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The Complete Guide to Horse Halters | the ashva

The Ashva - Halters

Horse halters are often mistaken for bridles. The main difference between a halter and a bridle is that a ground handler uses a halter to lead or tie up an animal. In contrast, a bridle is operated by a person riding or driving an animal that has been trained for this purpose. For tying, a halter is preferable to a harness because the bit of a bridle may hurt the horse's mouth if the horse backs up when tied with a harness, and since many reins are made of lighter materials, so will break. A harness, on the other hand, allows for more accurate control.

A halter is one of the essential items to have while owning a horse. Halters can be used for making a fashion statement, identifying your horse in an emergency, training your horse, avoiding risky situations, and being an essential element of showing success. It is sometimes the only thing that comes with a new horse when you buy him. A monogrammed halter is probably the first item a new horse owner goes for to commemorate their ownership. To properly school and display, trainers rely on the performance of their ropes. We'll go over several types of halters, their applications, and how to pick the right one for your horse in this post.

Although all halters serve the same primary function - to control horses' movements during handling, not all halters are equal in their ability to meet all control requirements. Not every halter will suit your management style and handling philosophy, just as not every halter will precisely fit your horse's head. As the halter is likely to be the most used piece of equipment in your barn, you'll want one that makes daily interactions with your horse easier.

The safety and comfort of your horse are the most important factors to consider when choosing a halter. Your expectations for control and ease narrow the field, and the final decision in headgear is determined by appearance and cost. The following questions highlight the factors to consider while choosing a suitable halter: quality and price.

Leather Halters

Many new horse owners first purchase a high-quality leather halter. With so many different colours and customising choices, it's difficult not to have one for each horse! When properly maintained, leather halters may last a lifetime and are used for everything from daily barn use to displaying.

A "grooming" halter can be simple, with simply a headstall and noseband, or it can be convertible, with clips on either side of the throatlatch and onto the noseband that can be removed. In either case, the design helps groom your horse's face easier, though it's crucial to remember that your horse can easily slip out of this style without a throatlatch.

Use any available adjustments on the crownpiece and noseband to fit your leather halter correctly. The crownpiece should be snug behind your horse's ears but not squeezing them. The leather should be about two to three fingers wide between your horse's nostrils and eyes, and the noseband should sit midway between them. The throatlatch should be three to four fingers wide so that your horse may adequately breathe and drink without getting a hoof hooked. Ensure the cheekpieces are parallel to your horse's cheekbones to ensure proper fit.

Nylon Halters

Nylon halters are often less expensive than leather halters, and they're popular as everyday halter that doesn't require as much maintenance. They come in various colours and patterns, and they frequently complement another tack to complete your ensemble! Minis and sketches are usually available in a broader range of sizes. Most stables maintain a supply of nylon halters in various sizes since they are simple to put on, sturdy, and replace.

Because nylon halters are virtually unbreakable and nearly hard to cut through in an emergency, they should always be used with caution. Nylon halters, unless they say "breakaway," can be dangerous if your horse catches the halter on something during turnout, gets tangled in the trailer, or spooks on crossties. As a result, you should never use a nylon halter for turnout, and you should always use a breakaway halter or breakaway ties when trailering.

Breakaway Halters

A halter with a leather crownpiece or a broken leather strap connecting the cheekpiece to the crownpiece is known as a breakaway halter. Even if your horse is easygoing, a breakaway halter is safer than straight nylon or leather halter for tying and turnout. Some all-leather halters may break, but "breakaway" halters are engineered to release more reliably under strain. Breakaway halters will release at varying degrees of pressure under different circumstances, which is crucial to remember for any style.

Some breakaway halters are intended expressly for turnout, having Velcro halters rather than snaps that release if your horse becomes caught in the brush or otherwise when out on their own. These halters are popular with horses who require a safe turnout halter yet frequently break their breakaways. Again, there's no need to replace anything because the Velcro is easy to rejoin.

