When choosing a new breastplate, it’s a good idea to find one that matches the colour of your bridle – leather and fittings if you can. Some brands make coordinating leatherwork ranges for a perfect match, but this isn’t essential – and you may prefer features on another breastplate. There are then a number of breastplate types to choose from, of which five-point and three-point are the most popular.

Types of breastplate

• Five-point breastplates are secured to your tack at five points – the D-rings, girth straps and girth under the belly. These breastplates can be adjusted quite precisely and are designed to distribute pressure over a greater area. They often feature elasticated sections for extra give, and sheepskin padding at potential pressure points to prevent rubbing.
• Three-point breastplates are also known as hunter breastplates and attach at three points – the D-rings and at the girth under the belly.
• Breast collars have a single leather or elasticated strap that runs horizontally across the horse’s chest, attaching to the girth straps on each side. It also has a thinner strap over the neck. Breast girths (sometimes known as showjumping breastplates) are similar and are usually elasticated, but do not have a strap over the neck. Some brands use the terms interchangeably.

We’ve rounded up a selection of five-point breastplates, three-point breastplates and breast collars you can get your hands on today below.

Five-point breastplates

Shires Salisbury 5-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black, Havana or Australian nut | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £89.99 |

This breastplate has padded leatherwork with stitch detailing, plus sheepskin pressure pads that can be removed for cleaning and replaced if necessary. It also features a detachable running martingale attachment and has elastic inserts. Replacement sheepskin pads available separately.

Black and Havana options have stainless steel fittings, while the Australian Nut has brass.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Mark Todd 5-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £134.98 |

Made from soft leather with stainless steel buckles, this breastplate has an adjustable running martingale attachment and sheepskin shoulder pads with elastic inserts that ensure comfort and pressure distribution. The top strap fastens with a trigger clip, while the lower strap has a loop for the girth strap.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Shires Velociti Rapida Ergonomic Breastplate

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £89.99 |

This breastplate has cushioned leather sections at the wither and shoulders, and is adjustable on both sides of the neck strap, at the shoulder and all attachment points. It has a removable running martingale attachment, and attaches to the D-rings with clips and has a stretch insert to buffer against shocks.

Finished with self-coloured thread and stainless steel harness buckles.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Whitaker Valencia 5-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black, light Havana or tan | Sizes: Full | RRP: £137.50 |

This breastplate has sheepskin pressure pads and elasticated webbing sections at the shoulders. It’s finished with brass fittings and has a fixed running martingale.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Three-point breastplates

Horseware Rambo Micklem Breastplate

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, small, standard or large | RRP: £125.95 |

This three-point breastplate can be adjusted at each side of the neck and at the girth, and has a detachable martingale attachment. It also features an additional removable safety strap that clips on across the withers for the rider to hold if necessary.

It has top clips that attach to D-rings or attachments for the stirrup bars, which give a safer and more secure attachment point without damaging the saddle.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Collegiate Hunter Breastplate IV

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob, full or warmblood | RRP: £99.99 |

This hunter-style breastplate comes with a removable running martingale attachment. It is finished with stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

LeMieux Breastplate With D-Ring Attachment

Colours: Black/silver or Havana/brass | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £99.95 |

This breastplate has a simple design but lots of room for adjustment. The adjustable top piece is padded with gel at the wither, the neck straps are elasticated, and there is further padding behind the connector on the chest. It attaches to the D-rings with clips.

It has a removable and adjustable running martingale attachment, which has handy clips so it can be attached to the reins without undoing them. The black leatherwork has silver fittings, while the Havana has brass.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

Shires Salisbury 3-Point Breastplate

Colours: Black or Australian nut | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £46.99 |

This breastplate has stitching detail that coordinates with the rest of the Salisbury range, but can be paired with all tack. It’s adjustable on both sides and is complete with a removable running martingale attachment. It is padded at the wither and the shoulder straps have elastic inserts to allow some give.

