An Introduction to Breastplates and Breastgirths
Breastplates and breastgirths are integral elements of horse-riding equipment designed to bear the vital responsibility of keeping the saddle steady in its place. Whether it’s a chilled-out horse ride at the ranch or a high-strung, adrenaline-filled race, these essential gear elements ensure safety by averting the risk of saddle displacement.
Their need becomes even more critical for certain types of horses whose morphological traits provide a tricky foundation for saddles. One such type includes the ‘herring gutted’ horses, notable for their narrow bodies. Additionally, even well-trained and fit horses engaged in strenuous activities—like racing or cross-country competition—may need a sturdy saddle grip provided by breastplates or breastgirths.
Breastplates and breastgirths act as trustworthy safeguards, preventing potential slips that could turn into disasters. Horses whose anatomy lends itself to causing saddles to slide back should invariably be outfitted with either a breastplate or a breastgirth.
Distinguishing Between Breastplates and Breastgirths
Though breastplates and breastgirths share the common mission of saddle stability, they introduce individuality to this role in their unique appearances and fits. Distinguishing between the two becomes easier once you understand their characteristic differences. Let’s delve deeper into these to develop a clearer understanding of these vital horse-riding equipment.
Delving into the Basics of a Breastgirth
A breastgirth, sometimes referred to as an Aintree breastgirth, is a relatively simpler piece of equestrian equipment. It’s structured from basic elements and devoid of any intricate makeup. The leading component of a breastgirth is a girth of webbing; material options include elastic or leather.
This girth encircles the frontal side of the horse’s chest, typically just above the shoulder points. Protection against chafing is a critical aspect considered in breastgirth design, hence, a lining of either sheepskin or a soft leather accompanies the girth. This thoughtful design detail ensures that the horse’s chest remains free from any discomfort or skin irritation.
Assembling the Breastgirth
The breastgirth is maintained in position with the collaborative effort of an adjustable leather strap and a pair of leather loops. The strap is placed just in front of the horse’s withers, while the buckled loops are sewn onto each end of the girth. These loops then fit onto the saddle girth, providing the necessary support and stability.
Meanwhile, the Polo pattern breastgirth showcases a centre slot or loop on the inside to accommodate a standing martingale. This variety imparts a unique feature to a standard breastgirth, providing another option for rider preferences.
Understanding the Elastic Breastgirth
A variant of the conventional design is the elastic breastgirth. It has a noteworthy specialty – it permits some give when the horse is at its maximum stretch. This feature helps provide a comfortable experience for the horse, allowing for expansion and contraction of the horse’s chest during intense activities.
Similar to the webbing models, elastic breastgirths are generally available in a breadth of colours. This ensures a nice aesthetic touch, alongside serving their primary functional purpose.
Unpacking the Structure of a Breastplate
Transitioning from breastgirths, we delve into an insight into breastplates, another vital component in horse-riding gear that revolves more around leather crafting compared to its counterpart. The breadth and weight of the leather used to make a breastplate depend heavily on its intended utility.
Tailoring Leather for Varied Purposes
Breastplates designed for hunting instances require a robust, hard-wearing composition. Accordingly, these are created using a heavier, broader strip of leather. On the other end of the spectrum, breastplates for flat racing are fashioned to be narrow and lightweight. These contrasting designs reflect the varied demands of different equestrian activities.
Understanding the Configuration of a Breastplate
Unlike a breastgirth, a breastplate does not envelop the horse’s chest. It originates from the saddle girth, passed through between the horse’s front legs. From there, it branches upwards, contouring around the horse’s neck in a V-shaped form. This configuration gets further stabilized by additional straps and buckles that segue from the V-section to the D-rings on the front sides of the saddle.
The breast ring, a pivotal part of the breastplate, requires careful fitting with a leather safeguard. This precautionary measure ensures that the ring doesn’t inadvertently harm the horse by digging into its chest.
Dynamics of a Breastplate in Jumping
Breastplates come with a caveat, especially in a jumping scenario. They may become uncomfortably tight around the forelegs and potentially compromise the horse’s range of motion. However, they bear a distinct upside too—the possibility of fitting a running or standing martingale attachment to the breast ring.
