LeMieux Pre-Oiled Leather Neck Strap for Horses
Description
LeMieux Leather Neck Strap - Simple Security for Every Rider
The LeMieux Leather Neck Strap is a pre-oiled leather strap that fastens around the base of a horse's neck to give the rider a secure handhold. It is best for inexperienced riders, jumping, and riding young or unpredictable horses, where grabbing a neck strap can avoid stressing the horse's mouth.
Go back to basics with a neck strap. Instead of balancing on the reins during a spook, a big jump or a sudden spurt of energy, the rider takes hold of the strap, stays centred in the saddle and leaves the contact soft. Crafted from pre-oiled leather with a stainless steel buckle attachment, it is a fine piece of tack to add to your collection and it works equally well for confidence-building lessons, cross-country schooling and everyday hacking. Browse more LeMieux saddlery and horsewear to complete your kit.
Key Features
- Extra security in the saddle: a reliable handhold that is always in the same place
- Pre-oiled leather: supple from first use with a traditional, hard-wearing finish
- Stainless steel buckle attachment: adjustable fitting and a clean, smart look
- Kinder on the mouth: hold the strap rather than the reins when balance is lost
- Versatile use: jumping, flatwork, hacking, riding club lessons and backing youngsters
- Suits all levels: from first ridden lessons to experienced riders on sharp horses
Specifications
| Brand | LeMieux |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Leather neck strap |
| Material | Pre-oiled leather |
| Hardware | Stainless steel buckle attachment |
| Fitting Position | Base of the neck, just in front of the withers |
| Best For | Novice riders, jumping, young or unpredictable horses |
| Care | Wipe clean, condition leather periodically |
| Country of Origin | India |
How to Use
- Unfasten the stainless steel buckle and pass the strap around the base of the horse's neck.
- Fasten the buckle and adjust so the strap sits just in front of the withers without slipping forward.
- Check you can slide a flat hand comfortably between the strap and the neck - snug, not tight.
- Mount as normal and practise finding the strap at halt, then in walk, so it becomes instinctive.
- Take hold of the strap when jumping, riding a fresh horse or if you feel your balance go, keeping the reins soft.
- Wipe clean after use and condition the leather from time to time to keep it supple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a horse neck strap used for?
A neck strap gives the rider something secure to hold on to instead of the reins. It is used for extra security in the saddle when jumping, when riding young or unpredictable horses, and by inexperienced riders who are still developing an independent seat.
Will a neck strap fit a pony as well as a full-size horse?
The strap fastens with a buckle so it can be adjusted around the neck. Neck circumference varies a great deal between ponies, cobs, thoroughbreds and warmbloods, so always check the adjustment on your own horse before mounting - it should be snug enough to stay in place with room to slide a hand underneath.
Where should the neck strap sit on the horse?
Around the base of the neck, just in front of the withers. Positioned there it stays put, does not interfere with the shoulder, and is easy for the rider to reach quickly without leaning forward.
Does using a neck strap protect the horse's mouth?
Yes - grabbing a neck strap can avoid stressing the horse's mouth. If the rider is unbalanced they can take the strap rather than snatching at the reins, so the bit stays quiet and the horse is not punished for the rider's loss of position.
How do I care for pre-oiled leather?
Wipe off mud and sweat after use, allow the leather to dry naturally away from direct heat, and apply a leather conditioner periodically to maintain suppleness. Inspect the stitching and buckle regularly and replace the strap if you find any wear or damage.
Can a neck strap be used with a martingale or breastplate?
Many riders fit a neck strap alongside other tack, but check that it does not sit over or interfere with straps already in place and that nothing rubs. Always check the whole set-up before mounting.
About LeMieux
LeMieux is a British equestrian brand producing saddlery, horsewear and rider apparel for daily yard use, schooling and competition. The range is known for considered detailing and hard-wearing materials.