In the equestrian world, breast collars are most commonly used for horseback riding and Western-style disciplines. They are considered safer for riders than martingales, and help to prevent the horse from lowering its head and bucking. Breast collars can also be used for non-Western disciplines like polo, and are popular for horse-on-horse training. They are also an option for horse-riding beginners.
Here at HorseWare HQ, our team is made up of horse riders of all disciplines, including Western and English. We know how important a good-fitting breast collar is to having a good ride, and we have put a lot of time and effort into selecting our favorite equestrian breast collars.
Here are our top picks.
Our Editor’s Best Equestrian Breast Collars Reviews
- Doubled and stitched throughout for longer wear
- 5/8" fine import leather
- Stained edges
- Medium oil finish
- Doubled and stitched throughout for longer wear
- 5/8" fine import leather
- Stained edges
- Dark oil finish
- Materials: The breast collar is made from high-quality leather, ensuring durability and longevity. The use of genuine leather guarantees a robust and reliable product that can withstand the rigors of Western riding.
- Breast Collar: The breast collar is a strap that runs across the chest of the horse, attaching to the D-rings on either side of the saddle. It helps prevent the saddle from sliding backward during riding, especially during activities like roping or steep descents.
- Adjustability: Breast collars are adjustable to accommodate different horse sizes and shapes. Buckles and adjustment points allow riders to customize the fit for their specific horse.
- Easy to Use: The breast collar are designed for ease of use, allowing for quick and hassle-free adjustments. The reins attach securely, providing the rider with precise control, essential for various maneuvers and riding disciplines.
- Easy Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, retaining its quality and appearance with proper care.
- Breast Collar
- Medium Oil Argentina Cow Leather
- Basketweave Tooled
- 3/4" Leather Tugs
- For an Average Full Size Horse
- Constructed from durable, weather-resistant harness leather for classic styling and dependable performance at an economical price point
- Features doubled and stitched breast pieces and a center ring with leather backer
- Adjustable center strap and a tie down dee allow you to tailor your fit perfectly
- High quality nickel-plated hardware and a solid brass snap ensure ultimate durability
- Breast collar width tapers from 1-3/4" to 1-1/4"
- Double Stitched Leather: Made from high-quality leather with double stitching for added durability and long-lasting wear.
- Adjustable Fit: Fully adjustable to ensure a comfortable and custom fit for horses of various sizes.
- Strong & Comfortable: The sturdy leather construction ensures both strength and comfort during long rides or training sessions.
- Breast collar is 3/4" wide straps and features braided rawhide and is accented with small bronze cross on black concho in center.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for trail riding, training, and Western competitions, making it a versatile for any rider.
- 1" wide webbing breast collar lined with 1/2" thick, black 100% felt on the breast pieces and center strap
- Features a tie down dee and a snap for cinch attachment
- Durable nickel plated hardware (except the center ring is non-rust stainless steel).
- Item Package Dimension: 14.9L x 4.8W x 4.5H inches
- Item Package Weight - 1.1 Pounds
- ✅ Petal-Shape Soft Padding for Comfort & Style: Unique sculpted padding on shoulder and bottom straps provides pressure relief and adds visual flair—perfect for show or everyday use.
- ✅ Soft Calfskin Lining Throughout Contact Areas: Delivers a luxurious feel against your horse’s skin while preventing chafing and ensuring day-long comfort.
- ✅ Ergonomic Wave-Shaped Wither Strap: Curved design fits comfortably behind the ears and across the neck for anatomical comfort and freedom of movement.
- ✅ Double Elastic Inserts in Grey & Maroon: High-quality elastic provides flexibility for swelling and muscle movement—ideal during intense training or competition.
- ✅ Full-Length Internal Padding on Girth Straps: Cushioned girth straps lined with calfskin help eliminate rubbing, pinching, or irritation over long periods of use.
- Breast Collar
- Argentina Cow Leather & Stainless Steel Hardware
- Basketweave Tooled w/ Silver Studs
- 3/4" Leather Tugs
- For an Average Full Size Horse
- Premium Genuine Leather Construction: Leatherride Western Breast Collars are Crafted from high-quality leather, this Western breast collar offers durability, strength, and long-lasting performance for horse riding, ranch work, and roping activities.