Rope Halters

Rope halters have become increasingly popular in recent years and are now being used outside Western disciplines, mainly where trainers and riders focus more on groundwork. Rope halters aren't as intuitive for individuals who aren't used to them, but they can become second nature and prove an excellent training tool with a bit of practice. Because rope halters have no hardware, the link between the handler and the horse is unconstrained, allowing for more delicate cues to be developed. If you've never used a rope halter before, it's a good idea to work with or observe a trainer who knows how to use one. A trainer can also help you choose the right leadership style and length to get the most out of your rope halter. Rope halters can be used over a bridle as a backup for trail riding or under a breakaway halter for trailering, in addition to being a great training tool.

Rope halter knots apply pressure to sensitive locations. Therefore, the more knots there are, particularly on the nose, the more pressure is employed in more places. Furthermore, because rope halters are thinner than leather or nylon halters, the stress is concentrated in one area instead of being spread across a wider strap. As a result, even a simple rope halter can apply considerable pressure.

Safety and Security Issues

When it comes to tying, it's disputed whether a halter should be designed strong enough to not break under stress or if it should give way when strain reaches a particular threshold to protect the animal. If a bound animal is attended to and the lead rope is fastened with a slip knot that can be swiftly loosened if the animal panics, the issue is usually of minor consequence. An animal panicked and attempting to escape can be severely wounded if a non-slip knot is secured, if a soft rope is drawn tight, the knot cannot be undone, or if the animal is left unsupervised.

Breakaway features, such as a leather crownpiece, breakaway buckles, or readily removable lead rope, are recommended by those who think that the risk of injury is more of a concern than the risk of escape. Those who believe that flight poses the greater risk, either because of fears of escape or because of the risk of instilling a recurring lousy habit in an animal that learns to break loose and becomes unable to be tied at all, we recommend sturdy designs that will not break unless the handler intentionally releases a slipknot or cuts the lead rope.

Those who propose durable halters will not break under regular pressure from a resistant or terrified animal but will eventually die in an actual panic situation, such as a fall. Even when stopped or turned out, some users insist on the animal wearing a halter at all times. Others only use a halter when the animal is led, held, or tied. Leaving a halter on has the advantage of making the animal easier to catch. The downsides include the possibility that an animal will snag the halter on an object and become imprisoned or wounded. While experts encourage leaving halters off when animals are turned out, breakaway designs that still hold for everyday guiding are recommended if halters are left on unattended animals.

To buy high quality leather accessories like horse halters, bridles, breastplates and many such more, visit todaywww.theashva.com

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The Complete Beginner's Guide to Martingales

What are martingales?

A martingale is any equipment used to control head carriage in horses. Martingales can be found in various equestrian sports, including driving and riding. It is a type of horse equipment consisting of a strap, usually made of leather or nylon, affixed to the horse's headgear. The martingale ensures that the bit stays in contact with the mouth by constricting if pressure on the reins is eased.

The standing and running martingales are used to control the horse's head height and prevent the horse from throwing its head so high that the rider is struck in the face by the horse's poll or upper neck. The martingale applies pressure to a horse's head as it rises above a certain height, making it more difficult or impossible to lift it higher.

A martingale is primarily used for control. It will not make a horse go faster, but it will slow them down if they increase speed. It will also be employed to keep the head up when desired, such as dressage. It's worth noting that many people misuse martingales, and it can cause problems, especially with horses who are sensitive to their mouths.

Martingales are a type of horse tack most often seen in the equestrian world. They are most often used to prevent a horse from raising its head and throwing its head in the air.

There are two major types of a martingale: The single-jointed or loose-jointed Martingale and the double-jointed or tight Martingale.

The single-jointed Martingale uses one strap around the horse’s chest to attach to a noseband with two or three straps. The double-jointed Martingale uses a strap around the horse's chest, one strap going up over its neck and another waistband going down under its neck.

 

The standing martingale

A single strap is fastened to the perimeter, goes between the horse's front legs, and is fixed to the back of the noseband in the standing martingale, also known as a "tiedown" or "head check.” It also features a neck strap to keep it from catching on to other items. Instead of a neck strap, a version is attached to a breastplate. When set adequately for English riding, the martingale strap should be able to reach the horse's throatlatch.

