Which will be better..a martingale or breastplate?

[Trekker]

Hi, Im hoping to do some endurance/ charity rides this winter and I wanted to have like a grab strap for when I go for a canter/gallop, just incase I become unbalanced. Which would be best a martingale or breastplate?

 

[canteron]

Brestplate everytime. Martingales can dissapear if the horse does puts its head down (for whatever reason) whereas Brestplate is just in the same place you left it.

Speak from bitter experience!!

 

[dominobrown]

yeh breastplate is better, as it is also a safety feature
canteron- valid point! been there too

Get a breastplate with detachable martingale straps, so if your horse doesn't need to the martingale, or you are doing dressage you can take them off

 

[Rose Folly]

I use a breastplate with running martingale attachment (what's the proper name??) so I have the best of both worlds, and I've used it for both hunting and LDR. Adds a bit of braking, keeps the saddle in place so you can ride with slightly looser girths, and you've got a neck strap.

 

[Trekker]

Thanx guys..which breastplate do you all have..I think you can different kinds..hunter breastplate, 5 point breastplate etc.

 

[CrazyMare]

I have a 5 point - keeps the saddle most secure, a hunting breastplate - usefully placed grab strap that stops the saddle slipping back, and an elasticated breastgirth - useful grab strap, but no option of adding a martingale.

 

[JFTDWS]

I have a JW 5 point on for anything other than flat work - all jumping, hacking, xc etc. I was riding tonight in a 5 point and a separate standing martingale which was just too confusing - straps everywhere

 

[Jesstickle]

I have a hunter one. Cheaper than a 5 point and just as good for something to hang on to as it's well anchored near the bit you want to grab.It's only a cheapy one though. I actually use a nice elasticated V- check for shows which doesn't have a neck strap. Dunno why I thought that was a good idea

 

[Mince Pie]

Breastplate everytime! I have a hunter one and one of these:

not sure what type that is though!

 

[melxvengeance]

another vote for a 5 point. i have a fjord who is quite round so saddle slips easily when doing anything other than walking, 5 point keeps it secure and makes me feel nice and safe in the saddle!

 

[elliegirl12]

I also have a 5 point love it i think martingales are useless and just flop about but my 5point stays nicely in place, there are some though depending on your horse they dont fit wider/cobby types very well