Choosing the Right Breast Collar for Barrel Racing Success

The Importance of a Proper Breast Collar for Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is one of the most popular events in the world of rodeo. As a speed event, having the proper equipment is essential for both horse and rider to achieve a fast time around the cloverleaf pattern. One important piece of equipment for barrel racing is the breast collar.

The breast collar helps stabilize the saddle and keep it from sliding back as the horse completes the tight turns around the barrels. For barrel racers, choosing the right breast collar is key to helping your horse perform to the best of its ability.

How a Breast Collar Works

The breast collar attaches to the rigging of the saddle on both sides, passing across the horse's chest. This helps distribute the weight and pulling force across the chest muscles rather than having it all concentrated on the cinch and girth area. For barrel racing, where the horse is working at high speeds and negotiating tight turns, the breast collar is crucial.

Without a breast collar, the inertia of coming out of the turn would allow the saddle to slip back on the horse. This would unsettle the rider and could potentially cause saddle sores on the horse. The breast collar helps prevent this by keeping the saddle firmly in place.

Choosing the Right Breast Collar

When selecting a breast collar for your barrel racing horse, there are several factors to consider:

• Material - Leather or synthetic? Leather is traditional but requires more maintenance. Synthetic is easy care.
• Width - The breast collar should be wide enough to displace pressure but not rub or chafe.
• Contour - It should fit and move with your horse's shoulders as it runs.
• Hardware - Stainless steel withstands sweat and wear and tear.

You want the breast collar to lay smoothly against your horse's chest. It should not be so loose that it sags or so tight that it restricts shoulder movement. Most breast collars have various points of adjustability to help get the optimal fit.

Styles of Breast Collars for Barrel Racing

There are a few different styles of breast collar to consider:

• Standard breast collar - The basic style that attaches to the rigging like a Y shape.
• Contour breast collar - Shaped to wrap around the horse's chest for better motion.
• Freedom breast collar - Connects further back on the saddle to allow ultimate shoulder rotation.

The freedom breast collar may provide the least restriction, while a well-fitted contour style can also allow good flexibility. Consider your saddle type and horse's conformation when choosing.

Using a Breast Collar and Back Cinch

Some barrel racers add a back cinch in conjunction with a breast collar for maximum security. A back cinch connects lower down under the horse's belly. This helps keep the back of the saddle in place while the breast collar stabilizes the front.

However, for some horses a back cinch may cause discomfort resulting in a buck. If your saddle stays put with just a breast collar, a back cinch may not be necessary.

Positioning the Breast Collar

Properly positioning your breast collar is also important for it to work effectively:

• Make sure it sits centered across the chest, not off to one side.
• Attach it so the horse has full range of shoulder movement without pinching.
• Do up the rigging securely so it cannot slide around on the saddle.

Checking the placement periodically as you ride can help prevent rubs or irritation.

Potential Problems

Even with proper fitting, breast collars can sometimes cause issues including:

• Chafing or sores
• Restriction of shoulder or leg motion
• Rubbing off neck hair
• Putting too much pressure on windpipe if incorrectly adjusted

Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or problems. Addressing rubs quickly, regularly re-conditioning leather, and readjusting fit can help minimize adverse effects.

Choosing the Best Breast Collar Material

Breast collars come in two primary material types: leather or synthetic. Consider the pros and cons of each.

Leather Breast Collars

Leather breast collars have a traditional and handsome look. Benefits include:

• Natural material conforms to the horse's body
• Develops a molded shape over time
• Offers a good grip to prevent slipping

Potential downsides of leather include:

• Requires cleaning and conditioning to prevent cracking
• Can stretch out if quality is not high enough
• Absorbs sweat and water
• May be hot for horses in very warm climates

Synthetic Breast Collars

Synthetic breast collars have increased in quality and popularity. Benefits include:

• Easy to clean, just wipe down with soap and water
• Weather resistant, won't absorb water or sweat
• Often more affordable than leather
• Variety of colors available

Potential disadvantages include:

• Does not mold to the horse as naturally as leather
• Can lead to overheating if poor air flow
• May need to re-adjust sizing from time to time

Consider your horse's needs and preferences, as well as your budget, when deciding between materials.

Finding the Best Breast Collar Fit

An improperly fitted breast collar will be ineffective and could potentially injure your horse. Follow these tips for proper sizing:

• Stand on a stool to see it from above while on your horse
• The breast collar should be centered without touching the windpipe
• You should be able to fit two fingers between collar and chest comfortably
• It should not pinch or rub when the front legs move

Breast collars come in sizes like pony, cob, horse and draft. But even within those categories, some additional adjustments can dial in fit.

Most breast collars have areas to customize including:

• Buckles at the side rigging straps
• Sliding back piece to adjust length
• Different holes to change strap length

Don't just cinch it up tight hoping it will stay. Take the time to find that ideal fit for both exertion and relaxation.

Tips for Proper Care of Your Breast Collar

Proper care will keep your breast collar in peak condition. Here are some useful tips:

Leather Care

• Clean dirt and sweat after each use
• Allow to dry fully before storage to prevent mildew
• Oil periodically to maintain suppleness
• Use conditioner to prevent cracking
• Avoid storing in extreme heat or moisture

Synthetic Care

• Rinse with water to remove dust and sweat
• Air dry or pat dry with a towel before storing
• Check for signs of wear and damage
• Hand wash only if needed using mild soap
• Do not bleach, iron or dry clean

General Tips

• Check hardware for tightness before each use
• Monitor for rubbing spots and adjust fit as needed
• Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners
• Store breast collar away from rodents when not in use

With proper care and cleaning, a high quality breast collar should provide many years of reliable performance.

Finding the Right Breast Collar for You and Your Horse

The breast collar is a valuable piece of equipment for barrel racing. As you shop for the right one for you and your horse, keep these key points in mind:

• Select an appropriate size - measure your horse's chest
• Choose a style that allows free shoulder movement
• Consider your priorities - aesthetics, budget, materials
• Fit is paramount - take the time to adjust for comfort
• Care for leather properly or just hose synthetic clean

With a well-fitting, high quality breast collar suited for barrel racing, you and your horse will be prepped for blazing fast runs around the cloverleaf. The breast collar helps stabilize your saddle so you can focus on navigating those barrels in record time.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a breast collar for barrel racing?

The breast collar helps keep the saddle stabilized during the tight, fast turns around the barrels. It prevents the saddle from slipping back on the horse.

What materials are breast collars made from?

Most are leather or various synthetic materials. Leather requires more care but conforms to the horse. Synthetic is easy to clean but doesn't mold as naturally.

How tight should a breast collar be?

It should be snug enough not to slide around but loose enough for the horse to move freely. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and chest.

Can a breast collar hurt a horse?

If poorly fitted or positioned incorrectly, it can chafe or rub the horse. Check fit regularly and watch for signs of discomfort. Properly adjusted, it should not cause pain.

Is a back cinch needed with a breast collar?

A back cinch can provide additional security, but is not mandatory. For many horses, a properly fitted breast collar alone is sufficient for keeping the saddle in place.