A tiedown is a version of the standing martingale that is virtually only seen in western riding disciplines. A tiedown is adjusted much more quickly than a standing martingale, and it's designed to keep the horse's head from flying up when it's requested to halt or turn suddenly in a speed event. According to users, it also offers the horse something to hold against for balance. It comprises an adjustable strap with one end attached to the horse's breastplate and the harness’s noseband. The noseband can be made of leather, but it can be made of lariat rope or even plastic-covered cable, making the western tiedown harsher than an English-style standing martingale.

When the horse raises its head above the desired point with both pieces of equipment, the slack is taken out of the strap, and pressure is applied to the horse's snout. The standing martingale is acceptable in the United States for show hunter and hunts seat equitation riders over fences, in the United Kingdom for show jumping competitions, and fox hunting, polocrosse, horse ball, and polo. It's also seen on some military and police horses, partly for fashion and tradition, but also in the event of an emergency that requires the rider to react quickly. It is not permitted in flat classes.

Safety and risks

Because it cannot be loosened in an emergency, the standing martingale is more restricted than the running martingale. Because its range of motion is limited, a horse that trips in a standing martingale may fall more easily. If a horse falls while wearing an inappropriately fitted standing martingale, it will be unable to stretch its neck entirely and have difficulty getting back up more challenging.

The martingale strap is never fastened to a drop noseband due to the risk of harm to the nose cartilage. It should also not be attached to any form of "figure 8" or "grackle" noseband due to the risk of both nose and jaw damage.

When used in conjunction with other pieces of equipment, any martingale can cause pain to the horse. When used in conjunction with a gag bit, a standing martingale can trap the horse's head, forcing it to raise and lower its head while providing no relief in either direction. This combination can be seen in polo, some rodeo events, and even the lower jumping levels on occasion.

Overuse or misuse can cause the muscles on the bottom of the neck to overdevelop, resulting in an unfavorable "upside-down" neck that makes it more difficult for the horse to work correctly under the saddle. It can also cause the horse's back muscles to tense up and force him to move awkwardly, especially over fences. This can place too much strain on the horse's spine, diminish the limb anatomy's shock-absorbing capacity, and eventually lead to lameness. Accidents are also a possibility: if a horse is sufficiently "caught" by a combination of a too-short martingale and a too-harsh bit, the horse may attempt to rear and fall, potentially harming both the animal and the rider.

The running martingale and German martingale

The running martingale is made up of a strap attached to the perimeter and runs between the horse's front legs before splitting in two. The reins pass through a bit of metal ring at the end of each strap. A neck strap or breastplate keeps it in the proper posture.

The running martingale is adjusted such that each of the "forks" has about an inch of slack when the horse's head is kept in a specific position. The reins should make a straight line from the rider's hand to the bit ring when the horse's head is at the proper height, and the running martingale is not in use.

When the horse's head is held in the normal posture, the running martingale is adjusted so that each "fork" has about an inch of slack. When the horse's head is at the correct height, and the running martingale is not in effect, the reins should make a straight line from the rider's hand to the bit ring.

The running martingale consists of a girth-attached strap that runs between the horse's front legs before breaking in half. At the end of each of these straps, the reins pass through a bit of metal ring. It is kept in normal posture by a neck strap or breastplate.

The running martingale is the only type of martingale used in eventing and horse racing because of this safety factor. Some show jumpers like the running martingale because it gives them more mobility. Outside of the competition arena, running martingales are used on young horses being schooled in Saddle seats, Western Riding, and a variety of other disciplines

A split fork that comes up from the chest travels through the rings of the bit and attaches to calls on the reins of the bridle between the bit, and the rider's hand makes up the German martingale, also known as a Market Harborough. It works the same way as a running martingale but with more leverage. It is mainly used as a training aid.

Safety and risks

Rein stops, which are rubber or leather stops put onto the rein between the bit and the martingale's ring, are commonly used with a running martingale. At Pony Club and British Eventing events, rein pauses are required. They're a crucial safety feature that prevents the martingale from sliding too far forward and catching on the bit ring or the buckles or studs that secure the reins to the bit. According to sanctioning organizations, if the harnesses are buckled to the bit, a running martingale must be used in conjunction with rein stops.

