Do You use a breastplate for XC?

ShowJumperBeckii

ShowJumperBeckii

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HELLO :D :D

im going ODE and alot of xc schooling and do i need a breast plate? or not
i was thinking i should what you think?
Also how do i slow down my horse went she bolts at xc shes in a snaffle? lol
half holtinng makes no differnces lol

thanks
 
TBH I wouldn't contemplate doing a ODE if I didn't know how to stop my horse. I would invest the entry fee in some XC schooling with a good trainer.
 
If you can't stop you'll be hauled in and told off for dangerous riding so it's a bit pointless to even start. Get some training.
 
I wouldn't even think of going XC with a horse that did that! but would also try another bitting arangement as i had to go from half cheak snaffle to a dutch gag on the 2nd loop with my cob X !!
 
i don't use a breastplate at all for any disciplines.... but i know my saddles fit v well so don't budge and also i'm only competing at v low levels....
 
I use a breastplate on my horses xc, it's a little extra safety espescially on a young horse with a big shoulder.

regarding stopping, you really shouldn't be going cross country if you can't control your speed, not just for your own safety, but other too. what would happen if there was a fall on course and you had to stop quickly?
Go xc schooling play around with some stronger bits, my last horse that used to grab the bit and run went well in a copper roller with cheeks but it took a while to find the best combination!
 
I use a breastplate/girth everytime I ride.
I agree with others, in your situation I'd get a few lessons before going xc. The last thing you want is an uncontrable horse approcahing fences which is likley to result in an accident, and scare you both as I guess this is your first time xc going by the tone of your post? (sorry if I'm wrong)
 
an uncontrollable horse around showjumps is one thing, but around fixed fences, is something else. sort out your brakes (with schooling, lessons, bitting, whatever necessary) before trying, please.
btw, i have seen a full rotational fall of horse and rider over an 80cm xc fence. it can happen, unbelievably.
 
I think you need a breastplate if your saddle slips back. If it doesn't, you probably don't. In terms of stopping, can you go XC schooling and jump one jump at a time, then bring her back to walk after each fence? Then she will learn that XC does not mean charging about.
 
I have breatplates with martingale attachments for both my boys for xc, just as a bit of extra security. The youngster has a 5 point as that also gives me a nice handle to grab when he leaps about, don't need that as much on older one as a) he doesn't leap and b) he has a huge mane to hold!
I really really wouldn't try any xc competitions til you can stop though... My older lad is strong.... But I can if necessary stop him in about ten strides.... Imagine if a spectator crossed the track or a dog chased you? It does happen. Perhaps have a xc lesson with a well regarded instructor out xc and discuss bitting? As if she/he is strong xc schooling, the comp atmosphere will only make that worse. You def need to be able to half halt and your horse to listen.
Eta I probably don't 'need' a breastplate but as my saddles and breastplates all fit and don't impare my horses' movement I use them anyway. Extra security never a bad idea. But please pleas worry about brakes first.
 
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Always wear a breastplate, but I think I would addressing your bitting/controlling issues before I was heading out on to the xc.
Strong and keen is one thing, bolting is quite something else.
 
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