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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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