what do i use neckstrap or handle on saddle?

[katie333]

for a beginner rider or even for the more experianced rider, what would be better to use the neck strap or saddle handle as a balncer aid? The reason being is i'm worried about the horse being pulled to much around the neck, but then again if the saddle handle is used will the rider balance change and too much pressure is put on the cantle area. hmmm oh what to do??? any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[millitiger]

i have both on my 4yro- a neck strap and a balance strap!

that way i can use either depending on what's happening- i like to slip a finger under the balance strap before the first trot or if he gets high jinks on grass but the neck strap is handy in emergencies if i end up a bit further up his neck!

he is 18hh though so my balance strap and neck strap are about a foot apart and there is no way i could hold the neck strap 'just in case' as it is too far forwards.

 

[Jane_Lou]

I have an old hunting breastplate that I have attached a strap accross to the top rings. I use it for babies but is is also great for nervous riders as they can hold it with the reins whilst keeping their hands in a normal position. The big advantage of it over say a stirrup leather round the neck is that if it all goes wrong, it doesn't slip round the neck as it is attached to the girth!

 

[NeedNewHorse]

I use a breastplate or a Rs-tor.
x

 

[ISHmad]

I've used both but prefer the neckstrap for some reason.

 

[Ellies_mum2]

I prefer a neck strap probably because I've never used a balance strap but the idea of grabbing the saddle seems odd to me. If I'm going to grab hold of something it would be a neck strap or a handful of mane

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I also have both! (Well, the neck strap is really a running martingale )

ETA. The balance strap is brilliant when you ride a horse that 'whips around'.

 

[Bowen4Horses]

hunting breastplate... so it doesn't sliiiiiide round the neck if i'm hanging off... also, i find everything else has a bit too much 'movement' in it. i like the security of something that doesn't move. x

 

[Vetwrap]

I was thinking about this, this morning, as I am currently backing my youngster. I think that I'm going to put the grab handle on the saddle as well - as I find myself leaning forward with the neck strap.

TBH, I don't think it's a bad idea to "belt and braces" on the safety front when starting with youngsters

 

[posie_honey]

i prefer a neck strap as they double up as a signal to the horse to stop too

i use one when i hack bareback - so can't use a balance strap then anyway lol! but i use it as HRH has a tendancy to shy violently (like in the comp vid i posted tyesterday of xc when she sees the dog) sop i'd rather hold onto something rather than catch her mouth which would result in a protest buck i'm sure!

 

[Rose Folly]

I use a running martingale x breastplate - gives me something to hold onto as my mare too will occasionally do a huge shy when cantering, but it also helps to hold Madam Porky's saddle in place - she does not have an hour-glass waist and I hate too-tight girths!