Best Equestrian Breastplates of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Equestrian breastplates are a type of horse tack that is used to secure the saddle to the horse's body. They are typically made of leather or synthetic materials and come in a variety of styles and designs. Some breastplates feature a martingale attachment, which helps to control the horse's head carriage and prevent it from raising its head too high. Others may have elastic inserts for added flexibility and comfort. Breastplates are an essential piece of equipment for riders of all levels and disciplines, providing extra stability and security while riding.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate Cover #TOP 1
TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HORZE Adjustable Breastplate Cover #TOP 2
HORZE Adjustable Breastplate
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Exion 5-Point Breastplate with Sheepskin Cover #TOP 3
Exion 5-Point Breastplate with Sheepskin
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Equestrian Breastplates

#TOP 1

TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate

TackRus
803933BKPony
Black
Full
TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate Cover
TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate with Original Lamb Faux Fur Padding 803933BKF

The TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate is a beautiful and comfortable option for English riding. It is fully padded and double stitched for durability. The rust-free stainless steel hardware adds to its longevity. It comes in Horse, Cob, and Pony sizes, as well as Mahogany and Brown colors.

What We Like
Durable double stitching
Fully padded for comfort
Rust-free stainless steel hardware
#TOP 2

HORZE Adjustable Breastplate

6438076334004
Black
Horse
HORZE Adjustable Breastplate Cover
HORZE Adjustable Hunting Breastplate - Black - Horse

The HORZE Breastplate is a traditionally-styled, three-point breastplate crafted from high-quality, durable leather. It features a running martingale attachment, which helps maintain proper control and balance while riding. The adjustable neck, withers, and girth straps allow you to achieve a perfect fit for your horse, ensuring comfort and security during rides. Additionally, traditional buckle attachments provide a reliable and classic look while making it easy to put on and take off. This breastplate not only enhances your horse's performance but also adds a touch of elegance to your equestrian gear.

What We Like
Durable leather construction
Adjustable for perfect fit
Includes running martingale
Classic buckle attachments
#TOP 3

Exion 5-Point Breastplate with Sheepskin

ExionPro
Exion VT-324-SS-Havana-2001
Exion 5-Point Breastplate with Sheepskin Cover
Exion 5-Point Horse Breastplate with Sheepskin Padding, Running Attachment & Brown Elastic | Premium Leather English Breastplate for Show Jumping & Eventing

The Exion Breastplate is designed for maximum stability and comfort during riding. Its 5-point design evenly distributes pressure, helping keep your saddle in place while you jump or ride at high speeds. The original sheepskin padding at pressure points ensures a soft touch, perfect for sensitive horses and preventing chafing. The premium leather construction not only offers durability but also a luxurious feel, making it an elegant choice for any equestrian event. Additionally, the elastic straps with white lines provide flexibility, allowing your horse to move freely without feeling restricted.

What We Like
Maximum stability during riding
Soft sheepskin padding
Durable premium leather
Flexible elastic design
#TOP 4

Shires Avignon Breastplate

50028 BLK COB
Black
Shires Avignon Breastplate Cover
Avignon Three Point Breastplate (Cob, Black)

The Shires Avignon Breastplate is a three-point design that provides stability and security for your horse while riding. The elastic inserts allow for flexibility, ensuring a comfortable fit that adapts to your horse’s movements. Additionally, the detachable running martingale attachment offers versatility, allowing you to customize your setup based on your riding style or discipline. This combination of features helps improve your horse's performance and keeps your tack securely in place, giving you peace of mind during your rides.

What We Like
Stable three-point design
Flexible elastic inserts
Detachable martingale attachment
Customizable setup
#TOP 5

Suffolk by Dover Saddlery 5-Point Breastplate

09456
Brown
Horse
Suffolk by Dover Saddlery 5-Point Breastplate Cover
Suffolk 5-Point Breastplate, Color: Brown, Size: Horse

The Suffolk by Dover Saddlery 5-Point Breastplate is an essential accessory for horse riders. This leather breastplate has five points of contact to keep the saddle secure, including the girth, two saddle dees, and two billets. The navy and white double elastic inserts ensure that your horse has freedom of motion, while genuine sheepskin pads at the shoulders prevent chafing. The pads are equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners, which makes them easy to remove for cleaning.

What We Like
Provides five points of contact for added security
Equipped with genuine sheepskin pads to protect against chafing
Easy to clean with removable pads and adjustable leather design
#TOP 6

ExionPro English Horse Breastplate

ExionPro
Exion VT-332-SS-Havana-2001
Full
ExionPro English Horse Breastplate Cover
Exion English Horse Breastplate Designer Stitched Soft Linned Anatomic Shaped with Running Attachment | Premium Leather English Breast Collar for Horses

The ExionPro Horse Breastplate is crafted from high-quality vegetable-tanned leather, ensuring a smooth finish that looks great for both schooling and shows. Its unique petal-like design on the straps adds a distinctive touch, making your horse stand out. The breastplate features elastic and leather inserts for a comfortable fit, allowing your horse to move freely without restriction. Additionally, the meticulous stitching not only enhances durability but also adds an elegant aesthetic, ensuring the breastplate looks as good as it performs.

