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Is his neck low-set?

2K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Saranda 
#1 ·
I am in a need for a breastplate or a breastgirth for the first time in my horsey experience and, after lots of reading and consulting other riders, I've come to probably choose a breastgirth, like this one:

Shires Blenheim Elastic Breastgirth

However, I've read on numerous occasions that breastgirths should not be used on horses with low-set necks, even in online tack shop breastgirth descriptions. As I'm not entirely sure, I'd like your opinion on whether or not my gelding has his neck low-set? If it is, I guess a traditional hunter breastplate is the logical choice? (I don't really like the look and the bulk of the 5-points)




 
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#3 ·
The key is to have the central breastplate area to fit enough below the neck that the horse can lower it's head without being constricted. That doesn't mean the horse can graze without it becoming tight.

Get one that has long enough saddle straps that the central fitting area can be adjusted that way.

This five point shows where the central area should fit JUST below the neck.



Traditional hunting breastplate



I've seen beefier horses than yours fitted with a breastplate. There are breastplates that are fully adjustable.

 
#4 ·
He's no 'beefier' than most of the heavier type of hunting horses you see in the UK and they wear breastplates. Shires do a 5 point with the sheepskin pressure point pads - I have one and it seems pretty decent - it would probably work better on your lad than the style you've linked too
 
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