Black and Havana options have stainless steel fittings, while the Australian Nut has brass.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Mark Todd 3-Point Elasticated Breastplate

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Full | RRP: £99.98 |

Manufactured in soft leather with brass fittings, this breastplate has elastic inserts to allow freedom of movement, while clip fastenings allow for quick and easy attachment or removal. It is complete with a removable running martingale attachment, girth clip and elasticated extension loops that can be fixed to the D-rings if required.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Rhinegold V-Check Elasticated Breastplate

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £59.95 |

This breastplate has an elasticated section and padded chest for additional comfort, and a detachable running martingale with fully adjustable straps. It is finished with stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Breast collars

Mark Todd Elasticated Breast Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Full | RRP: £89.98 |

Made from soft leather, this breast girth is fully adjustable and features contrast stitching and stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Shires Velociti Gara Elastic Breast Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: One size | RRP: £26.99 |

Previously the Blenheim breast girth, this breastplate is made of strong elastic webbing and has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Hy Equestrian Elastic Breast Girth

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: One size | RRP: £27.99 |

Made of strong elastic webbing, this breast girth has stainless steel fittings.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

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The study, carried out by Fairfax with horse and rider analysis specialists Centaur Biomechanics, found horses wearing breastplates made a different shape over a fence to when they were jumped without them.

The researchers used the latest scientific technology to analyse as eventers Andrew Hoy, Tom Jackson, Kitty King and Emilie Chandler rode experienced horses over the same fence, without a breastplate, and then in each of a number of different makes.

“Centaur Biomechanics’ cameras, which capture movement at 400 frames per second (33 times faster than the human eye), examined and compared the action of each horse in take-off, flight and landing,” said a spokesman for Fairfax.

“Regardless of breastplate design, analysis showed that the whole jump is adversely affected from the moment when the horse is at the peak of take-off and its shoulder is in its most forward position – this is the moment of peak pressure.”

The study found that the arc made over the fence, from take-off to landing, was shortened, with the horses landing at a steeper angle, when they wore the breastplates.

“In the landing phase, the joints of the hind legs flex more in an attempt to clear the fence and the legs appear ‘cramped’,” the spokesman added.

“This over-flexing of the joints causes increased wear and tear on the horse’s limbs and any negative effects on the horse’s natural action mean he has to put more effort into every jump and will exacerbate fatigue, especially over a long or tricky course.”

As a result of the research, Fairfax has developed a breastplate which when tested was found to have no negative effect on the horses’ jump.

Continues below…

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A new girth being launched today at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is set to revolutionise the future of

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Eventer Tom Jackson, one of the riders involved, said the study was “really interesting”.

“The difference between their prototype and my normal five-point breastplate — they jumped much more freely and unrestricted in front, you could feel it,” he told H&H. “I’ve been competing in it ever since.

“The horses jump really well in it, they’re unrestricted, but you’ve still got the support you need sometimes when going cross-country so the saddle doesn’t move. I feel very privileged to be associated with Fairfax because they’re such forward thinkers.”

for more on the research, see next week’s H&H magazine, out 22 February.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

HyCLASS Premium breastplate

A smart, stylish five-point breastplate made from quality leather. It also features soft sheepskin and a padded wither piece for added comfort plus elastic webbing for movement and a running martingale attachment, making this breastplate very versatile. There are also adjustable buckle straps to aid fit for your horse. Available in black and dark brown, one size.

RRP: £120

Visit: www.hy-equestrian.com or call 01522 529206

Childéric UK breastplate

This breastplate is functionally styled, with attention to detail to the design to aid anatomical fit. Itis made from quality leather and helps prevent the saddle from naturally moving back. Finished with stainless steel buckles, buckle martingale attachment and elasticated inserts, this breastplate also comes with full fitting instructions including a handy saddle problem solving section too. Available in black, master or irish and sizes medium or bespoke.

RRP: £170

Visit: www.childericsaddles.co.uk

Albion Saddlemakers breastplate

The Albion, fully adjustable breastplate benefits from the combination of durable soft round edged elastic and hand crafted leather. As with all Albion accessories this breastplate has been ergonomically designed to be as slim-line and smooth as possible. It has been designed to minimise pressure and provide comfort, ensuring freedom of movement for the horse, eliminating the risk of any chaffing. The Albion breastplate is fully compatible with the Albion Revelation girth, the Albion Legend girth, Albion Long girth and the Albion slip on stud guard. Available in cob, full, warmblood and made to measure, in either black or brown.