The inability to elevate the horse's head in the event of bucking is the main disadvantage of using a running martingale. If the reins are adjusted excessively short, lateral use may be hampered. The stress imposed on the horse's mouth by the running martingale can be harsh if mishandled, which is why the standing martingale is preferred in some circles. Use on the reins of a curb bit is an example of improper use, as is adjusting the equipment too short, causing the horse's head to drop below the correct position.

The Irish martingale

In the sense of a device that affects the rider's control over the horse, the Irish martingale is not a true martingale. As a result, it's sometimes referred to as a semi-martingale. It's a straightforward short strap with a ring on each end. Before being buckled, the reins run through a call on each side. The goal of the Irish martingale is not to control the horse's head but to keep the reins from going over the horse's head and causing entanglement if the rider falls. It's primarily utilized in European horse racing.

Buy from exclusive collection we have available at the ashva website here: https://www.theashva.com/pages/martingales

[ashvablog]

BRIDLES

Horses become Turbulent if not Commanded

Guiding a horse to reach your destination to be the master of the game?

If you ride a horse without a bridle, it would be an uphill battle to make your

best friend support you in your game, but if you have a bridle to control a

horse, then the ride would be easy and pleasant to you. It's going to be

aesthetic.

Bridles are the leather straps that a rider can put on a horse’s head so that

the horse can be controlled while riding. It gives the rider a command over

the horse’s speed and gives you an edge to do all the manoeuvres which an

ace rider can do!

Want to be an ace in riding? Ashva has a wide variety of bridles to make you

the best at riding. It gives you and the horse a comfort zone that will make

your ride memorable and pleasurable. Whether you are a horse rider or do it

for recreation, we have everything for you!

It is an essential part of riding gear; without bridles, it can be extremely

dangerous for someone to ride as it may also cause serious injuries. In

addition, bridles give stability while riding and complete control over the

horse.

Ashva manufactures these products with ample experience and great care

for your horse and are smooth to handle for the rider, with ace quality of

equipment material made with great affinity.

It comes to you in different varieties and is available in various colours and

designs that you like, providing a classy and stylish look to your horse. It is

available for you in different price ranges and sizes. M-Pony – medium-sized,

L-Pony – large ponies, Cob, Full, Extra Full, and Cold Blood horses. You say,

and we have it! You can count on Ashva for your horse’s comfort. The snaffle

bridles are furnished with webbed reins, whereas double bridles with leather

reins.

Fitting and Buckles

A horse looks more classy and hence gives those vibes to ride it passionately

if the buckles are intact and shine with light. Harmonizing colours are taken

to work to give a Chrome or brass-coloured furnishing.

Ashva is obsessed with user satisfaction, so compromising with cheap

hardware is not on the list for us!

Bridles Crownpieces

A crownpiece is also an essential element of bridles; it gives a good bottom

hold to the bridles in their place, which automatically is good to do

equestrian activities. It gives support behind the horse's ears and plays the

joint's role, which connects and keeps other parts of the bridle in their place.

Asha makes crownpieces of standard dimensions suitable for the horses, and

the work may go on smoothly. Most of the bridles have a buckle fastening

feature on both sides, which can fit those having shorter heads.

It will be much more exciting if you look at it more closely, you will learn

more about this equipment, and your buddy will become your bestie!

Browbands

A browband is a part that is attached to the crownpiece over the head; it

gives a structure to the complete gear, which makes it look beautiful.

Passing through the lower area of the ear and moving towards the forehead

then to the lower area of the other ear gives a firm grip while controlling the

horse. It keeps the bridle in its place and does not allow it to slide, giving

good balance.

Browbands come in various types, including U-shaped crystal browbands,

pasting U-shaped browbands, padded browbands, and straight browbands.

Each of them has its own impression and quality. Some of these, especially U

shaped and V-shaped browbands, have crystals and stones, differentiating

them from any other kind. Leather padded browbands also have a great

demand though it's simple to look at but has a different class of its own. The

most commonly used is straight browbands, which is easy to tie and is most

comfortable for the horse.

Ashva presents you three featured collections of browbands, consisting of

browbands type 1, type 2, and type 3

.

