Which breastplate, if any?

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Hello, my 15 year old daughter (5'8 and riding all her life) has taken on my 16'3 7 yr old ID to start his education in XC and SJ training/clinics/comps. She thinks he will need a breastplate and I'm of a mind less is more (he's in a snaffle with only a martingale as he can throw his head up), however, for safety, I'm not sure if we should have a breastplate and if so, which one? Thank you for your advice
 
I always have mine in a breastplate for jumping or fast work. You will notice that almost every event rider will use them as well. Even though I know my saddle fits correctly, I still think it helps when the horses are moving a lot when galloping and jumping. I used to have a 5 point breast plate but soon decided it was too much bulk, so now I have an elasticated showjumping one instead that I use for everything.
http://www.manesupplies.co.uk/produ...um=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=906049897 - This is very similar to the one I have.
 
A breastplate won't interfere with him in anyway so it's not like a "gadget" as such imo. I like to ride with one so I have an extra strap to grab if need be. Bought a tekna one (got it for £18 on equestrian clearance) it has removable martingale bits so something like that might be suitable for you if you occasionally need the martingale.
 
Here sells all the types apart from the non-elastic breast girth so worth a look
http://www.olddairysaddlery.co.uk/breastplatesbreast_girths.php

I don’t event but show jump and always wore one just in case. I used a version of the 5 point but without the top straps as I felt it looked a bit restrictive. My choice would be the breast girth with a normal martingale over the top, I think that gives the best freedom of movement plus an extra grab handle when used along with the martingale. If you don’t want the extra leather then a 5 point or one like the one I had. I'm not keen on the hunting ones as think you could potentially have it pull the front of the saddle down into the withers, probably doesn’t happen thou.
 
I think for jumping they are sensible, even if the saddle fits well - if you are in a situation that your weight is thrown to the side I like to think that a breastplate will prevent a full on saddle slip :)
 
I ike the elastic breast girth style, as the hunting ones tend to pull down on his withers, no matter how big they are, and how carefully I adjust them. Mine is the simplest type possible, doesn't even have a strap that goes over the top, but it stops his saddle slipping back without restricting him. Have tried loads of different saddles to resolve the slipping back issue, but he only likes the one that slips...contrary old git!
1422355_10152622070155730_5757632205270377680_n.jpg
 
Thanks, definitely decided not to pursue the hunting one. I'm keen on the elastic version to give as much freedom of movement; also will consider the 5-point. My boy has a big chests (ID) and powerful shoulders so don't want to restrict him.. Vam, thanks for the link, am looking at them now. :-)
 
Just to be different I love my hunting breastplate! It's an Albion and is very smart. A lot of high profile eventers use them so they can't be all bad ;)
 
wills_91 said:
A breastplate won't interfere with him in anyway
Click to expand...

Yes they can.

I used one on my ID and it meant the saddle wasn't allowing his shoulders the freedom they needed. I had it on pretty loose yet it still was interfering. I agree that they have a use for safety in fast jumping work - but maybe have a chat with your saddler when they are next out to make sure its not causing the saddle to restrict the shoulders. Or try the elasticated ones like others have suggested :)
 
I feel a hunting breastplate gives you more lateral stability and racing forwards and back, but that's my own theory. That said Ive just got a hunting one for my cob as his saddle slips back for fast jumping now (fit is fine!). I'm not a fan on elastic as it can pull the hair and to my driving mind a 5 point is a bonkers design if you want it to do much :p
 
I prefer a standard hunter breastplate, just prefer the look of them to all the new types. Keeps the saddle steady, gives an emergency handle and can attach a martingale if necessary :)
 
I have and use both a leather hunter (3 point) and 5 point breastplate. I use the 3 point when I'm jump schooling at home, doing fast work hacking, or sometimes autumn hunting, and the 5 point for proper hunting, XC, competing in SJ, eventing etc. I find both very good, they don't restrict her shoulder at all, an keep my saddle secure.
 
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