How to Select a Barrel Horse Breast Collar

Breast collars are an essential tool for many barrel racing enthusiasts. The collars sit across the horse’s chest and prevent the saddle from sliding backward while the horse is running at full speed. There are a variety of breast collars to choose from and selecting the proper type is vital to a winning run.

Things You'll Need

• Horse
• Saddle
• Breast collars
• Grooming brushes

Instructions

1. Review various breast collars to determine what type will best suit your needs. A thin, flexible breast collar that fits well up on your horse’s chest will allow her to fully extend her forelegs and maneuver at her best.

2. Brush your horse to remove any dirt from his coat. Fitting equipment is much simpler when your horse is clean.

3. Saddle your horse with the barrel saddle. Proper saddle placement is an important factor in fitting your breast collar.

4. Attach one side of the breast collar to your saddle. Pass the breast collar to the opposite side of the horse and attach the remaining strap. If your breast collar has a strap that passes between her forelegs, secure this strap now as well.

5. Mount up and ride the horse briefly. A short ride will allow the saddle and breast collar to settle into normal resting spots on the horse.

6. Dismount and recheck the fit of your equipment. A properly fitting breast collar should not be so loose as to flap when the horse moves but not so tight as to restrict his movement.

7. Remove the first breast collar and repeat with the remaining equipment. Always ride your horse for five to ten minutes between fittings to ensure that you get a proper test on all of your breast collars.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your equipment for any sharp ends or foreign objects before tacking up your horse. Any materials that might cause injury should be removed immediately.

• Do not use tack that is too small or too large on your horse. Ill-fitting tack can be dangerous to you both.