Mackey Classic Hunting Breastplate for Horses
Description
Mackey Classic Hunting Breastplate - Traditional 3/4" Leather
The Mackey Classic Hunting Breastplate is a hunt weight leather breastplate made from quality 3/4" leather with detailed white stitching and a martingale attachment. It is designed to stop the saddle sliding backwards, making it best for hunting, cross country, jumping and hacking over hilly ground, and for horses and ponies with low or flat withers.
The traditional hunting pattern runs from the neck strap down to the chest and between the front legs to the girth, spreading pressure evenly while leaving the shoulder free to move. The fitted martingale attachment means a running martingale attachment can be added without buying a separate neck strap.
Key Features
- Hunt weight leather: substantial 3/4" straps built for regular work
- Detailed white stitching: smart, classic hunting field styling
- Martingale attachment: ready to take a running martingale attachment
- Saddle security: helps prevent the saddle slipping back on hills, banks and drops
- Adjustable straps: buckle adjustment for a close, comfortable fit
- Traditional look: suits hunting, team chasing, cross country and everyday hacking
Specifications
| Brand | Mackey |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Hunting breastplate |
| Material | Leather |
| Strap Width | 3/4" |
| Weight | Hunt weight |
| Finish | White contrast stitching |
| Martingale Attachment | Yes |
| Country of Origin | India |
How to Use
- Tack up as normal, with the saddle and girth in place.
- Pass the neck strap over the withers and buckle the two wither straps to the saddle's D-rings or through the girth straps, depending on your saddle.
- Run the girth strap between the front legs and secure it around the girth.
- Adjust so a flat hand fits between the neck strap and the withers, and the chest straps sit clear of the windpipe and the point of shoulder.
- Walk and trot the horse to check the shoulder moves freely, then re-check the buckles after ten minutes of work.
- Clip a running martingale attachment to the central ring if required.
FAQ
What size breastplate does my horse need?
Measure from the girth on one side, up over the withers and down to the girth on the other side, and measure around the base of the neck. Ponies usually take pony, natives and chunkier horses take cob, and most 16hh-plus horses take full. Sizing that is too small restricts the shoulder; too large and it slips - this is the most common reason breastplates are returned.
Does this breastplate come with a martingale?
It has a martingale attachment ring fitted, so a separate running martingale attachment can be clipped on. The martingale attachment itself is not included unless stated on the listing.
What is a hunting breastplate used for?
It stops the saddle sliding backwards when riding up steep ground, jumping, galloping or hunting, and gives the rider a neck strap to hold in an emergency.
How should a hunting breastplate fit?
You should fit a flat hand between the neck strap and the withers, the chest straps should sit well clear of the windpipe, and the shoulder should move freely through a full stride at trot.
How do I care for the leather?
Wipe clean after use, dry naturally away from direct heat and condition regularly with leather balm or oil. Check stitching and buckles before every ride and replace any worn strap.
Can I use it for cross country and hacking as well as hunting?
Yes. The same design is widely used for cross country, team chasing, endurance and everyday hacking on hilly terrain.
Browse more leatherwork in our horse tack collection.
About Mackey
Mackey is known for traditional equestrian leatherwork and practical yard equipment. The range focuses on classic patterns, honest construction and tack that stands up to regular use on the yard and in the hunting field.