Breastplates & Martingales

Shop breastplates and martingales for horses that need saddle stability, head carriage support, or a little extra security out on course. These two pieces of equipment are often confused (and are sometimes combined) but they do distinct jobs. A breastplate keeps a saddle from sliding back; a martingale limits how high a horse can raise its head and thereby helps the rider maintain a clear rein line. Knowing which one your horse needs (or
whether you need both) makes all the difference in how your tack works for you.

A hunting-style or event breastplate is the most versatile option for most English riders. It attaches to the D-rings on either side of the saddle, runs across the chest, and has a short strap connecting to the girth between the front legs. The chest ring on a three-point or five-point breastplate can also accommodate a running martingale attachment, giving you saddle security and rein-line management in one piece. Five-point breastplates, with their additional shoulder and sternum straps, are popular for cross-country where the
combination of hills, drops, and speed puts real demands on saddle placement.

A running martingale threads onto the girth and splits into two rings through which the reins pass. It only engages when the horse carries its head above the correct angle, redirecting rein pressure downward rather than backward. It's the most common type in hunter/jumper and eventing because it works with the horse rather than against it. A standing martingale, by contrast, attaches to the noseband and sets a fixed upper limit
on head height, useful for horses that flip their heads dangerously, but only appropriate on a plain cavesson noseband, never on a flash or drop. Both types should be fitted so there is zero pressure on the horse at a normal, neutral head carriage.

Fit is everything with this type of tack. A breastplate that's too tight will restrict shoulder movement. You should be able to slide a hand under the chest strap and see the shoulder move freely at the walk. A martingale that's too short will tip the rein angle downward even at a relaxed head carriage and essentially put the horse's head in a mechanical tie-down. The rings on a correctly fitted running martingale, when held up to the neck,
should just reach the horse's throatlatch area. Check every adjustment after the first several rides, since leather stretches and fit changes as pieces break in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a breastplate and a martingale?
A breastplate is designed to keep the saddle from sliding backward, especially on horses with prominent withers or during uphill work and jumping. A martingale is a training and safety device that limits how high a horse can raise its head, maintaining a clear, functional rein line. Some breastplates include an attachment ring that lets you add a running martingale, effectively combining both functions in one piece of tack.

Does my horse need a breastplate for jumping?
Not every horse does, but it's smart insurance for many. Horses with flat withers or a round barrel that causes saddles to migrate backward, horses competing in cross-country, and horses working consistently up steep terrain all benefit from a breastplate. Even if your saddle fits well and sits still on the flat, a breastplate adds a meaningful layer of safety when the work involves significant elevation changes or big efforts at the gallop.

Can I use a martingale in competition?
It depends on the discipline and level. Running martingales are permitted in hunter/jumper competition at most levels and in the show jumping and cross-country phases of eventing. Standing martingales are allowed in hunter classes and some forms of showing. Dressage prohibits all forms of auxiliary reins and martingales in the ring. Always check the rulebook for your specific organization and show level before competing with one.

How should I fit a running martingale?
With the horse standing square and the martingale attached to the girth, hold the rings up toward the horse's neck. They should comfortably reach the throatlatch without pulling the reins downward at a normal head carriage. The neck strap should allow a hand's width between it and the horse's neck. Always use martingale stops (small rubber rings) on the reins between the bit and the martingale rings to prevent the rings from catching on bit hardware during a ride