More safety when riding
Breastplates and martingales
Breastplates and martingales often go together: the breastplate is placed around the horse's chest and connected to the girth, and on many models a martingale fork can be attached. Here you will find breastplates, martingales, martingale forks, stops, sliders and protectors for horse and pony. Filter by size, colour and brand. Our guide Auxiliary reins explained explains how auxiliary reins work.
Breastplates and martingales: types, choice and accessories
Breastplates and martingales are separate pieces of equipment but are often combined. The martingale is one of the auxiliary reins. How it works depends on the model, the adjustment and the horse. Whether and how you use a martingale, please discuss with your riding instructor or trainer. Here you will find an overview of the range in the shop.
Breastplate at a glance
A breastplate usually consists of a neck strap, straps on both sides of the saddle and a strap between the front legs that is attached to the girth. It is mainly used in show jumping and eventing. In the shop there are, for example:
- Breastplate with bridge or long bridge: models from Dyon, QHP and Waldhausen.
- Breastplate with elastic: elastic parts are found for example on Dyon, Kavalkade, BR and Waldhausen.
- Anatomically shaped breastplate and 5-point breastplate: Dyon offers models with several attachment points.
- Breastplate with removable martingale fork: depending on the model, for example on QHP and Passier; details are stated with the article.
- Breastplate and neck strap: also English-named models, for example from Trust, as well as neck straps for breastplates.
Martingale at a glance
- Running martingale (ring martingale): the reins run through rings on the fork. This design is often used in show jumping and eventing. In the shop there are ring martingales from Dyon and the “Kudos Running Martingale” from LeMieux.
- Standing martingale: in the shop there is a “fixed martingale” from Dyon and a “standing martingale” from BR. A fixed (also standing) martingale is not run through the reins but attached to the noseband.
- Martingale fork: the fork with the rings through which the reins run. Available among others closed, with carabiner or snap rings, with elastic, and soft or stiff. Individual forks from Dyon, Kavalkade, QHP, BR and Waldhausen are available separately.
- Other models: martingales with cord, with stopper, softly padded or as a bib martingale in soft leather.
Stoppers, sliders and protectors
As accessories you will find martingale stoppers, martingale sliders and protectors here. Protectors come for example in sheepskin, faux fur or neoprene for martingale or breastplate. What a part is for and how it is fitted is stated in the manufacturer details with the article.
Material and finish
Breastplates and martingales come in leather, soft leather and synthetic material, some with elastic, padding or fur covers. You will find them mainly in black and brown. Leather needs care; suitable products are under Leather care. Check straps, seams and fittings regularly for wear.
Size: Warmblood, Cob, Pony and Shetty
There are sizes for Warmblood, Cob and Pony; for Shetty the selection is limited. Choose the right size in the filter. The size label is a guide; compare the measurements in the article with your horse and girth. Many models are adjustable; adjustment range and measurements are stated with the article.
Martingale and reins
On running martingales the reins run through the rings of the fork. Make sure rein width and rein fastening, for example buckle, bridle hook or carabiner, fit the fork. Some models have carabiners or snap rings that let you hook the fork into the rein without opening the reins. Whether that is the case for a model is stated in the product description. Suitable reins are also available from us.
Adjustment and use
Breastplate and martingale must fit horse, saddle and bridle. Length and fastening depend on the model; the manufacturer's instructions take precedence. On running martingales the fork is usually fastened so that it hangs slightly slack when the rein is in contact. The first time, get help from an experienced rider or trainer. For shows and events different rules apply depending on the federation; check the current schedule. An overview of all types is under training aids.
Brands
The range includes among others Dyon, Kavalkade, BR, QHP, Waldhausen, Passier and LeMieux. Use the brand filter to get to your preferred model more easily.
Advice
Unsure about type, size or fastening? We are happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
A breastplate is placed around the horse's chest and connected to the girth. A martingale is an auxiliary rein with a fork that works together with the reins or the noseband. The two are often combined: on many models a martingale fork is detachable or can be attached; the manufacturer's details with the item will tell you.
The martingale is an auxiliary rein. It is attached to the girth and connected to the reins or the noseband via a fork. It is used mainly in show jumping and cross-country. Whether and how you use it, please discuss with your riding instructor or trainer.
There are running martingales (ring martingales), where the reins run through rings on the fork, and fixed (standing) martingales, which are attached to the noseband. The martingale fork is available, for example, closed, with snap hook, with elastic, and soft or stiff. Which design a model has is stated with the item.
These are accessories for martingales and breastplates. The shop offers martingale stops, martingale sliders and protectors made, for example, of sheepskin, faux fur or neoprene. What a part is intended for and how it is fitted is stated in the manufacturer's details with the item.
In the filter, select the size Warmblut, Cob, Pony or Shetty. The designation is only a guide; compare the measurements given with the item against your horse and your girth. The choice for Shetty is limited. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Length and buckling depend on the model; the manufacturer's instructions take priority. Many models are adjustable at several points. With running martingales the fork is usually buckled so that it sags slightly when the rein is on contact. Ask an experienced rider or trainer to help you the first time you use it. Depending on the association, different regulations apply at shows.