For a lot of riders, a breastplate or a breast girth is an essential item of tack for their horse to wear. A correctly fitting breastplate does several jobs. Firstly, it helps to hold a saddle securely in place and stop it from slipping backwards. Secondly, it can used as a neck strap — something to grab should you become unbalanced or feel nervous in the saddle rather than risking a pull on the reins and yanking your horse in their mouth.
A breastplate is especially popular for eventing and showjumping, where there is a greater risk of a saddle slipping and sliding as horses gallop and jump up and downhill, as well as on the flat. Most horses in the hunting field wear a breastplate too, again for extra security when crossing tricky terrain and gradients (often at speed) that could cause a saddle to slip.
Traditionally, breastplates were made entirely from leather, but now other materials, such as elastic, are often used. Most designs can double up as a martingale too, with a removable attachment added to the ring at the centre of the horse’s chest and running up to the reins.
Types of breastplates for horses
There are several different styles of breastplates to choose from, including:
Three-point breastplate (hunting breastplate)
This horse wears a three-point breastplate with a running martingale attachment
Also known as a hunting breastplate, a three-point breastplate is usually made from leather, but can have an elastic neck strap. As the name suggests, this style of breastplate attaches to the saddle in three places:
- Two adjustable straps on either side of the withers attach to the D-rings on the pommel.
- A wider strap passes through the horse’s front legs and has a loop at the end for the girth to be pulled through.
Elastic Y-fit breastplate
An elastic Y-fit breastplate is shown
An elastic Y-fit breastplate is a modern version of the hunting breastplate, with the straps made of elastic rather than leather. This is to allow for greater freedom in the horse’s shoulders.
Similar to the traditional three-point breastplate, an elastic Y-fit avoids putting pressure on the horse’s windpipe due to its ‘Y’ shape at the front (pictured right. It secures to the saddle at the D-rings and the front strap goes between the front legs and attaches to the girth.
When correctly fitted, you should be able to slip your fist under the ring at the centre of the chest.
Five-point breastplate
This horse wears a five-point breastplate
A five-point breastplate takes into account your horse’s windpipe and shoulder movement. It has more moving parts that move with your horse and attaches to the saddle in five places:
- On both sides, there is an adjustable strap to attach to the D-ring.
- Below that, another adjustable strap attaches to the first girth strap or to the girth, wherever it is in a straight line. This is affected by the size of your horse.
- A fifth strap runs from the ring at the centre of the chest between the horse’s front legs and attaches to the girth.
The straps on a five-point breastplate tend to be elastic for better flexibility and the rings are cushioned with sheepskin at potential pressure points, such as the shoulders.
When I was eventing, I used a five-point breastplate with running martingale attachment on my Thoroughbred. I like the extra strap that attaches to the top of the girth; it feels more balanced. It takes a while to clean though — especially after galloping around on muddy ground.
Elastic breast girth
An elastic breast girth is comprised of a simple elastic chest strap and wither strap
An elastic breast girth is a simple piece of tack that you often seen on racehorses. It has a chest strap to stop the saddle from slipping back and a strap over the withers to keep it in place. It fastens to the girth under the saddle flap on either side.
When you are fitting a breast girth, make sure it doesn’t press on the horse’s windpipe or restrict movement at the point of shoulder. It needs to be a close enough fit that it won’t slip down on your horse’s shoulder, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
As a guide, you should be able to slip two or three fingers between the front of the horse’s chest and the strap, and a whole fist between the withers and the top strap.
I have several elastic breast girths in my tack room. They are an effective and easy-to-use piece of kit. I use it on any horse who doesn’t need a martingale (I have a thing about ‘naked’ necks — I like to see a strap in front of me). I’ll use it as a neck strap if I need to as well. I find a five-point breastplate too bulky for daily use. If I’m on a horse who is feeling fresh or may be a tricky ride, I’ll pop a breast girth on under their martingale so that I have something to hold on to if I need it.
Elastic breast collar
An elastic breast collar has no neck strap
This is similar to the breast girth above, but without the strap that goes over the horse’s neck. It’s simply a wide strap made from a heavy elastic that attaches to the D-rings on your saddle. It is designed to allow your horse’s shoulders to move more freely.
When fitting a breast collar, check it doesn’t rest on the windpipe. They are also available in leather with sheepskin lining to protect the horse’s delicate skin. Or you can buy a fleece cover to go on the collar. These are particularly useful for preventing rubs and keeping the collar clean.
How to fit a breastplate on your horse
Just like any other item of tack, a breastplate must be fitted correctly if it is to help, not hinder, a horse. It should be snug enough not to catch a hoof when jumping, but not so tight that it rubs or restricts the equine’s movement. No matter what job the horse is doing, the breastplate should be as comfortable as possible.
Once fastened, the rider should be able to pull the breastplate up by around 3in above the neck, additionally fitting their fist between the chest and centre ring of the yoke comfortably. The strap that fastens to the girth should be slightly slack and again the rider should be able to insert their fist between the strap and the horse. Make sure it isn’t too loose however; don’t risk a horse being able to get a leg through it.
