There is a good reason breastplates keep turning up in Australian tack rooms: a saddle that creeps backwards can change the whole feel of a ride. The right setup gives the saddle a little more stability without asking the horse to carry a tight strap across the chest. A breastplate is not a substitute for a correctly fitted saddle, though, and a martingale is not a shortcut for training.
This list covers ten real products in the iRide EQ catalogue, with current AUD prices checked before publication. You will find simple breast collars, full breastplate-and-martingale combinations and separate running martingales, so you can choose the amount of support that makes sense for your horse and discipline. Pair the tack with a properly fitted horse girth, suitable saddle pad and a sound horse bridle.
A breastplate should support saddle stability while leaving the shoulder free to move.
1. 2 in 1 Breastplate and Martingale
Jump'In's 2 in 1 Breastplate and Martingale is the flexible option in this group. It has five fixing points and can be used as a breast collar, a breastplate or a martingale. That makes it useful for riders who want one piece of tack that can change with the horse, the saddle or the job.
The anatomical cut and elastic sections are the details I would pay attention to here. They allow a little give at the front rather than making the whole arrangement feel like a rigid harness. The current listing is $359.84 AUD, with Cob and Full options in Black and Hazelnut. It is the most sensible first look for a rider who wants versatility but does not want to buy three separate pieces.
2. Clincher Breastplate and Martingale — One Collection Premium
The Clincher Breastplate and Martingale brings a dressier finish to the same general purpose. Jump'In describes it as an Italian-leather piece with an anatomical girth cut, elastic attachments to the saddle and a clincher detail on the leather. It is designed to help fix the saddle while allowing freedom of movement at the front of the horse.
At $383.91 AUD, it sits above the standard 2-in-1 model. Choose it if the leather finish matters to you and you want a competition-ready look for matching tack. Cob and Full options are listed in Havana, Black and Hazelnut. Check the exact colour and size before ordering because the combinations vary.
3. Crystal Breastplate — Week Collection
For a polished show-ring look, the Crystal Breastplate uses Swarovski crystal fabric inserts and glossy piping to match the Week Collection. It attaches to the girth straps and is intended to help keep the saddle from shifting backwards during a session. The listing specifies high-quality English full-grain leather from Segwick and stainless-steel buckles.
The price is $575.31 AUD, so this is a style-led premium choice rather than an everyday budget buy. I would reserve it for riders who already know their preferred breastplate fit. Fancy trim cannot fix a breastplate that sits too high, presses behind the shoulder or pulls the saddle out of balance.
The rider's take: I once watched a breastplate get tightened one hole at a time before a wet winter jumping lesson in the Southern Highlands. The horse immediately shortened through the shoulder and the rider blamed the saddle. The saddle was fine; the strap was simply too snug. Give the horse room first, then judge the tack.
4. Elastic Breast Collar
The Elastic Breast Collar is the clean, uncomplicated choice. It uses a wide elastic band with a leather centre piece and two snap hooks attaching to the front saddle rings. The product is Full size only, with multiple adjustments, and is listed in Burgundy, Havana and Black at $167.34 AUD.
A breast collar can make sense for a horse whose saddle only needs a little help staying put. It is less involved than a full three-point breastplate and leaves the front of the saddle visually uncluttered. It will not provide the same range of attachment or martingale function as the more complex pieces on this list. That is a benefit if simple is what your horse needs.
5. Elastic Breastplate and Martingale
The Elastic Breastplate and Martingale is a lower-priced Jump'In combination at $191.41 AUD. It has an anatomical cut, elastic sections where it attaches near the saddle and a girth connection. It is listed in Cob and Full, in Black or Hazelnut.
This is a useful middle ground for riders who want a breastplate and martingale setup without moving straight into premium leather. The elastic should not be treated as permission to over-tighten the rest of the tack. Fit the breastplate first, then adjust any martingale component separately so it supports the rein line without restricting the horse's head and neck.
6. Elastic Martingale for Breastplate
The Elastic Martingale for Breastplate is a separate attachment for a compatible breastplate. It hooks onto the breastplate and combines a soft leather section with elastic. The Full-size listing comes in Burgundy, Black and Havana for $191.41 AUD.
This makes sense if you already own a breastplate that accepts a martingale fork and want to change the setup rather than replace the whole piece. Before buying, check where the hook attaches and whether the existing breastplate has a suitable ring. A mismatched combination can sit crooked, twist under movement or pull from one side.
Good tack starts with a calm fit check before the horse leaves the stable.
7. Elastic Running Martingale
The Elastic Running Martingale is listed at $215.47 AUD in Full size, with Burgundy, Black and Havana options. Its fork is elastic and includes a leather adjustment piece, giving the rider a way to alter the amount of control. A running martingale should be used with a clear purpose: it can help keep the reins from lifting too high, but it should not be used to force a horse into a frame.
