Breastplates for hunters?

Put a chamois under your saddle. Much cheaper than buying another piece of tack, works better, and isn’t “out of fashion”. In fact, nobody by you will even know it is there. This is what is often used on racehorses (how well do you think those little race saddles stay in place at full speed?). The classic is the real lambskin ones, but mostly people use the tacky stuff that goes under a tablecloth, which works just as well. Dampen it before putting it on. Pull it up to get any pressure off the withers before tightening the saddle. You can purchase one at any racetrack tack store for a few dollars.

I always feel that if a breastplate gets tight enough to actually HOLD the saddle forward during the jumping round, the pressure and restriction on the shoulders and chest is not something that I am looking for for my horse. The chamois works well.

[QUOTE=blueribbons;8392364]
I’m looking for a decent breastplate for a large (±17 hands) horse who will be competing in hunters and equitation. My saddle fits him very well, but his back is built a little uphill (thanks, withers:yes:) and my saddle has a tendency to slide back by the end of a ride, so, while I can get away without one, I think it would be a good idea to use one. I’d like to avoid elastic and padding, and I’d like decent quality leather, but I don’t want to spend $500 either… Anyone have recommendations? (Bonus points if it can be ordered with matching standing martingale attachment!)[/QUOTE]

I wouldn’t do a breast plate unless you really need one… try a non slip pad first.

I have two horses that have high withers and even if the saddles were fitted for them they still slide back. And slide to where the are truly too far back.

I use a non slip pad between the horse and the white saddle pad and they work great. They aren’t very expensive so it may be worth a try.

http://www.tack-wholesale.com/English_Pads/Non_Slip_Pad.html