Confused about breastplate safety

[Bananyman]

I'm considering getting a breastplate to stop my saddle slipping back a bit. I am in the process of getting another saddle but the fitter can't come for a few weeks and I can get one fairly cheaply second hand.

Anyway, there is a lot of emphasis on keeping the breast plate loose enough to not impede the windpipe, having 1 fist of space left, but then how can the breastplate work? Surely if the saddle slips, the breastplate will then lay across the neck and shoulders with no space, restricting the horse?

Am I missing something?

 

[Barton Bounty]

I think it means leave enough space as when you then sit in the saddle it will tighten up more. So therefore a fist worth of space will leave it tight enough.

 

[Glitter's fun]

I'm considering getting a breastplate to stop my saddle slipping back a bit. I am in the process of getting another saddle but the fitter can't come for a few weeks and I can get one fairly cheaply second hand.

Anyway, there is a lot of emphasis on keeping the breast plate loose enough to not impede the windpipe, having 1 fist of space left, but then how can the breastplate work? Surely if the saddle slips, the breastplate will then lay across the neck and shoulders with no space, restricting the horse?

Am I missing something?

Does this help?
How To Put On & Fit a 5 Point Breastplate – Equine Knowledge

 

[ihatework]

Think of it like a seatbelt.
It’s there for emergency use only.
If your saddle continually slips back to the point your breastplate applies excess pressure - the saddle is the issue not the breastplate fitting.

 

[sbloom]

Do you have a choice of girth straps? Your fitter would probably have suggested it if you do, and I would always recommend running this past the fitter who last saw the saddle, but using further back girth straps, if you have anything other than the usual centre three for jumping, or sliding V and point for dressage etc, can help stop a saddle slipping back. So if you have a cob saddle and are using 1 and 3, you could try 1 and 4 as the next step, or even 2 and 4. The most common reason for a saddle slipping back is that it is a little too wide and the rider's weight is on the front, it may be worth trying to rebalance it with shims. Always better to correct an aspect of the fit than trying to "tie" it in place (or grippy pad etc).

 

[Widgeon]

I use a breastgirth on our very steep scrambly hacks - as others have said it acts as a bit of a safety belt up vertical slopes! It's easier to fit and fewer straps than a breastplate, and I don't worry about it getting in the way of his shoulders when it's not "in use" so to speak. That's just my experience though.

Good luck finding a more suitable saddle!

 

[Bananyman]

Do you have a choice of girth straps? Your fitter would probably have suggested it if you do, and I would always recommend running this past the fitter who last saw the saddle, but using further back girth straps, if you have anything other than the usual centre three for jumping, or sliding V and point for dressage etc, can help stop a saddle slipping back. So if you have a cob saddle and are using 1 and 3, you could try 1 and 4 as the next step, or even 2 and 4. The most common reason for a saddle slipping back is that it is a little too wide and the rider's weight is on the front, it may be worth trying to rebalance it with shims. Always better to correct an aspect of the fit than trying to "tie" it in place (or grippy pad etc).

Hmm interesting tip, thank you!

 

[Bananyman]

Think of it like a seatbelt.
It’s there for emergency use only.
If your saddle continually slips back to the point your breastplate applies excess pressure - the saddle is the issue not the breastplate fitting.

That's what I would think, but then by the time your saddle slips back by a fist width your saddle will be definitely too far back, yet I see lots of people routinely using breastplates that are (not tight but) resting directly on the horse's chest.. ?