C4 belts as neck strap. Safe?

[Desert_Topaz]

[QUOTE=EventerAJ;8560011]
Can I just say that I don’t get the C4 craze at all? Not as neckstraps, but just as belts? It seems overpriced for a cheap-feeling plastic belt with plastic buckle. I know they are “the rage” with colors and whatnot…but at the risk of sounding like a traditional curmudgeon, I’ll stick with a simple leather belt and brass or stainless buckle, thanks. (Does it count that I admit to using a spare stirrup leather as a belt at a PC Rally?)[/QUOTE]

I am with you, and I am nowhere near a traditional person

[ellisrun]

NO - stick with a stirrup leather. Thought it would look flashy in my colors, schooling at home, homey took a flyer so I grab my C4 belt/neckstrap - the plastic pin in the buckle broke and the strap went flying but got attached in my boys breastplate -flying C4 belt flailing from his chest. Luckily he’s not a spaz and we could stop and fix it but this wasn’t even a major jump. No ma’am pam - I’ll keep the belts around my waist from now on:)

[IlexOpaca]

I’ve used the C4 belt as a neckstrap before and it’s worked just fine. That being said, I was using it to help fix my position over stadium jumps, not as a oh shit strap for cross country. I know someone who broke theirs during XC just from regular use. IMO if you manage to break it during regular use (not an oh shit moment), you are relying on it way too much.
TBH I think you’d be just fine using one. I would, and will in the future. I know that even in oh shit moments my reflex is to either sit back or grab mane, I trust myself not to rely so heavily on a strap that it would break. But if you personally don’t feel safe, that’s perfectly fine. Just use a triple stitch stirrup leather. If it’s the color you want, look for a biothane stirrup leather. It’s plenty strong (I promise you, you will not be able to break it) and with some googling you can find them in whatever color.

[WW_Queen]

Could you not just use a regular leather neckstrap and then jazz it up/do the matching thing with some exciting duct or electrical tape? Easy and cheap way to identify your stuff too. Most big craft stores have a big array of tapes in every color/pattern imaginable, including sparkles/print/etc. in tons of colours.

[Hilary]

or, vetwrap.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

No idea if they are strong enough but I’ve seen them used enough that they must work fine for most people.

I prefer the look of leather and like mine a bit thinner. I do use one. I like it when galloping as a quick bridge. Also helps if I feel worried about a fence, it gives me a touch of confidence. My horse is a good boy but can really crack his back at times and likes me to stay in the middle of him…and a neck strap can help especially when his mane is pulled short.

[2LaZ2race]

I looked into getting a C4 belt (to wear as an actual belt) and I was disappointed because it wouldn’t go around my hips!

Now don’t get me wrong… I am working hard to drop pounds, but I’m a size 12. I know I’m not the heaviest rider out there! I guess I do have wide hips, but I fit into normal human jeans and size 34 riding pants.

oh well… maybe I’ll be skinner when the next fad rolls around!

[2LaZ2race]

I looked into getting a C4 belt (to wear as an actual belt) and I was disappointed because it wouldn’t go around my hips!

Now don’t get me wrong… I am working hard to drop pounds, but I’m a size 12. I know I’m not the heaviest rider out there! I guess I do have wide hips, but I fit into normal human jeans and size 34 riding pants.

oh well… maybe I’ll be skinner when the next fad rolls around!

[Lusoluv]

After everyone’s helpful suggestions, I decided to look at Biothane endurance tack shops online. They have synthetic stirrup leathers in every color of the rainbow…so I can get a well-built jump strap AND the colors I want

[cnvh]

Deleted, wonky links. If anyone wants photos of the paracord neck strap, PM me and I can email them.

[BatataHead]

[QUOTE=Lusoluv;8562035]
After everyone’s helpful suggestions, I decided to look at Biothane endurance tack shops online. They have synthetic stirrup leathers in every color of the rainbow…so I can get a well-built jump strap AND the colors I want :)[/QUOTE]

Biothane is awesome - one less piece of leather to clean and polish. I use leather neck strap. I used to wear the C4 belt because it didn’t bleed in the rain and leave black streaks on my breezes like my (I guess cheap) leather belt did - but I literally broke the belt buckle just taking the belt off one day (was tired, pulled it the wrong way a little too hard, and it just broke).

[plaidbreeches]

I’ve broken a buckle taking mine off too. But the rest of the belt is so comfortable and I’m so picky I just bought a new buckle. :rolleyes:

[pologirl27]

I love them as belts but they are WAY too wide for me to use as a neckstrap.

I use the neck portion of an old standing martingale because a) it is nice and narrow and easy to get a single finger around b) it is already horse-neck-shaped c) the girth loop was getting pretty sketchy and needed to be tossed leaving me with an unused loop.

[greywithchrome]

Considering those belts cost like $2 to make - probably not too strong haha.

If I was to use a neckstrap - I think this one looks cool.
http://www.tapestryequineproducts.com/neckstrap.html

[gumtree]

Interesting thread. Have no idea what a C4 belt is.

I don’t like using stirrup straps. For me they are too wide and bulky. I also don’t like the fact they can slid up down the neck. In a fall, stumble etc and the rider should loss grip and it slides up the horse’s neck a horse could/can get its foot caught in the loop.

