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 Big Gun
Posts: 2216
 
Location: Texas | I've been watching the pros run on the internet and several dont use breast collars. I wonder if its because they feel like their horses can stretch out and run faster? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 816
| It depends on the horse I would think. I ride most with one, but I have a few that I don't. A breast collar is to prevent the saddle from sliding back. Some horses don't have that problem and if your not roping you wouldn't need one. Sometimes a breast collar will cause a ill fitting saddle to be even worse by pulling the front into the withers when the horse moves out. It is also a good safety in a sense that it might give you more time to avoid an accident should the girth fail. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2604
Location: Texas | I no longer use a breast collar.
JMHO... but breast collars are just necklaces for horses! If you have to use a breast collar to keep your saddle forward, then when it gets tight during a run it is going to restrict their movement. And if it is loose, then it is floppying around being distracting to your cues. And a breast collar isn't going to keep your saddle from sliding to either side either. I don't see a need for a breast collar in barrel racing. However, I can see a need in roping, trail riding up steep hills, etc. Again... JMHO! |
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  Ms. Marine
Posts: 4627
Location: Texas | I noticed that as well. I guess it just boils down to personal preference. I've never ran without one and I really don't need to have one on either of my mares but I just do. |
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 Duck Duck Goose
Posts: 1280
Location: Ohio | I have been watching the congress webcast and have noticed that alot too. I wondered the same thing about the horses stretching out. They look naked to me though lol. |
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 Crazy Chicken Chick
Posts: 36132
| I think a breastcollar is necessary when using a tie down though. It's not safe to use a tie down without something to hold the tie s.trap up if a horse should fall, etc.
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 A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | luvinrunnin - 2013-10-25 7:45 PM
I think a breastcollar is necessary when using a tie down though. It's not safe to use a tie down without something to hold the tie s.trap up if a horse should fall, etc.
THIS.
This is why mine wear a breast collar. To keep the tie down from flapping around & possibly tripping up the horse in a bad situation.
Mine isn't tight but it also isn't flopping around. I've just always used one, so I'll keep using it.
ETA: And the only way I see a breast collar really impeding a horse's movement is if there is no neck strap holding it up & it is ON the shoulder.
Edited by hlynn 2013-10-25 8:47 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 294
| I run my horse without one BUT I keep seeing all the pretty ones all over the place. I think I may buy one just for the looks. I agree. I think its like a fancy necklace. If people use them because saddles slip back then that saddle doesn't fit right? |
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 Certified Snake Wrangler
Posts: 1672
Location: North MS | How about just feeling naked without that security blanket. A breastcollar has saved me from a bad fall when my saddle slipped once. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 237
Location: Ava, Missouri | I agree that some horses need breast collars and some don't. I always run my horses with a breast collar just so the saddle is a little more secure. But for the breast collar to help, you need to make sure that your saddle fits correctly without hindering your horse's movement, use a well fitting saddle pad, etc. I always use a wither strap to hold up the breast collar, so that it is up off the horse's shoulder and not in the way. And I most definitely agree that any horse that runs in a tie down, a breast collar with a tie-down holder is a MUST! Why risk your horse's life possibly by running without your tie-down secure and out of the way? Just my opinion.  |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
| They can be an expression of style for either horse or rider, as well as being a tool for riding.
Mine are for decoration only. I do not rely on it for anything, saddle fit wise.
I showed up at my trainers a couple months ago without either of mine on and got a big chewing about jumping on the 'no breast collar' bandwagon. Well, one is broken, and I didn't have the money to get it fixed just then, and the other was on my friend's saddle while she tried a head setter on her mare.
As long as you know why you have or do not a breast collar and wear it accordinly adjusted I think you're fine. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 938
Location: Canada | All I can say is....if you are not going to use one REMOVE your back cinch please. I see this all the time and boy oh boy are some gals ever asking for a wreck!!! Just because so and so isn't wearing one doesn't mean you just go take yours off and not remove the even greater risk of having the back cinch on. Unless you all would like to provide us with some entertain when your saddle accidently slips back and the rear cinch settles nicely into your horses flank....  |
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 Blackbelt Babe
Posts: 9405
Location: South Georgia Good o'l USA |  well said,,,,,,,,,,, |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota | I always use a wither strap with my breastcollar to get it up and above the shoulders.