Double Bridles

In looks, double bridles are the same as snaffle bridles, but as it is said that

the devil lies in details, so here are the details. A double bridle comprises

two bits, and two sets of reins which are often used in competitive dressage

events, another common name of these is Weymouth bridles. Double bridles

are in demand, mainly in saddle seat riding, and those events require formal

attire or traditional attire. With the accurate technique, performance

increases and look glamorous while riding.

If you want to do movements like passage and piaffe, then double Bridle will

be very helpful, making it essential for the equestrian eventing. Ashva has

three kinds of equipment in this collection.

Nosebands

One thing that makes British bridles different and eye-catching is the

nosebands. As the name suggests, it surrounds the nose of the horse. One of

the best use is that it keeps the bridle intact on the horse, giving a firm grip

and a chance to add other parts to it; one such example is martingales.

Some of the nosebands become too intimidating for horses, so it needs to be

taken care of that it should not be very tight and cause trouble to the horse.

Reins

If we talk about what connects a horse and its rider, no doubt it is a rein that

has a vital connection between the horse's bit and the rider's hand. Most

bridles feature reins that are rightly styled to complement the look and

purpose of the bridle, which looks fantastic. The English reins come with a lot

of variety, including those for Dressage, Hunting, Jumping, or Endurance.

Reins are made in different styles like laced, rubber, web, or woven.

It is always advised to have a rein matching a bridle which makes it stylish

and way more classy.

Snaffle bridle

It has a lot of demand because of its multifunctional features, hence can be

used with various styles of bit. These are primarily used in English lands for

equestrian disciplines such as jumping, dressage, and trail riding.

It is also a popular attraction among horse jumpers. Multiple varieties of

single snaffle bits such as egg butt, D-ring snaffle, loose ring, kimberwicks,

gag bits, and curb bits come under snaffle bridle; a single set of reins is also

attached to that bit.

ASHVA has all that for you. Try a variety of colours, shapes, and

sizes with ASHVA and share your love with your LOVE!

At Ashwa, we are living the traditions of the equestrian world. The unique

lifestyle surrounded by our products is so captivating that it becomes without

a doubt an important part of who we are.

We always keep this in mind as we honor the classic equestrian style, season

after season, with high quality materials and exclusive designs for all equine

devotees and their magnificent horses.

Why not take advantage of our limited time offer where you can save some

discount on selected products

Shop our range of products here at https://www.theashva.com/

And Subscribe to our mailing list. You will receive updates on our latest

products news, sustainable actions and deals in the future, and more on our

Instagram, and Facebook pages.

If you require advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to

contact our Customer Service Team on +44-7847859522 or email:

info@iksons.com

Sign up today to get exclusive new horse treats delivered to your door.

Your horse will LOVE you for it!

 

Horses become Turbulent if not Commanded

 

Guiding a horse to reach your destination to be the master of the game?

If you ride a horse without a bridle, it would be an uphill battle to make your best friend support you in your game, but if you have a bridle to control a horse, then the ride would be easy and pleasant to you. It's going to be aesthetic.

Bridles are the leather straps that a rider can put on a horse’s head so that the horse can be controlled while riding. It gives the rider a command over the horse’s speed and gives you an edge to do all the manoeuvres which an ace rider can do!

Want to be an ace in riding? Ashva has a wide variety of bridles to make you the best at riding. It gives you and the horse a comfort zone that will make your ride memorable and pleasurable. Whether you are a horse rider or do it for recreation, we have everything for you!

It is an essential part of riding gear; without bridles, it can be extremely dangerous for someone to ride as it may also cause serious injuries. In addition, bridles give stability while riding and complete control over the horse.

 

Ashva manufactures these products with ample experience and great care for your horse and are smooth to handle for the rider, with ace quality of equipment material made with great affinity.

It comes to you in different varieties and is available in various colours and designs that you like, providing a classy and stylish look to your horse. It is available for you in different price ranges and sizes. M-Pony – medium-sized, L-Pony – large ponies, Cob, Full, Extra Full, and Cold Blood horses. You say, and we have it! You can count on Ashva for your horse’s comfort. The snaffle bridles are furnished with webbed reins, whereas double bridles with leather reins. 

