A breastplate helps keep a saddle in place, offering stability and comfort for disciplines like jumping and eventing, while a martingale controls the horse's head movement, improving rider control. Popular brands like Shires, Whitaker, and Wintec offer high-quality options. Shires is known for durability, Whitaker for innovative designs, and Wintec for lightweight, weather-resistant gear that’s easy to maintain.
Understanding why your horse needs a breastplate or martingale and how they improve safety and comfort during riding.
A breastplate is a piece of horse tack designed to keep the saddle in place and prevent it from slipping backwards during riding. This is especially useful in disciplines that involve sudden movements, such as jumping or eventing. A breastplate is fastened around the horse’s chest and connects to the saddle, providing additional support to the saddle’s girth, ensuring it stays in position no matter the pace or direction of movement.
For riders who participate in sports such as eventing, show jumping, or cross-country, a breastplate can provide much-needed security and comfort for both horse and rider.
A martingale is another essential piece of tack used to improve control and comfort. It works by limiting how high the horse can raise its head, which in turn helps prevent the horse from throwing its head too high during riding or jumping. This is beneficial for riders who struggle with a horse's head carriage, or horses that have a tendency to rear or get their head too high in certain situations.
There are different types of martingales, each designed to serve different purposes and types of riding. They are usually attached to the reins, girth, and saddle and can be adjusted for different levels of tension and pressure depending on the horse's behavior and needs.
There are several reasons why a rider would choose to use either a breastplate or martingale:
There are different types of breastplates that vary depending on the discipline and the rider’s needs. Some of the common types include:
Martingales come in various styles, and the choice depends on the horse’s needs and the rider’s preference. The most common types include:
Several well-known brands offer top-quality breastplates and martingales that ensure durability, comfort, and style. Three standout brands are Shires, Whitaker, and Wintec, known for their commitment to quality and performance:
Shires is one of the leading brands for equestrian equipment, known for producing high-quality and durable tack. Their breastplates and martingales are designed to withstand intense use and provide maximum comfort and stability for both horse and rider. Whether you're looking for a simple breastplate for everyday use or a specialized eventing breastplate, Shires offers various options to suit different needs.
Whitaker is another reputable brand in the equestrian world. Known for its innovative designs and attention to detail, Whitaker offers both classic and modern styles of breastplates and martingales. Their products are built to provide the perfect fit and help with both control and comfort, no matter the discipline.
Wintec is famous for its synthetic tack and saddles, which offer lightweight, weather-resistant, and durable options. Their breastplates and martingales are designed for practicality and ease of maintenance. Wintec products are great for riders looking for quality tack that can endure all types of weather conditions and are particularly beneficial for riders who are concerned about ease of cleaning and longevity.
Whether you're riding competitively or just enjoying a leisurely trail ride, a well-fitted breastplate or martingale can greatly enhance your riding experience. They offer improved saddle stability, increased comfort, better control, and most importantly, safety for both horse and rider. With top brands like Shires, Whitaker, and Wintec, you can trust that you’ll find the perfect tack to suit your horse’s needs and help you perform at your best.
