Townfields Saddlers have several - Shires yes but maybe others. They generally only stock decent leather.

 

[Ellietotz]

I have an elastic Horseware "V Check" pony breastplate for sale for £25 if you are interested!

ETA: It is plain black, none of the white or red stripes like they all seem to have!

 

[Velcrobum]

I have some Shires tack which I have had for years. Always been good quality. Used mine eventing and have never had dye run issues or breakages.