How do you attach your hunt breastplate?

Question

I have seen people attach it to the d-rings at the front of the saddle and the billets. What do you do and why? Is one safer or more comfortable for the horse? I want to be doing it the best way possible!

I have been attaching to the D-rings

Answer 1

it depends on the breastplate usually. Some are designed to attach to the d-rings and some by the billets. If you've been attaching you're to the  d-rings then it's probably supposed to attach there and I would just leave it. I don't really know the difference between the two types, but I think it just differs as where the pressure disperses on their chest, the ones who attach to the billets put the pressure a little lower down.

Answer 2

There are two types of breastplates.  The first one, goes over the horses's head and then the side straps attach to the rings and the bottom strap fastens around the girth.  I prefer these because you can put snaps on those straps and simply for efficency sake, makes tacking up faster.

The second one is a bit stouter and attaches only to the girth billets.  It's your call as to which type of breastcollar you prefer.

Answer 3

i attatch mine to the front d-rings and the girth... it is both a safety and comfort precaution.. incase your girth breaks, it will keep your saddle on top of your horse rather than fall off the sides. then if fitted right, it should stop your saddle from sliding back which is more comfortable for the horse.

Answer 4

There are a few different styles of breastplates.  The hunt style typically attached at the d rings and at the girth.  I have snaps to snap it to the D's and snap it to the girth (much easier!)  The newer style breastplate is called something along the lines of a 5 point breastplate.  These attack and the girth, d's, *and* the billets.  Then, usually referred to as breast collars or polo breastplates usually have a strap going over the neck, and then it goes across the chest and attaches to the billets.  They all do pretty much the same thing, just a matter of preference.I have a hunt breastplate with elastic straps, and I also got my mare a polo breastplate just because I liked the look of it.