MARTINGALES AND BREASTPLATES
This is another subject where you will get so much advice, a lot of which will be from people who mean well but have very little true knowledge.
You must look at the facts and make your own choices for your horse.
THE RUNNING MARTINGALE
Use
This is used to stop the horse lifting its head above the angle of control, and the rider’s hands from adversely affecting the horse by being too high.
Fitting
1- The strap going between the horse’s legs attaches to the girth and should have a handspan gap between it and the chest.
2- The neck strap should have a handspan gap.
3- The side straps, if pulled up the shoulder blade towards the withers, should have a 15-20 cm gap short of the withers.
Points
There must always be rein stoppers on the reins, to stop the bit from getting caught in the rings.
THE STANDING MARTINGALE
Use
This is used to stop the horse from raising its head above the angle of control.
Fitting
1- The strap between the horse’s leg attaches to the girth, and should have a handspan gap between the chest and strap.
2- The neck strap should have a handspan gap.
3- Attach the strap to the cavesson noseband and it should be able to be pushed up into the throat easily.
Points
This should never be used whilst jumping as it does not allow the horse to bascule (stretch over the jump). It restricts the horse’s movement so can be dangerous if the horse trips or falls.
THE BREASTPLATE
Use
This is used to stop the saddle slipping backwards and usually has a running martingale attached as well. The three point breastplate is the picture with the grey horse, and the five point the picture with the chestnut. This has extra straps attaching to the girth straps, to make it even more secure.
Fitting
1- The neck strap should have a handspan gap between the strap and the neck.
2-The strap on the shoulder should follow the line of the shoulder blade, and not restrict movement in any way, but be tight enough to do its job.
3-The strap running between the legs attaches to the girth and must have a handspan gap.
Points
You can get fur attachments that will stop the central ring from rubbing.
THE BREAST GIRTH
Use
Used to stop the saddle slipping back.
Fitting
1-There should be a handspan gap at the wither.
2-The chest strap should fit on to the girth straps, and be tight enough to stop the saddle slipping, but not restrict the shoulder movement.
3- It must be low enough to not restrict the neck movement.
Points
I personally would not use these as they seem to rub more than the breast plate, but this is just my experience.
THE CRUPPER
Use
This is used to stop the saddle slipping forwards.
Fitting
1- The strap attaches to the back of the saddle and under the tail.
2-It must be short enough to do its job, but not so tight it causes rubbing or sores.
Points
1-If you do not have a D ring on the back of the saddle you can get attachments that fit into the gullet, as shown in the picture.
2-It is a good idea to have the strap that goes under the tail well padded, and to continually check for any signs of rubbing.
3- It is best to lunge the horse when first using this, and an experienced rider on first. This is because some horses react when they feel the pressure under the tail.
Final Thoughts
Anything you use on the horse you are responsible for checking it is safe, and does not cause any discomfort for your horse, whatever anyone else says. Use your common sense, look how it affects your horse and if the fitting will rub in any way.
Trust your own gut and do not be afraid to speak up for your horse as this is your job.
Some Pictures used with permission from Derby House / INTERNET FUSION LTD. Any views or opinions presented on this page are solely those of the publisher and do not necessarily represent those of the company.