I use a breatcollar because 1) it looks pretty 2) it is a little bit of extra security if my cinch would break. I do not use the breastcollar to keep my saddle in place; that comes from saddle fit. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 417
Location: CA | CdnJunebug - 2013-10-27 4:59 PM
All I can say is....if you are not going to use one REMOVE your back cinch please. I see this all the time and boy oh boy are some gals ever asking for a wreck!!! Just because so and so isn't wearing one doesn't mean you just go take yours off and not remove the even greater risk of having the back cinch on. Unless you all would like to provide us with some entertain when your saddle accidently slips back and the rear cinch settles nicely into your horses flank....
Boy o boy, that saddle would have to slip one helluva ways back to have the back cinch end up there. You'd practically have to be riding their arse!!
I think a breast collar is like any other piece of tack, a tool that some need and some don't. I don't believe there is a right or wrong, only personal preference. I don't use one on any of my horses. Their saddles stay in place, and I don't ride with tie downs. I have no need for one. |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Grunt - 2013-10-27 11:35 PM CdnJunebug - 2013-10-27 4:59 PM All I can say is....if you are not going to use one REMOVE your back cinch please. I see this all the time and boy oh boy are some gals ever asking for a wreck!!! Just because so and so isn't wearing one doesn't mean you just go take yours off and not remove the even greater risk of having the back cinch on. Unless you all would like to provide us with some entertain when your saddle accidently slips back and the rear cinch settles nicely into your horses flank.... Boy o boy, that saddle would have to slip one helluva ways back to have the back cinch end up there. You'd practically have to be riding their arse!! I think a breast collar is like any other piece of tack, a tool that some need and some don't. I don't believe there is a right or wrong, only personal preference. I don't use one on any of my horses. Their saddles stay in place, and I don't ride with tie downs. I have no need for one.
Just an observation...the horse in your avatar has a breastcollar on. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 417
Location: CA | Nevertooold - 2013-10-27 9:45 PM
Grunt - 2013-10-27 11:35 PM CdnJunebug - 2013-10-27 4:59 PM All I can say is....if you are not going to use one REMOVE your back cinch please. I see this all the time and boy oh boy are some gals ever asking for a wreck!!! Just because so and so isn't wearing one doesn't mean you just go take yours off and not remove the even greater risk of having the back cinch on. Unless you all would like to provide us with some entertain when your saddle accidently slips back and the rear cinch settles nicely into your horses flank.... Boy o boy, that saddle would have to slip one helluva ways back to have the back cinch end up there. You'd practically have to be riding their arse!! I think a breast collar is like any other piece of tack, a tool that some need and some don't. I don't believe there is a right or wrong, only personal preference. I don't use one on any of my horses. Their saddles stay in place, and I don't ride with tie downs. I have no need for one. Just an observation...the horse in your avatar has a breastcollar on.
That was her sale picture, taken by her previous owner. I ride her and run her with no breastcollar. So nope, I'm not full of chit, was just stating my personal opinion! (And I'm pretty sure I never said they were unnecessary, just a tool that some needed and preferred to use and others did not.) |
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 Thread Killer
Posts: 7543
| How about you ride your horse the way you want to and I'll ride mine the way I want to.
Fair? |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | I'll use breastcollars, tie downs, and back cinches any day of the week. Personal preference, but if you are going to use these tools, just use them correctly. |
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 If you knew me you would want to be me
Posts: 13645
Location: Utah | I took mine off my horse because another of our horses told a physic that he didn't like how the breastcollar restricted his movement. Great reason isn't it.
My horse has had a first barrel issue since he was a 5 year old. I think an ill fitting saddle started the issue. Through the next five years I changed my saddle, my pad, my bridle, and worked hard on how I ride. When I took the breastcollar off is when I started getting a good first barrel turn. It can still occasionally be hit and miss but I believe it made the biggest different to the point that I don't plan to put it back on.
I do want to add that on my horse the saddle wants to sit a bit further back than on my other horses. He also havs good whithers and the saddle doesn't move even if mounting with a loose cinch.
My other horses, yes, they run with a breastcollar. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | ana - 2013-10-28 12:57 PM I took mine off my horse because another of our horses told a physic that he didn't like how the breastcollar restricted his movement. Great reason isn't it.
My horse has had a first barrel issue since he was a 5 year old. I think an ill fitting saddle started the issue. Through the next five years I changed my saddle, my pad, my bridle, and worked hard on how I ride. When I took the breastcollar off is when I started getting a good first barrel turn. It can still occasionally be hit and miss but I believe it made the biggest different to the point that I don't plan to put it back on.
I do want to add that on my horse the saddle wants to sit a bit further back than on my other horses. He also havs good whithers and the saddle doesn't move even if mounting with a loose cinch.
My other horses, yes, they run with a breastcollar.