 

Fitting and Buckles

 

A horse looks more classy and hence gives those vibes to ride it passionately if the buckles are intact and shine with light. Harmonizing colours are taken to work to give a Chrome or brass-coloured furnishing. 

Ashva is obsessed with user satisfaction, so compromising with cheap hardware is not on the list for us!

 

Bridles Crownpieces

A crownpiece is also an essential element of bridles; it gives a good bottom hold to the bridles in their place, which automatically is good to do equestrian activities. It gives support behind the horse's ears and plays the joint's role, which connects and keeps other parts of the bridle in their place. Asha makes crownpieces of standard dimensions suitable for the horses, and the work may go on smoothly. Most of the bridles have a buckle fastening feature on both sides, which can fit those having shorter heads.

It will be much more exciting if you look at it more closely, you will learn more about this equipment, and your buddy will become your bestie!

 

Browbands

A browband is a part that is attached to the crownpiece over the head; it gives a structure to the complete gear, which makes it look beautiful. Passing through the lower area of the ear and moving towards the forehead then to the lower area of the other ear gives a firm grip while controlling the horse. It keeps the bridle in its place and does not allow it to slide, giving good balance.

Browbands come in various types, including U-shaped crystal browbands, pasting U-shaped browbands, padded browbands, and straight browbands. Each of them has its own impression and quality. Some of these, especially U shaped and V-shaped browbands, have crystals and stones, differentiating them from any other kind. Leather padded browbands also have a great demand though it's simple to look at but has a different class of its own. The most commonly used is straight browbands, which is easy to tie and is most comfortable for the horse.

Ashva presents you three featured collections of browbands, consisting of browbands type 1, type 2, and type 3

.

 

Double Bridles 

In looks, double bridles are the same as snaffle bridles, but as it is said that the devil lies in details, so here are the details. A double bridle comprises two bits, and two sets of reins which are often used in competitive dressage events, another common name of these is Weymouth bridles. Double bridles are in demand, mainly in saddle seat riding, and those events require formal attire or traditional attire. With the accurate technique, performance increases and look glamorous while riding.

If you want to do movements like passage and piaffe, then double Bridle will be very helpful, making it essential for the equestrian eventing. Ashva has three kinds of equipment in this collection.

 

Nosebands

One thing that makes British bridles different and eye-catching is the nosebands. As the name suggests, it surrounds the nose of the horse. One of the best use is that it keeps the bridle intact on the horse, giving a firm grip and a chance to add other parts to it; one such example is martingales.

Some of the nosebands become too intimidating for horses, so it needs to be taken care of that it should not be very tight and cause trouble to the horse.

 

Reins

 

If we talk about what connects a horse and its rider, no doubt it is a rein that has a vital connection between the horse's bit and the rider's hand. Most bridles feature reins that are rightly styled to complement the look and purpose of the bridle, which looks fantastic. The English reins come with a lot of variety, including those for Dressage, Hunting, Jumping, or Endurance.

 

Reins are made in different styles like laced, rubber, web, or woven.

It is always advised to have a rein matching a bridle which makes it stylish and way more classy.

 

 

Snaffle bridle

 

It has a lot of demand because of its multifunctional features, hence can be used with various styles of bit. These are primarily used in English lands for equestrian disciplines such as jumping, dressage, and trail riding.

It is also a popular attraction among horse jumpers. Multiple varieties of single snaffle bits such as egg butt, D-ring snaffle, loose ring, kimberwicks, gag bits, and curb bits come under snaffle bridle; a single set of reins is also attached to that bit.

 

ASHVA has all that for you. Try a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes with ASHVA and share your love with your LOVE! 

 

At Ashwa, we are living the traditions of the equestrian world. The unique lifestyle surrounded by our products is so captivating that it becomes without a doubt an important part of who we are.

 

We always keep this in mind as we honor the classic equestrian style, season after season, with high quality materials and exclusive designs for all equine devotees and their magnificent horses.