- Essential Western Tack For Saddle Stability: Designed to run across the horse’s chest and attach to saddle D-rings, this breast collar prevents saddle slippage during roping, trail riding, and steep terrain use.
- Adjustable Fit for Mutliple Horse Sizes: Equipped with secure buckles and multiple adjustment points, allowing a customized fit for different horse builds, ensuring comfort and proper positioning.
- Easy to Use & Secure Fastening System: Designed for quick attachment and hassle-free adjustments, providing reliable hold and stability during various equestrian disciplines and riding conditions.
- Versatile Equestrian Gear for Performance Use: Ideal for Western riding, ranch work, rodeo, trail riding, and training, offering enhanced control, balance, and functionality for riders and horses.
Best Equestrian Breast Collars Buying Guide
Before choosing the best equestrian breast collar you should consider following options:
1. Quality: A good quality breast collar should be made from leather or synthetic leather. The leather should be thick, soft and durable.
The stitching should be even and strong so that the leather will not tear. Look at the quality of the leather and the stitching when selecting a breast collar.
2. Size: It is important to get the right size breast collar. An ill-fitting breast collar can have serious consequences for the horse.
The breast collar should fit snugly around the horse’s chest but not so tight that the animal cannot breathe.
The length of the breast collar should be adjusted to fit the length of the horse’s neck.
If the breast collar is too short, the horse risks injury to the windpipe and trachea. If the breast collar is too long, it can cause the animal’s neck to twist.
Adjust the breast collar so that it fits in the middle position. If a horse is worked heavily in a breast collar, it may be necessary to adjust the breast collar so that it sits higher on the neck, closer to the ears.
3. Purpose: The type of breast collar you purchase should be suited to the type of work your horse will be doing.
Collar selection is based on the severity of the job the horse will be performing and the individual characteristics of the horse.
The severity of the job is determined by the amount of leverage applied by the breast collar. The amount of leverage can be increased by increasing the length of the breast collar and by increasing the amount of space between the rings.
Breast collars with longer leather and more space between the rings are used for severe work, such as logging and hauling.
A short leather breast collar is used for typical trail riding and light work. Short leather breast collars are also used for horses with short necks.
A nylon breast collar is used for horses with sensitive necks or for use in the pasture.
The size of the horse also determines the type of breast collar used. If a horse is a cob size and has a short neck, he should not be worked in a long leather breast collar.
If a horse is a draft and has a long neck, he should not be worked in a short leather breast collar.
4. Ring Selection: The number and size of rings used on a breast collar is important in determining the severity of the job.
Breast collars with more rings and larger rings provide more leverage than breast collars with fewer and smaller rings.
Breast collars with more and larger rings are used for severe work, such as logging and hauling.
Breast collars with three or four rings are used for typical trail riding and light work.
Breast collars with one or two rings are used for horses with sensitive necks or for use in the pasture.
What else you should know about equestrian breast collars
1. What is an equestrian breast collar?
A breast collar is a piece of horse tack that is used to keep a horse’s saddle from slipping. It is placed around the horse’s chest and fastened to the saddle.
2. What are the benefits of using an equestrian breast collar?
There are many benefits of using an equestrian breast collar, including the following:
1. They help to distribute the weight of the rider more evenly across the horse’s back.
2. They help to keep the saddle in place and prevent it from slipping.
3. They help to protect the horse’s back from being injured by the rider’s weight or by the saddle.
4. They help to provide stability for the rider when riding at high speeds or over rough terrain.
5. They can help to increase the horse’s speed and endurance by preventing the saddle from slipping.
6. They can help to increase the horse’s comfort level by providing support and stability.
3. How do you properly fit an equestrian breast collar?
The breast collar should fit snugly around the horse’s chest, just behind the horse’s forelegs. The straps should not be too tight, as this can cause discomfort. The breast collar should allow the horse to move freely and not restrict its breathing.
4. How do you properly care for an equestrian breast collar?
To properly care for an equestrian breast collar, you should clean it after each use with saddle soap and water. You should also oil it regularly to keep the leather soft and supple.
5. What are some common problems that can occur with equestrian breast collars?
Some common problems that can occur with equestrian breast collars are that they can rub the horse’s neck, they can be too tight and cause the horse to choke, or they can be too loose and fall off.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best equestrian breast collars. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best equestrian breast collars will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.