Ana...Do you ride in a Merrill? |
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If you knew me you would want to be me
Posts: 13645
Location: Utah | Really slow in coming back to this post, my apologies. Yes I ride a Merrill saddle, a Merrill pad with a wither build up, the original Merrill S hack.
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I just don't see myself not using a breast collar on my saddle. it's just a little added security for me. None of mine require wither straps either to sit correctly. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 632
Location: Missouri |
Im a supporter of no breastcollar but not against them
I stopped using one the beginning of this year. But I also don't run in bell boots just boots........ Ok you all can attack me now
Ive tried smalls, meds all brands and they just don't fit my mare, she doesn't like them.
But my saddle stays just fine without a bc. Another reason is I don't have a nice one.
Coming out of a turn
No slip
Edited by Rdcreations 2013-12-02 7:16 PM
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 Living in Denial and Loving it
Posts: 1555
Location: minnesota | Breast collar always. It has absolutely nothing to do with the fit of any saddle or the opinion of any of my horses, it is a safety feature. I have absolutely no desire to watch my horse freak itself out in a bucking fit because the cinch broke and my back cinch is still fully intact making sure that saddle stays right under the belly.
It is an absolute must for me from the very first time I saddle my babies. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Just Plain Lucky - 2013-10-28 7:00 AM How about you ride your horse the way you want to and I'll ride mine the way I want to.
Fair?
Fair
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Charmayne James ran Scamper with no breast collar and a rear cinch...? |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| Just Plain Lucky - 2013-10-28 7:00 AM How about you ride your horse the way you want to and I'll ride mine the way I want to.
Fair?
AMEN - and I could care less what the latest "fad" is. |
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 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | bluerose2001 - 2013-10-27 1:37 AM How about just feeling naked without that security blanket. A breastcollar has saved me from a bad fall when my saddle slipped once.
Ditto. I always ride in a back cinch. I was in the middle of a run and my off billet to my girth broke while turning the 2nd barrel. Slung me off. IF not for the breast collar, my saddle would've been torn to shreds, as I'm sure my mare would've freaked with the saddle hanging only from the back cinch. |
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| A breast collar has a purpose and if adjusted properly should not interfere or restrict your horses movement. The same for a back cinch. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 307
Location: Florida | r_beau - 2013-10-27 8:35 PM
I always use a wither strap with my breastcollar to get it up and above the shoulders.
I use a breatcollar because 1) it looks pretty 2) it is a little bit of extra security if my cinch would break. I do not use the breastcollar to keep my saddle in place; that comes from saddle fit.
I always use both a breast collar and back cinch. I also think there's a lot to be said for wither straps in freeing up the horse's shoulders for running. I live on a ranch and my barrel horse is actually cow horse bred and loves working cows as much as she loves running barrels. A well fitted breast collar is just part of what we use. Pretty or not.
That being said about how I ride my horse, we probably use different bits and a different saddle too. I suppose it depends on what makes your horse most comfortable and run at his/her best. :) |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | I use one along with a rear cinch
Not only do I also use a tie down, I'm now riding in a semi-treeless and I feel it helps keep the saddle secure. JMO
It may do nothing, but my piece of mind is worth it. Also, I don't see it inhibiting my horse's stride:
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9991
Location: Kansas | I've always ran in a breastcollar, even just daily riding....I always make sure my mare is wearing one, along with a tight back cinch (cant stand seeing a saddle pop up and down on a horses back).
I won't ride without one. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 713
Location: PA | I dont use it when I'm at home and not using any head gear but I always use it at a show..head gear or no head gear
And I paid too much for my tack set to let the breastcollar waste away 
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Leo - 2013-12-03 5:58 AM
bluerose2001 - 2013-10-27 1:37 AM How about just feeling naked without that security blanket. A breastcollar has saved me from a bad fall when my saddle slipped once.
Ditto. I always ride in a back cinch. I was in the middle of a run and my off billet to my girth broke while turning the 2nd barrel. Slung me off. IF not for the breast collar, my saddle would've been torn to shreds, as I'm sure my mare would've freaked with the saddle hanging only from the back cinch.
I do understand freak things happen, but I never worry about my girth/billets breaking as I check them over with a fine tooth comb each and every time I ride. I change my billets out when they look worn. I have always thought it was common sense to check your tack before mounting to ensure nothing will break when riding. |
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 Did I miss the party?
Posts: 3864
| To each their own. I don't care what other people do. I do different things with different horses and saddles for different reasons. From the way a saddle's rigged to the horse's build. But, if you're gonna use a piece of equipment, have it adjusted correctly to serve it's purpose. Which can apply to both breastcollars and back cinches. |
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no breast collars?
