Western Breastplates and Martingales: A Guide to Selection and Use
Breastplates and martingales are essential pieces of equipment in Western riding that help keep your horse safe and comfortable during your rides. Over the years, these pieces of equipment have evolved to fit the needs of different riding styles and disciplines.
The history of breastplates and martingales dates back to the early days of Western riding, when cowboys used these pieces of equipment to control their horses while roping and herding cattle.
Over time, breastplates and martingales have evolved to serve different purposes in different disciplines, such as barrel racing, reining, and cutting.
Today, there are a variety of different styles and materials available to riders, making it easier to find a breastplate or martingale that fits your specific needs. So let's dive in and explore the different types of breastplates and martingales used in Western riding!
Parts Of A Breastplate
Understanding the different parts of a breastplate is important for any Western rider to ensure their horse's comfort and safety. So, let's start with the basics.
Breastplate
A breastplate is a piece of horse riding equipment that sits on your horse's chest to prevent the saddle from slipping back. It's important to make sure that your breastplate fits your horse properly to ensure that it's doing its job correctly.
Neck Strap
The neck strap keeps the breastplate in place, while the shoulder straps keep the breastplate from sliding sideways. You want to make sure that the neck strap is snug but not too tight, and that the shoulder straps allow for proper movement without rubbing or chafing.
Girth Attachment
The girth attachment connects the breastplate to the girth, which helps to distribute the pressure from the saddle more evenly. The girth attachment should also be adjusted so that it's not too loose or too tight.
Types of Western Breastplates
There are a few different types of Western breastplates.
Breast Collar
The most common type of breastplate is the breast collar, which consists of a leather strap that goes around your horse's chest and two shoulder straps that attach to the saddle. This type of breastplate is used to prevent the saddle from sliding back during rides, and it's especially useful in activities such as cutting and roping.
Wither Strap
Another type of breastplate is the wither strap, which goes around your horse's neck and attaches to the front of the saddle. This type of breastplate is designed to prevent the saddle from sliding forward, making it useful for activities such as barrel racing and pole bending.
Combination Breastplate
Lastly, there is the combination breastplate, which includes both a breast collar and a wither strap. This type of breastplate provides extra stability and support to the saddle during rides, making it a great choice for activities that require quick and sudden movements, such as team penning and ranch sorting.
Types of Western Martingales
When selecting a martingale, it's important to consider your own riding style and your horse's needs. Some horses may benefit from the added support of a martingale, while others may not need one at all. It's always a good idea to talk to your trainer or a knowledgeable tack shop employee to help you choose the right martingale for you and your horse. There are a few different types of Western martingales.
Running Martingale
First up is the running martingale, which attaches to the girth and runs through the bit rings before splitting into two reins. This type of martingale can help prevent your horse from throwing its head up too high, but it can also limit your horse's ability to stretch its neck out.
Standing Martingale
Next, there's the standing martingale, which attaches to the girth and then runs up through the horse's neck strap before attaching to the noseband. This type of martingale can help keep your horse from throwing its head too high, but it can also restrict your horse's ability to move its head and neck naturally.
Tie Down
Finally, there's the tie-down, which attaches to the girth and then runs down to a noseband that's lower on your horse's face than a standing martingale. This type of martingale can help prevent your horse from throwing its head up too high, but it can also restrict your horse's ability to move its head and neck.
Fitting and Adjusting Your Breastplate or Martingale
Fitting and adjusting your breastplate or martingale is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of both you and your horse.
First, make sure the neck strap of your breastplate or martingale sits snugly but not too tightly around your horse's neck.
The shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow for natural movement while keeping the breastplate or martingale in place.
And for a tie-down, make sure it's adjusted to allow your horse to comfortably move its head and neck.
It's also important to regularly check your breastplate or martingale for signs of wear or damage. Check the leather for cracks or fraying, and make sure all the hardware is in good condition. If you notice any issues, it's best to replace the breastplate or martingale before it becomes a safety hazard.
Remember, proper fit and maintenance of your breastplate or martingale will help you and your horse ride safely and comfortably. And if you're ever unsure about the fit or need any advice, don't hesitate to ask a trainer or tack shop professional for help!
Common Breastplate and Martingale Problems
Sometimes we run into issues with our breastplates or martingales that can cause discomfort for our horses or hinder our performance.
Rubbing or Chafing
One of the most common issues is rubbing or chafing, which can be caused by improper fit or poor quality materials.
To fix this issue, you may need to adjust the fit of your breastplate or martingale or invest in higher quality leather that won't irritate your horse's skin.
Interfering With Movement
Another common problem is the breastplate or martingale interfering with your horse's movement, which can limit your horse's performance or even cause injury.
To prevent this issue, make sure your breastplate or martingale is properly adjusted and that it's not too tight or too loose. It's also important to regularly check for signs of wear or damage and replace any worn out parts before they become a problem.
By paying attention to the fit and condition of your breastplate or martingale, you can help prevent common problems and ensure a safe and comfortable ride for you and your horse. And remember, if you're ever unsure about the fit or need any advice, don't hesitate to ask for help from a professional.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Breastplate or Martingale
Properly caring for your breastplate or martingale is crucial for ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.
To maintain your breastplate or martingale, it's important to clean it regularly with a damp cloth and a mild soap or leather cleaner.
Condition the leather periodically to keep it soft and supple
When not in use, store your breastplate or martingale in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Know when it's time to replace your breastplate or martingale.
If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the leather or loose hardware, it's best to replace your breastplate or martingale before it becomes a safety hazard.
Regularly inspect your breastplate or martingale for these signs of wear, and don't hesitate to invest in a new one if necessary.
By taking proper care of your breastplate or martingale, you can ensure that it lasts for years to come and provides your horse with the safety and comfort they need during your rides.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.