Fit is the real test. The neck strap should sit comfortably, the centre strap should not pull the breastplate into the windpipe and the rings must reach the reins without catching. The reins also need stops so the rings cannot slide forward towards the bit.
8. Monday Breastplate — Week Collection
The Monday Breastplate is a traditional Week Collection piece at $350.00 AUD. It is designed to match the Monday bridle, attaches to the girth straps and uses the collection's contrasting detail. Burgundy, Black and Havana are listed in Cob and Full.
This is a neat choice for riders building a coordinated set, particularly if appearance matters for competition or photographs. It is a breastplate rather than a martingale, so it focuses on keeping the saddle stable. That can be exactly right for a horse who does not need extra rein control.
9. ROM Breastplate
The ROM Breastplate from Lady Godiva Equestrian is priced at $200.00 AUD and comes in S-M and M-L, with Black or Brown Leather options. Its girth strap and rings are removable, which gives it some flexibility for riders who want a simpler breastplate configuration.
The product listing positions it for jumping and cross-country and notes that it can also be used for dressage. Always check the current rules for the exact competition and class rather than assuming a tack item is legal everywhere. For everyday schooling, its adjustability and mid-range price make it a practical option to investigate.
10. Running Martingale Options
There are three separate running martingale listings worth comparing. The Lady Godiva Running Martingale is $150.00 AUD in Cob and Full, with premium leather and stainless-steel fittings. Jump'In's Running Martingale is $120.31 AUD in Full, available in Havana or Black. The Week Collection Running Martingale is $191.41 AUD in Full and listed in Burgundy.
These are not identical products despite sharing a title. The Jump'In listings are separate styles, finishes and price points, so open the product page and confirm the handle before adding one to your cart. If you prefer a softer bib-style arrangement, the Soft Bib Martingale is another listing, priced from $230.13 AUD depending on colour.
How to choose and fit one without creating a new problem
Start with the saddle, not the accessory. A breastplate should help prevent backward movement; it should not compensate for a saddle that is too wide, too narrow or poorly balanced. The centre of the breastplate needs to sit on the chest, not across the windpipe, and the straps should leave the point of shoulder free. You should be able to slide a couple of fingers beneath the main chest strap, with enough room for movement but no loose loops to catch.
For a running martingale, fit the neck strap so it does not sit against the throat. The girth attachment should run centrally and the rings should reach the reins without dragging the breastplate upward. Use rein stops. They are small, easy to forget and not optional if you want the setup to stay where you fitted it.
- For flatwork: choose the least restrictive setup that solves the actual saddle-stability issue.
- For jumping: a breastplate can be useful for a saddle that shifts during landing, but check it over a fence before competition day.
- For eventing and cross-country: inspect every buckle, snap hook and elastic section before leaving, and follow the current event rules.
- For a growing or changing horse: recheck the fit regularly. Muscle, coat and saddle adjustments can change the strap position.
| Product | Best for | Current price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in 1 Breastplate and Martingale | One versatile setup | $359.84 AUD |
| Clincher Premium | Premium matching tack | $383.91 AUD |
| Crystal Breastplate | Show-ring finish | $575.31 AUD |
| Elastic Breast Collar | Simple saddle stability | $167.34 AUD |
| Elastic Breastplate and Martingale | Value combination | $191.41 AUD |
| ROM Breastplate | Adjustable jumping option | $200.00 AUD |
| Running Martingale options | Separate rein-control setup | $120.31–$191.41 AUD |
Prices and availability are live catalogue snapshots and can change by colour and size. Browse the full breastplates and martingales collection to confirm the current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main job of a breastplate?
A breastplate helps reduce backward saddle movement during riding. It should support a correctly fitted saddle, not replace professional saddle fitting.
Can I use a breastplate for dressage?
Some breastplates may be permitted in some dressage settings, while others may not be. Check the current rules for your competition, class and governing body before competing.
How tight should a horse breastplate be?
It should be secure without pressing on the windpipe or restricting the shoulders. You should be able to fit a couple of fingers beneath the main chest strap.
What is the difference between a breastplate and a martingale?
A breastplate helps with saddle stability. A martingale affects how reins and head carriage interact. They can be combined, but they do different jobs.
Do running martingales stop a horse raising its head?
They can limit how high the reins lift when correctly fitted, but they should not be used to force a horse into a frame or replace training.
Do I need a breastplate for jumping?
Not every horse needs one. Consider it if the saddle moves during jumping, then address saddle fit and have the breastplate fitted so the shoulder can move freely.
How often should I check the fitting?
Check before every ride and reassess after saddle changes, seasonal coat changes, weight changes or adjustments to the horse's musculature.
Find the right front-of-saddle setup
Compare real products, sizes and finishes in our breastplates and martingales range, then complete your tack check with girths and bridles.
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