This feature eliminates the need for a full martingale and breastgirth combination, reducing the complexity of the horse’s gear. It should be noted, though, that these types of martingale attachments aren’t recommended for steeplechasing due to the potential for rein pressure to restrict the horse’s free movement and potentially cause a fall.
The Hunting Pattern Leather Breastplate
We now venture into the realm of the hunting pattern leather breastplate, which presents unique features tailored to the specific needs of hunting scenarios. The design nuances of this variety substantially contribute to the safety and functionality factors in horse-riding.
Shifting Strap Positions for Improved Safety
On a hunting pattern leather breastplate, the strap and buckle attachments can be relocated from the D-rings to higher points on the saddle, situated beneath the skirts. This alternative placement is often considered a safer option, providing a more secure link between the rider and horse.
Incorporating Martingale Splits
Another vital aspect of the hunting pattern leather breastplate is its ability to take on martingale splits using the breast ring. The breastplate can be effectively transformed into a running or standing martingale with this addition. The martingale splits offer enhanced control over the horse’s head carriage, further elevating the practicality and adaptability of the hunting pattern leather breastplate in various equestrian activities.
Frequently Asked Questions on Breastplates and Breastgirths
Q: What is the purpose of a breastplate in horse riding?
A: A breastplate is used to help keep the saddle in place, preventing it from slipping back when the horse is galloping, jumping, or climbing uphill. Breastplates are particularly important in activities like hunting, cross-country or show jumping where there’s a lot of varied movement.
Q: How should a breastplate fit on a horse?
A: A well-fitted breastplate should sit comfortably against the horse’s chest without restricting its movement. It should be snug, but not too tight. The attachments to the saddle should allow for easy adjustment, so the fit can be customized according to the horse’s size and comfort.
Q: What is the role of a breastgirth in horse riding?
A: A breastgirth, like a breastplate, helps to keep the saddle from moving too much. However, unlike breastplates, breastgirths go around the horse’s chest, securing at the front. They’re often used in polo games and flat racing due to their simple design and minimalistic interference with the horse’s movement.
Q: How should a breastgirth fit on a horse?
A: A breastgirth should fit securely around the horse’s chest, just above the shoulder points, without being overly tight. The horse must move freely without any discomfort. Most breastgirths come with adjustable straps for easy fitting.
Q: Is a breastplate or breastgirth necessary for all types of horse riding?
A: No, not all types of horse riding require the use of a breastplate or breastgirth. They are mainly used in sports like hunting, cross-country, polo, or racing where the saddles are at a higher risk of shifting due to the horse’s vigorous movements.
Q: Can the use of a hunting pattern leather breastplate be extended to other horse riding activities?
A: Yes. While it is specifically designed for hunting, the hunting pattern leather breastplate can be used in other horse riding activities where it’s crucial to keep the saddle from slipping.
Q: How are breastplates and breastgirths maintained?
A: Both breastplates and breastgirths, when made of leather, should be regularly cleaned with saddle soap and conditioned to keep the leather supple and prolong its lifespan. If made from synthetic materials, they can be cleaned with warm soapy water.
Q: Is it necessary to have padding in a breastplate or breastgirth?
A: While not mandatory, padding (using materials such as sheepskin or soft leather) is often recommended as it provides extra comfort to the horse and prevents chafing or rubbing against the horse’s skin.
Q: Are there any safety concerns associated with the use of breastplates or breastgirths?
A: If improperly fitted, breastplates and breastgirths can restrict the horse’s movement and potentially cause discomfort or even injuries. Hence, it is critical to ensure a perfect fit and regular checks.
Q: What are martingales, and how do they relate to breastplates and breastgirths?
A: Martingales are straps that control a horse’s head carriage, often used in conjunction with breastplates. They can either be attached to the reins (running martingale) or the noseband (standing martingale). The running or standing martingale attachments can be attached to the breast ring on the breastplate.
