Breastplates & Martingales

Breastplates are designed to help keep the saddle in position during riding, particularly over fences, on steep terrain and during fast work. The right style depends on your discipline, saddle and the amount of stability required.

Hunting Breastplates

The hunting breastplate is the most commonly used style for English riding. Featuring a Y-shaped design that attaches to the girth and saddle, it helps keep the saddle positioned correctly while allowing freedom of shoulder movement.

Popular for jumping, eventing, Pony Club and general riding, hunting breastplates are available in leather and elasticated designs.

Five-Point Breastplates

Five-point breastplates provide additional points of attachment for increased saddle stability. Favoured by many showjumpers and event riders, they distribute pressure evenly while helping to minimise saddle movement during demanding work.

Polo Breastplates

Designed for the fast pace and quick changes of direction seen in polo, polo breastplates feature a broader chest section and often incorporate elastic inserts for comfort and freedom of movement.

Western Breast Collars

Western breast collars are designed to suit western saddles and are commonly used for trail riding, ranch work, campdrafting and western competition. Available in plain working styles through to decorative tooled leather designs, they help keep the saddle stable during long hours in the saddle.

Understanding Martingales

Martingales are designed to work alongside a correctly fitted bridle and reins, providing additional control in specific situations. The most suitable style depends on your horse, riding discipline and training requirements.

Running Martingales

Running martingales attach to the girth and reins using rings, providing an influence only when the horse raises its head beyond the point determined by the fitting of the martingale. They are widely used for jumping, eventing and cross-country.

Standing Martingales

Standing martingales attach from the girth to the noseband using a fixed strap. They are commonly seen in showing, hunting and some other disciplines where a fixed martingale is permitted.

Irish Martingales

An Irish martingale is a simple leather strap fitted with two rings through which the reins pass. It is designed to help prevent the reins from passing over the horse's head if the rider falls and does not affect the horse when riding.

Bib Martingales

A bib martingale combines the action of a running martingale with a leather panel joining the two arms. This design helps keep the martingale rings correctly positioned and reduces the chance of them becoming caught.

Choosing the Right Breastplate or Martingale

The right equipment depends on your riding discipline, saddle fit and your horse's individual needs.

Whether you're looking for a hunting breastplate for everyday riding, a five-point breastplate for competition or a martingale to suit your preferred discipline, our experienced team can help you choose the most suitable option for both horse and rider.