Idiot's guide to breastplates

[Jingleballs]

I am rather clueless when it comes to the more complicated pieces of tack - my pony goes in a plain cavesson noseband, a snaffle bit and a that's it.

I do however use an over girth for XC just for that extra security. I do however really struggle with it if I'm on my own - pony likes to puff out his tummy so I have to tighten it when I'm on him or warm up and hop off again and it's a bit of a faff. I also have cobbled together a neck strap using a flash and and a spare stirrup.

I was wondering if a breastplate might make my life easier as some also have a neck strap and it would make it much easier to tack up? Or perhaps a breast girth would be best as I really only need something to secure the saddle and give me something to hang on to (I've never needed my neck strap but I like to know its there!)

I'd be grateful if anyone could shed suggest which of these would be best and what is a good make to consider - not looking to spend a fortune as we only do a few XC's a year.

 

[horse*21]

Hi,

I have a simple hunting breast plate and use the straps as a grab strap if I need to. May be less of a faf for you I never use an over girth but maybe that's a bit silly of me.

 

[NeverSayNever]

i have 2 different types..

one like this, although i think mine is an amigo one
http://www.barnstormers.co.uk/acatalog/SHIRES_ELASTIC_BREASTGIRTH.html
i like it and remember when i got it i was worried it would rub but it doesnt. It was Blues and i got it as i worried the Vcheck type i had that clip to the D rings on the saddle was pulling it down at the front - which is the other type i have...

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Mark_Todd_V_Check_Breastplate-(1849).aspx

again i have a different make that i think i got on ebay but its the same as above. I like the fact the martingale clips on and off as i dont always use one. Also be careful if you order one like this that it has the strap over the withers as some dont and i made that mistake and had to send it back as i like the wither strap for grabbing!

for eg: http://www.equiporium.co.uk/amerigo-v-check-breastplate/prod_130.html


i now use the type that clips to the D rings with Joy and it doesnt affect the saddle at all, i find it less faff to put on as it just clips but each to their own
Hope that helps.