 

Why not take advantage of our limited time offer where you can save some discount on selected products

 

Shop our range of products here at https://www.theashva.com/

 

And Subscribe to our mailing list. You will receive updates on our latest products news, sustainable actions and deals in the future, and more on our Instagram, and Facebook pages.

 

If you require advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to  contact our Customer Service Team on +44-7847859522 or email: info@iksons.com

 

Sign up today to get exclusive new horse treats delivered to your door.

Your horse will LOVE you for it!

[ashvablog]

Breastplates

You'd be amazed at the number of individuals who use a breastplate on their horse mostly for looks.

Well Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ll admit it looks cool. It makes a horse look even more like a horse. So if fashion’s your thing, then using a breastplate is perfectly fine. In any case, there’s another reason for using a breastplate, and it’s far more important.

As you might know, A breastplate gets the tack onto the horse and turns out to be especially useful with huge shoulders and flat ribcage. Its additionally a security part from the angle that if the riders size or billets should break, the rider will have the opportunity to pause and descent before the saddle slips totally off.

A breastplate is a piece of riding gear, used to keep the saddle or harness on a horse from sliding back. It gets the saddle, yet permits horse's large shoulders to move and gives the rider something to hold onto. Sometimes horses need them specifically for a job they do.

For many, a breastplate gives your hands a place to grab. That’s because the breastplate’s strap goes over the withers that ridge between his shoulder blades. It’s helpful for fledgling riders, on a horse that is moving, or if a horse makes a lot of jerking motions.

Breastplates are usually used to help keep the saddle in the right place and prevent it from slipping back. They spread the pressure evenly over the withers and horse's chest causing minimal discomfort for the horse. Some breastplates by Ashva have a removable running martingale attachment that can be threaded through the reins and help prevent the horse from raising its head too much.

The breastplates are used on both English as well as Western saddles. It is usually crafted from more thin leather straps if used in English riding or Western-style horse shows.

 

 

 

Fitting a breastplate

As noted, you don't want to fit a breastplate in way that might restrict movement. It should be extended across his shoulders yet take into consideration for full range of motion in that area. Observe the chest and region between his front legs as well. There a fist should fit between the breastplate and the horse’s chest, and there should be a hand with between the wither strap and withers. There’s shouldn’t be a gap in the leather from the girth between his legs in the Y-shape version.

 

The breast strap ought to have a little play, but you don't want the buckle rubbing against delicate skin. If you notice hair loss, that is a certain sign that you need to make a change in his fit. You could also consider a new style breastplate altogether, or simply add some padding.

 

Purpose of Breastplates

For each of the various types and purposes of horse riding, there is an ideal breastplate that can be utilized. If the breastplate isn't fitted accurately, it can confine your horse's relaxing. There is the possibility of this with the loop breastplate as it runs across the underside of the horse's neck. Thus, the breastplate should fit impeccably, so it doesn't make any uneasiness the horse. Various types of breastplates will fit differently, thus prior to riding, checks should be made to ensure the breastplate has been fitted properly.

 

Care Instructions

To maximise a breastplate's life span and help prevent staining on it, Ashva highly recommends a leather care routine after each use. 

Use lukewarm water on a soft sponge or damp cloth to gently remove the dust, dirt, or grease from the surface. Please be extra careful to clean the areas around the buckles and the key points of contact with the horse. 

Ashva recommends conditioning the leather using a soap/cream sometimes, being extra cautious about rubbing lightly and in a circular motion till all of the soap/cream has been absorbed.

Using a clean tissue/cloth, wipe away excess product from the surface of the breastplate. 

Leave the leather to dry naturally in a well-ventilated place and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. 

 

Breastplates can be costly, yet it’s likely a smart thought to have one.

Let’s take a closer look below:

3 Point Breastplates

The 3-point elastic breastplate is specially designed to provide the horse with greater comfort and freedom of movement. Its finely stitched finishes elegantly complete its design. It is delivered with an elastic martingale fork with removable rings, and its security saddle-stud fastening system increases both horse and rider’s safety.

This type of breastplate is fully adjustable to fit a variety of horses the elastic inserts allow for freedom of movement without restriction. The breastplate is padded in all areas most needed for maximum comfort for the horse as well as raised leather and contrast stitching to team up with rests. This breastplate is made from the finest quality leather for an instantly worn feel.

