Best Equestrian Breastplates of 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
Top 10 Equestrian Breastplates
TackRus Horse English Padded Leather 5-Point Breastplate
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.
HORZE Adjustable Breastplate
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.
Exion 5-Point Breastplate with Sheepskin
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.
Shires Avignon Breastplate
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.
Suffolk by Dover Saddlery 5-Point Breastplate
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.
ExionPro English Horse Breastplate
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.
SUKEYME LED Horse Breastplate Collar
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.
Crown Hunter Breastplate
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.
Dover Saddlery Breastplate
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.
TackRus Stretchable Leather Breastplate
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.
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.
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.

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.