A breastcollar is a Y-shaped piece of tack that prevents the
saddle from sliding backwards.
It has a strap that goes between the front legs and attaches
to the cinch, and two straps that attach to the saddle on each
site.
The breastcollar may be attached to the riggings or the d-rings
on the saddle.
Breastcollars
are often used in fast-paced events such as barrel racing, roping,
and reining. They keep the saddle from slipping and, in the
event that a cinch fails or comes loose, can provide support.
Breastcollars
are often made of leather or nylon. Breastcollars used in showing
or parades are often more decorative and may include fancy engraved
leather and silver plates. Some functional breastcollars are
decorated with beads or colored inlays.
Breastcollar
straps are a connective piece that goes over the horse's withers
and holds the breastcollar high enough so that it will not interfere
with the movement of the horse's shoulder. This is especially
important in fast-paced performance events where the horse needs
to have full movement to complete events. Some people will tie
a piece of twine across, but some breastcollars come with straps.
Or, almost any kind of strap with clips can be used-- for example,
a small double-clipped dog walking leash works well.
English
riders use a similar piece of tack called breastplates or breastgirths.