 

5 Point Breastplates

Ashva brings you the most trendy, fashionable and very technically crafted Special design breastplate to hold horse from 5 points to increase the comfort and control of Ride and Mount. The overarching objective of a breastplate is to keep the saddle centered.

 

A five-point breastplate will help the user in keeping the girth more forward, preventing it from the probability of slipping back.

The 5 point design will naturally distribute the pressure over a larger area than a breastplate with just a couple of points of contact. It could also be said that 5 point breastplates don’t put as much pressure on the tree of the saddle when the rider jump.

 

Breastcollar Breastplates

One variation of Breaststraps is a Breatcollar. It helps to keep your saddle from sliding back, it secures the saddle to the tack and can be especially useful on a horse with large shoulders. It is also useful as a safety feature when eventing or riding cross country to hold the saddle on in case you lose the girth or billet straps.

The breastcollar is safer than others, since it connects to either the front billet of the saddle, or to the front branch of a split-end girth (which is even more secure). It is in this way generally attractive in eventing, particularly on the cross-country phase, polo, and other jumping disciplines. It isn't utilized in dressage, chase seat, or equitation.

This style of breastcollar doesn't meddle with the horse's shoulders, as some other styles can do. In any case, this style might meddle with the horse's ability to breathe when it puts its head far down. Accordingly, this style isn't desirable for jumping and riding in steep terrain.

 

Elastic Breastplates

The Elastic Breastplates are an advanced variant of the hunting breastplates, with straps made of elastic (not leather), allowing greater freedom in the horse's shoulders. Unlike others, the elastic type is meant to stretch under pressure from the saddle. If it is loose to begin with, it will have no affect when called for. It should be snug but not stretched when first fitting it. If placed properly, it has no affect on horse's airway.

Like the traditional breastplates, elastic breastplates also avoid pressure on the horse's windpipe due to its ‘Y’ shape. It secures the saddle at the D-rings, and the front strap passes between the front legs and fits the girth. When fitted accurately, you must be able to move your fist under the ring at the centre of the chest.

On the other hand, the elastic breast girth is a broad strap made from a thick elastic, with no wither strap. It attaches to the D-rings on the horse's saddle. This type of design of the breastplate allows the horse’s shoulders to move more freely. However, while attaching it, you must be careful that it doesn’t rest on the horse's windpipe. The Elastic Breastplates are used during everyday riding to hold the saddle in place.

 

Hunting Breastplates

Discover Ashva's all new traditionally styled Adjustable Hunting Breastplate which prevent the saddle from slipping backward with the help of 3 point breastplate. They are available in quality leather and fully adjustable at the neck, girth and withers for a perfect fit. A shaped center piece provides greater protection from pinching and distributes pressure more evenly when the horse is ridden over rugged terrain. It includes a running martingale attachment and features standard buckle attachments. The simple style of this breastplate is a perfect match for your next foxhunt or event.

Hunt with pride when you add this lovely breastplate by Ashva to your horse. These hunting breastplates have fine detail stitching and are easily adjustable to your horse. The hunting breastplates come in various sizes like pony, cob, full or oversize and in different colours like black, brown or natural.

 

Racing Breastplates

The racing breastplate is designed to prevent the saddle slipping back whilst the horse is moving. The strap fitted across the shoulders is usually made from leather, webbing, elastic or sheepskin. It should be situated at the top of the shoulders, just below the bottom of the gullet, and fitted tightly without causing restriction or rubbing to the horse’s shoulders.

The Racing Breastplates have a hoop to go over the horse's neck and attach to the saddle's girth straps. These are slightly different from the rest as they don't attach to the girth between the legs. Racing Breastplates are used for every day riding or racing.

 

At Ashwa, we are living the traditions of the equestrian world. The unique lifestyle surrounded by our products is so captivating that it becomes without a doubt an important part of who we are.

We always keep this in mind as we honor the classic equestrian style, season after season, with high quality materials and exclusive designs for all equine devotees and their magnificent horses.

Why not take advantage of our limited time offer where you can save some discount on selected products

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