What We Like
Premium quality leather
Unique design elements
Comfortable and flexible fit
Durable, meticulous stitching
#TOP 7

SUKEYME LED Horse Breastplate Collar

SUKEYME
2024 Breast V.1
Multicolor
Medium
SUKEYME LED Horse Breastplate Collar Cover
LED Horse Breastplate Collar, 7 Colors in 1 Light up Horse Tack, USB Rechargeable LED Horse Harness - Added Visibility & Safety for Night Horse Riding

The SUKEYME LED Horse Collar offers a vibrant selection of seven colors, allowing you to customize your horse's look without the need for multiple purchases. This feature enhances visibility during night rides, making it easier for drivers to spot you and your horse, which significantly improves safety on the road. Crafted from durable, water-resistant materials, this collar is built to last and is easy to clean after those muddy rides. It's also a thoughtful gift for children or horse enthusiasts who enjoy nighttime riding, ensuring they return safely from their adventures.

What We Like
Customizable color options
Enhanced night visibility
Durable and easy to clean
Great gift for horse lovers
#TOP 8

Crown Hunter Breastplate

Crown
Dark Havana
Horse-F/S
Crown Hunter Breastplate Cover
Crown Hunter Breastplate Dark Havana Horse-full Size

The Crown Breastplate is crafted from premium leather, ensuring a high-quality feel and durability for your riding needs. The raised neck straps, accented with contrast stitching, not only enhance its appearance but also provide additional comfort and support for your horse. With robust stainless steel hardware, you can trust that this breastplate will withstand the rigors of equestrian activities. Exclusively available at Dover Saddlery, this piece is designed to meet the needs of serious riders, offering both style and functionality for a superior riding experience.

What We Like
High-quality leather
Comfortable neck straps
Durable stainless steel hardware
Stylish contrast stitching
#TOP 9

Dover Saddlery Breastplate

0009182486982
Medium Brown
Horse-F/S
Dover Saddlery Breastplate Cover
DS - Hunter Breastplate, Color: Medium Brown, Size: Horse

The Dover Saddlery Breastplate, also known as the Dover Breastplate, is made from hand-selected leather and features raised neck straps with contrast stitching. This equestrian breastplate is designed to provide durability and convenience for both horse and rider. The stainless steel hardware ensures long-lasting use, while the raised neck straps offer added support and stability during riding. The Dover Breastplate is brought to you by Dover Saddlery, a trusted leader in equestrian products for over 40 years. With their expertise and commitment to quality, Dover Saddlery provides the best horse and rider products in the US. Whether you're an English or Dressage rider, the Dover Breastplate is a reliable choice for enhancing your riding experience.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Provides added support and stability
High-quality materials
#TOP 10

TackRus Stretchable Leather Breastplate

TackRus
803880BKF
Black
Full
TackRus Stretchable Leather Breastplate Cover
Horse English Padded Leather Riding Tack Stretchable Nylon Black Breastplate 803880BKF

The TackRus Breastplate is a beautifully designed riding accessory made from durable, stretchable nylon and premium black leather. This combination not only offers a sleek look but also ensures long-lasting use in various conditions. With rust-free stainless steel hardware, you can trust that this breastplate will maintain its quality over time. The adjustable breast straps range from 48 to 52 inches, accommodating most standard-sized horses. This flexibility allows you to find the perfect fit, enhancing your riding experience and ensuring your horse's comfort and security.

What We Like
Durable materials
Rust-free hardware
Adjustable size
Comfortable fit
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do breastplates do for horses?

Breastplates are riding gear that helps keep the saddle or harness from sliding back on a horse. They provide stability to the saddle while allowing the horse's shoulders to move freely. Additionally, they give the rider something to hold onto and are often used for specific jobs or to address conformational issues.

2. How do I know if my horse needs a breastplate?

Horses may need a breastplate due to their conformation, job, or to help the rider stay secure in the saddle. If a horse has large shoulders or narrow ribs, it can cause the saddle to slip back regardless of how tight the girth is. The horse's job or discipline may also require the use of a breastplate for added stability and safety.

3. What is the difference between a 3-point and 5-point breastplate?

A 3-point breastplate connects to the girth under the chest and to the d-rings of the saddle. On the other hand, a 5-point breastplate also connects to the girth straps and allows for a running martingale attachment. Both types are popular among eventers and provide additional stability and support.

4. What is the difference between a martingale and a breastplate?

Breastplates are designed to prevent the saddle from slipping back, while martingales help control the horse's head movement. While both can be made of various leather types, they serve different purposes in horse riding and can be used separately or together, depending on the rider's needs and discipline.

5. Do breastplates restrict movement?

Traditional hunting breastplates are made of leather, and some have elastic on the yoke to allow for better shoulder movement during jumping. However, a breastplate that is too tight can inhibit movement and cause the front of the saddle to dig into the shoulder, which can be uncomfortable for the horse.

6. What size breastplate do I need?

To determine the size of the breastplate, measure from the center of your horse's chest up to the D ring on your saddle. Choose the size that best fits this measurement. It's important to ensure a proper fit to provide comfort and prevent any restrictions on your horse's movement.

7. Will a breastplate stop my saddle from slipping?

A well-fitted breastplate can help prevent the saddle from slipping backward while allowing your horse to move freely without restriction. Some breastplates feature padded areas, elasticated sections, or sheepskin in high-risk rubbing areas to provide added comfort and security.

8. Can you use a breastplate and a martingale together?

Yes, a breastplate and a martingale are separate pieces of horse tack that serve different purposes. While a breastplate helps keep the saddle stable, a martingale controls the horse's head movement. Depending on the rider's needs and the discipline, these pieces can be used separately or together.

Editor's Notes

During our equestrian breastplates research, we found 24 equestrian breastplates products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,873 customer reviews through our big data system to write the equestrian breastplates list. We found that most customers choose equestrian breastplates with an average price of $59.96.

The equestrian breastplates are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of equestrian breastplates, including TackRus, HORZE, ExionPro, Shires, Dover Saddlery. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 323 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.