RRP: £136

Visit: www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk or call 01922 646210

Sue Carson Saddles five-point breastplate

The five-point breastplate from Sue Carson Saddles is a high quality security system, fully adjustable and elasticated for maximum comfort and freedom of movement. Available in either brown or black.

RRP: £150

Visit: www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk or call 01629 540343

Mark Todd five-point breastplate

Manufactured in fine Sedgwick English leather with stainless steel fittings, this breastplate features an adjustable running martingale attachment, sheepskin shoulder protection and elastic inserts, while the five-point fixing maximises freedom of movement during athletic activity. The Mark Todd five-point breastplate comes in cob or full sizes, in black or brown.

RRP: £134.50

Visit: www.wefi.co.uk or call 01303 872277

Kate Negus Saddlery five-point breastplate

Made to a design registered to Kate Negus Saddlery, the five-point breastplate is suitable for supporting saddle stability. It’s made using English leather and elastic with plenty of adjustment for good fit. This breastplate also features padded leather guards over the shoulder areas and clips either side of the wither. Running and standing martingale attachments are available to purchase separately. It is available in black and chestnut in sizes full and cob.

RRP: £250

Visit: www.katenegus.com or call 0780 115 0571

BR Taunton breastplate

This is a leather breastplate with elastic in the neck strap and a leather martingale attachment. It has many adjustment possibilities and can easily be attached to the saddle with snap hooks, the martingale attachment is also easy detachable with a snap hook. This breastplate is made of full-grain, strong European leather which is supple and durable. Most parts have a soft leather facing and the breastplate is finished, with high-quality stainless steel buckles. The breastplate prevents the saddle from sliding backwards, especially by jumping, which can also be a problem with very round horses. Available in pony, cob or full in either tobacco or black and silver

RRP: £70.95

Visit: www.br.nl

Pessoa five-point breastplate

The Pessoa five-point breastplate features strong elasticated inserts which allow freedom and movement in the shoulder area and high and low saddle attachments with a detachable running martingale for ease when swapping between disciplines. Availble in either cob or full sizes and colours black or havana.

RRP: £59

Visit: www.fieldhouse.co.uk

Equipe event breastplate

Crafted in Italian leather, the Equipe event breastplate is made from extremely durable elastic with soft sheep-skin pads. It comes complete with a running martingale attachment, five-point fastening to the saddle and is finished with stainless steel buckles.

The breastplate has a self-centering system ensuring it doesn’t slip and keeps the saddle securely in place. Available in black, brown, newmarket and red-brown and sizes cob, pony or full with the choice of stainless steel or brass fittings.

RRP: £250

Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350

Equetech Vision breastplate

Visibility out hacking is important all year round, even during the summer months, where visibility can be compromised by shaded areas and bright sunlight. The Equetech Vision breastplate is a bold V-shaped breastplate with 50mm reflective vertical stripes, which helps draw attention to you and your horse and also features a neck strap with adjustable buckle clip, adjustable Equetech branded reflective girth strap, Equetech reflective badge and reinforced binding to the hem.

Available in fluorescent yellow or fluorescent pink and sizes pony/cob or pony/full.

RRP: £20.95

Visit: www.equetech.com or call 01296 688 966

Stephen’s fully adjustable Hunt breastplate

This breastplate is created using quality leather and brass fittings. It is fully adjustable, and comes with a running martingale attachment and is particularly suitable for big moving horses. Available full size only (5/8″ inch).

RRP: £109.73 (excluding VAT)

Visit: www.worldwidetack.com or call 01825 840002

Next week: don’t miss our pick of the best short sleeved show shirts

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The new breastplate is made of leather and helps prevent the saddle from slipping and moving backwards and forwards during riding.

A spokesperson from Childeric said: “The breastplate is functionally styled, with attention to detail paid to the craftmanship, anatomical fit and purposefulness. Finished with smart stainless steel buckles, buckle martingale attachment and elasticated inserts, this breastplate also comes with full fitting instructions including a handy saddle problem solving section too.”

