So my new horse is a behemoth. He’s 17.2hh and once he gets his topline built up, he might top 18hh. He’s also very broad and big-boned; not too stocky, just giant warmblood build. So my question is, are 5-point breastplates appropriate for equitation? I believe it’ll work better than the typical hunt breastplate but I don’t want to look like the elephant in the room (I mean, as much as is possible with a mammoth horse). It’s not a saddle fit issue, and no-slip pads are useless. I plan on riding him in the jumpers anyway, but we figure that a successful small equitation career will help his value.
USEF says running martingales only in Hunt seat equitation. I would take that to mean no breastplates, and definitely no 5 points. I have never seen a breastplate in equitation. Also, if it’s not a saddle fit issue, why use one?
[QUOTE=chestnuthunter;8278430]
USEF says running martingales only in Hunt seat equitation. I would take that to mean no breastplates, and definitely no 5 points. I have never seen a breastplate in equitation. Also, if it’s not a saddle fit issue, why use one?[/QUOTE]
Running martingales only? That’s absolutely not true. You never see an equitation horse going around in a running martingale - they all go in standing martingales, if they go in one.
Ovation makes a very nice plain breastplate, appropriate for hunters and eq.
http://www.victorycanter.com/Ovation-Raised-Breastplate-467167.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwr8uuBRCcg6-s-4TrmIsBEiQAN1TdEQDrE_s57Z2ASaFsnQT3eKJS0BagJGwbHNbcJ1_LY-0aAv198P8HAQ
[QUOTE=hj0519;8278441]
Running martingales only? That’s absolutely not true. You never see an equitation horse going around in a running martingale - they all go in standing martingales, if they go in one.[/QUOTE]
Also not true. Only standing martingales are allowed in the USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay and WIHS Hunter Phase. Only running martingales in the USEF Talent Search and WIHS Jumper Phase. Smaller medals depend on the local rulebook, but for the most part, if the equitation is run in the jumper ring you use a running martingale.
OP, breastplates are definitely allowed but I would stay away from sheepskin, elastic, etc. The size of the horse has nothing to do with if you need a breastplate. Most bigeq horses are 17hh+, many are pushing 18hh and almost none need a breastplate.
[QUOTE=OnDeck;8278477]
Also not true. Only standing martingales are allowed in the USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay and WIHS Hunter Phase. Only running martingales in the USEF Talent Search and WIHS Jumper Phase. Smaller medals depend on the local rulebook, but for the most part, if the equitation is run in the jumper ring you use a running martingale.
OP, breastplates are definitely allowed but I would stay away from sheepskin, elastic, etc. The size of the horse has nothing to do with if you need a breastplate. Most bigeq horses are 17hh+, many are pushing 18hh and almost none need a breastplate.[/QUOTE]
True, I should have said except in the “jumper medals.” Though I haven’t found it true that if smaller medals are held in the jumper ring, people use running martingales. At least in my area, people use standing martingales for the “regular” medals whether they’re held in the hunter ring or the jumper ring.
If you REALLY think you need a breastplate, and simple hunting type one won’t do it, I would consider a plain, simple polo type one (that goes around the chest and to the billets, with a simple wither strap over the withers). I definitely would not so a 5 point, which I think are hideous and cumbersome looking (and I come from the discipline that started them).
Thank you! There’s no doubt in my mind that he needs a breastplate - it’s obvious and it is due to his wide build. It’s really not functional to ride him without one. My main concern is whether or not a breastplate that attaches to not only the D-rings but also the billets would look ubsurd in the eq ring. I think it would suit him better than the typical hunt ones that attach to just the D-rings.
[QUOTE=OnDeck;8278477]
Also not true. Only standing martingales are allowed in the USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay and WIHS Hunter Phase. Only running martingales in the USEF Talent Search and WIHS Jumper Phase. Smaller medals depend on the local rulebook, but for the most part, if the equitation is run in the jumper ring you use a running martingale.
OP, breastplates are definitely allowed but I would stay away from sheepskin, elastic, etc. The size of the horse has nothing to do with if you need a breastplate. Most bigeq horses are 17hh+, many are pushing 18hh and almost none need a breastplate.[/QUOTE]
Thank you! There’s no doubt in my mind that he needs a breastplate - it’s obvious and it is due to his wide build. It’s really not functional to ride him without one. My main concern is whether or not a breastplate that attaches to not only the D-rings but also the billets would look ubsurd in the eq ring. I think it would suit him better than the typical hunt ones that attach to just the D-rings.
Once again, the USEF rules are available online, for free, for anyone to see. Certain classes specify only running martingales, which is why it’s wise to actually check the rules.
https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2015/12-EQ.pdf
“EQ 105.2. Tack. Regulation snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands, are recommended. Two-ring bits, three-ring bits and gags are not considered conventional equipment for hunter seat equitation classes. A judge at his own discretion can penalize a horse with nonconventional types of bits or nose bands. Boots and conservative colored bandages are permitted. Type of saddle is optional. Martingales are permitted in classes over obstacles and in the jumping phase of classes requiring both jumping and flat work. Changing of bits between phases is permissible.”
Personally, I would not be inclined to use a 5 point breastplate in an equitation class. It’s not against the rules, but it might be viewed as unconventional equipment by some. The more traditional breastplate like the one linked in post #4 should not be a problem.
Maybe try a simple three point (girth and billet attachments)…? No sheepskin so they’re no more bulky that a traditional one. Schneider’s has one with no elastic, but it may not run big enough for you…