Or as someone posted in another thread on the subject;

“If a horse puts its head down to graze, the strap could slide down to his ears and spell disaster for the horse”

I’ve seen it happen. A neck strap doesn’t have to be anywhere near that strong to safely serve its purpose.

Maybe there is reason why a yoke (martingale yoke) isn’t used for competition. But that is what I/we use. Hardly ever leave the barn without one. The strap is only about 1/2 wide so it is easy and comfortable to keep a finger or 2 in the “loop”.

I start/break TBs they are generally pretty well schooled before getting in the saddle. But some will have their moments and throw a “rodeo”. My hands automatically grab the loop and ride it out. Keeps from hitting them in the mouth and making things worse. The 1/2 leather and buckle is more than strong enough. Have never had one break.

If we should come off the horse almost always continues to buck with its head down for a bit. It the “neck strap” wasn’t kept in place attached to the girth it would be easy to get a leg caught.

The same if the horse falls after a fence while getting up quickly. Seen that happen. Even if a horse should get its leg caught in a yoke neck strap it is thin enough to break.

I “do” Steeplechase horses whether schooling or racing they all go out in a yoke. Fox hunting also. Use the same when “ring schooling”. Newbies or old pros. If the horse throws in a big one and “cracks its back” popping us out of the saddle for a moment or two the yoke strap stays in position and is easy to grab for.

Just in case someone doesn’t know what I am referred to and or it is called something different by others;

http://www.beval.com/MART-YOKE-GLD-HAV#.VuK8w_nR-M8

To quote an Eventer;

"I personally won’t get on a horse without one and I don’t mean a gin and tonic – although with some horses I’m sure that would help! No what I’m talking about is a neck strap. I am happy to admit I am a neck strap rider and I feel I’m in good company given the fact that William Fox-Pitt feels the same way too."

[Saskatoonian]

Second Gumtree’s recommendation of the yoke - truly a “where have you been all my life” when a trainer suggested one for my fizzy, gangly 4 year old years ago. Only posting separately to suggest that anyone wanting one give a call to Bartville instead of Beval if they’d rather spend >$100 less on it. Not that it isn’t worth it - but pretty sure I paid about $30 for a very nice one from Bartviille.

(I also highly recommend them during dressage lessons if your instructor is apt to pull crazy moves like setting up canter poles at crazy short distances and taking away your stirrups when you’re on a 5 year old working outside for the first time in spring… Suffice to say mine doubles as emergency brake.)

[kashmere]

Yup, third the yoke. Of course, I just got mine by performing surgery on a standing martingale I don’t ever see myself using again :lol:

[gumtree]

[QUOTE=Saskatoonian;8569899]
Second Gumtree’s recommendation of the yoke - truly a “where have you been all my life” when a trainer suggested one for my fizzy, gangly 4 year old years ago. Only posting separately to suggest that anyone wanting one give a call to Bartville instead of Beval if they’d rather spend >$100 less on it. Not that it isn’t worth it - but pretty sure I paid about $30 for a very nice one from Bartviille.

(I also highly recommend them during dressage lessons if your instructor is apt to pull crazy moves like setting up canter poles at crazy short distances and taking away your stirrups when you’re on a 5 year old working outside for the first time in spring… Suffice to say mine doubles as emergency brake.)[/QUOTE]

$30+ you got a great deal. Bartville is around the block from us. Spend a lot of money there. I’m gonna have to negotiate better.

I only linked to the Beval because it was the first on the google list. Quality ones that aren’t quite as well “appointed” can be had for $50-75±.

Not saying your $30 one falls into the “cheap leather” category. But we all know we generally get what we pay for. I have seen very inexpensive yokes but I would not be comfortable with the quality/strength of the leather and buckle. I have but a few to the “acid test” at 160 lbs. If a lesser one broke I would possibly been sling shotted off. Good ones last for years even with our minimal approach to care and feeding of tack.

Plus they can be used with a number of “attachments”.

[Xctrygirl]

[QUOTE=gumtree;8570410]
$30+ you got a great deal. Bartville is around the block from us. Spend a lot of money there. I’m gonna have to negotiate better.

I only linked to the Beval because it was the first on the google list. Quality ones that aren’t quite as well “appointed” can be had for $50-75±.

Not saying your $30 one falls into the “cheap leather” category. But we all know we generally get what we pay for. I have seen very inexpensive yokes but I would not be comfortable with the quality/strength of the leather and buckle. I have but a few to the “acid test” at 160 lbs. If a lesser one broke I would possibly been sling shotted off. Good ones last for years even with our minimal approach to care and feeding of tack.

Plus they can be used with a number of “attachments”.[/QUOTE]

Saskatoonian has already sent me to Bartville for her twice. LOL. I sense a new trip coming this weekend.

I absolutely do compete with a yoke, and hunt with it at times. Never a bad thing and nice to have something to grab when needed.

Emily

[Saskatoonian]

Trust me, GT, you’re preaching to the choir on the quality tack question! The Bartville one is astonishingly nice, though more workmanlike than elegant. Attachments will work with it too.