It comes in black, master and Irish and in sizes medium or bespoke, it costs £170

For more information visit: www.childericsaddles.co.uk

“The unique design of this combined breastplate and martingale allows for total freedom of movement,” said a spokesman for the company.

“It has an anatomically-shaped chest pad which is softly padded and to which all the various straps are attached.”

The breastplate has two elasticated shoulder straps. One fixes lower down to the girth straps and the other fixes to the top D rings of the saddle, giving double the security.

The leather martingale straps are clipped onto the chest pad and are completely detachable.

It comes in brown, black, Newmarket and aged oak and costs £159.

For more information visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Find a tackshop or saddlery

Q: I saw Ruth Edge riding PC Wilson at Floors Castle in May with an unusual-looking breastplate and wondered if you could tell me what make it is and in what way it is different?

AW, South Wales

Ruth Edge tells us her breastplate is the Auriga breastplate from Passier’s Basic Line. The manufacturers state it “prevents the saddle slipping backwards in the take-off phase, and does not cause any pressure points”.

How does the Auriga breastplate work?

The Auriga is said to give the horse maximum freedom at the shoulders, replacing the need for both a martingale and hunting breastplate.

“I find the Auriga breastplate really good and have used it on several different horses, including PC Wilson,” said Ruth.

“It’s great if you have trouble keeping the saddle forward, especially when the horses are muscular and fit.

“The breastplate doesn’t inhibit the shoulder area – it gives the horse maximum freedom of movement over fences.”

Where can I get one?

The Auriga breastplate is available in black with stainless steel fittings and havana with brass fittings, priced around £139.

Available from retailers including Elite Saddles.

Information

Elite Saddles, tel: 01254 853002 www.elitesaddles.co.uk

This Q&A was first published in Horse & Hound (18 June, ’09)

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What is it?

PIPPA Funnell helped to design the Kolibri after becoming disenchanted with conventional breastgirths and breastplates, which she felt restricted the horse’s shoulder movement.

The Kolibri is a combination of a breastplate and a martingale — meaning you don’t need to sport the tangle of leatherwear you sometimes see adorning the chests of event horses.

The two elastic harnesses of the Kolibri can be adjusted to follow the angle of the shoulder, and are designed to allow freedom of shoulder movement over fences. It also has five points of attachment, to avoid undue pressure on a specific area.

Who uses it?

RUTH Edge does, on a number of her horses. She first borrowed one from Kenneth Clawson, after finding her saddle was not staying in place, and rode with one at Luhmühlen. She then bought one for herself.

“The Kolibri fits well and is particularly suitable for horses with a big shoulder movement.”

Eventing magazine’s Ellie Hughes, who events up to two-star level, is also a fan of the Kolibri.

“It may be expensive, but it’s worth it. With the Kolibri, you don’t get any pulling on the base of the neck as you can with traditional breastgirths,” says Ellie.

Anything else I should know?

“BREASTPLATES were sometimes used as an accessory to prevent badly fitted saddles from slipping backwards,” says Benjamin Auzimour from Devoucoux. “We think that if a saddle fits, you shouldn’t need a breastplate to hold it in place. The Kolibri was designed to act as a safety back-up — in case the saddle did ever slip — but to do so without putting uneven pressure across the chest or interfering with the shoulder rotation.”

“Show jumper Peter Murphy also found that, when using the Kolibri, he didn’t need to girth up as tightly as he would without it. This means there is less pressure from the horse’s girth or stud guard,” Benjamin adds.

How do I get one?

JOIN the queue. Devoucoux goods are hand-stitched in Biarritz, France, and the Kolibri is very much in demand — especially with the recent launch of the show jumping version. Nor can you buy one from your local tackshop.

Contact Devoucoux direct (tel: 01296 689012) or e-mail uk.contact@devoucoux.com to order.

The waiting list is currently around six weeks long, and the £180 price includes shipping.

This Q&A was first published in Horse & Hound (23 November, ’06)