Most breastplates come with a running martingale attachment. This is used to stop the horse raising their head and consequently becoming difficult to control. Some equestrians also believe that a running martingale can help to stabilise the contact down the reins. A running martingale needs to be carefully fitted, however. The reins shouldn’t pull down on the rings that they pass through. Rein stops are also required to prevent the martingale getting caught on the billets or buckles of the reins at the bit.
Shop for a breastplate
Le Mieux Breastplate with D-Ring Attachment
This smart, European leather breastplate with a martingale attachment has an adjustable top piece with a soft leather pad at the wither which attaches to the elasticated neck straps. The padded cushioning behind the connector on the chest adds comfort for the horse.
The running martingale attachment is removable and features handy clips, durable metal fixings and easy-to-use buckle closures. The martingale rings also clip on and off the reins easily without the need to undo them.
Colours: Black/ silver fittings, Havana/ brass fittings
Size: Cob/ full
RRP £99.95 (US$159.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Claridge House Breastplate Stitch
This size-adjustable breastplate has elastic inserts and is made of high-quality, genuine leather. It features decorative stitching in a contrasting colour and removable teddy fleece padded pressure points on the chest and withers.
It has detachable rings on the martingale fork and snap hooks for quick attachment to the saddle. It also features an adjustable and removable running martingale.
Colours: Dark brown, black/ silver
Sizes: Cob, full
RRP £79.90
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
International delivery available
Kate Negus 3 Point Elasticated Breastplate
The Kate Negus 3 Point Elasticated Breastplate has elastic sides to allow the horse greater shoulder movement. The wither strap is made from raised, lined leather that matches Kate Negus bridles, while two leather straps with clips attach onto the saddle’s D-rings. This design helps to prevent saddle slip.
This breastplate comes with an optional running martingale or standing martingale attachment for an additional cost
Colours: Black, chestnut
Sizes: Pony/ cob, cob, full
RRP from £220
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
International delivery available
Horseware Micklem Breastplate 
This ergonomically designed three-point elasticated leather breastplate allows the horse greater freedom of movement around the shoulder while jumping. Made from quality leather and incorporating tough elasticated sections, there are maximum adjustment options on the sides of the neck, an underbelly strap and a detachable martingale attachment to create a tailored fit.
The breastplate also boasts a removable safety strap which fastens across the withers for the rider to hold for extra security when required. Top clips attach to the D-rings of the saddle, but there are also attachments for the stirrup bars, and these offer a safer and more secure attachment point without the risk of damaging the saddle.
Colours: Brown, black
Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse, large horse
RRP £139.95 (US$169.95)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Collegiate Hunter Breastplate IV
This breastplate is made from quality European leather and has highly polished, stainless steel fittings. The buckles fasten to the saddle D-rings and the straps are adjustable at the sides. The Collegiate Hunter Breastplate comes with a matching removable running martingale attachment.
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob, full, warmblood
RRP £74.99 (US$148.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Mackey Classic Hunting Breastplate
A traditional style hunting breastplate made from three-quarter inch leather with white stitching detail, the Mackey Classic Hunting Breastplate boasts straps that fasten via buckles to the D-rings on the saddle.
The breastplate also comes with a removable running martingale attachment.
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob, full
RRP £72.95 (US$84)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Shires Velociti Rapida Breastplate
Fully adjustable, the Velociti Rapida Breastplate is easy to attach and remove using clips at the saddle D-rings. It is made from a supple eco-friendly vegetable tanned leather with a hand-stitched, self-colour thread and it is finished with high-shine stainless steel harness buckles. There is padding at the withers and chest for comfort, and it comes with a detachable running martingale attachment.
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full
RRP £50.99 (US$79.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Premier Equine Invorio 5 Point Breastplate 
Made from soft Italian leather, this Invorio 5 Point Breastplate attaches to the D-rings, girth straps and the girth between the horse’s legs. Super strong, elasticated straps are used near the horse’s shoulder to reduce restriction, while the shoulder points and chest pad are padded with wool for extra comfort.
There is also a removable running martingale attachment and two D-rings stitched onto the chest strap to allow the martingale to be lowered or training aids attached.
Colours: Black, brown
Sizes: Cob, full
RRP £164 (US$233.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Salisbury Five Point Breastplate
A great-looking breastplate with attractive stitching detail. It’s made from padded leather and genuine sheepskin pressure pads which can be removed from cleaning.
This breastplate also has a detachable running martingale attachment and lots of adjustment for a good fit.
Colours: Black, Havana, Australian nut
Sizes: Pony, cob, full, x-full
RRP £89.99 (US$56.59 — sale price)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Hy Equestrian Elastic Breast Girth
This fully adjustable elasticated breast girth prevents saddle slip while allowing the horse freedom of movement. It has a leather neck strap and stainless steel fittings.
Colours: Brown or black
Size: One size
RRP £27.99 (US$31.50)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
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Kate Negus Saddlery Leather Breast Girth
A leather breast girth that will help stabilise your saddle from moving backwards. It features a padded leather front portion which fixes to your girth straps on either side of your saddle. The neck strap has a buckle on each side for greater adjustability to ensure the best possible fit for your horse. All Kate Negus saddlery is homemade in the UK.
Colours: Black, chestnut
Sizes: Cob, full
RRP from £225
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
International delivery available
