Custom Leather Horse Breastplate: Correct Fit, Strength and Individual Design

A horse breastplate is a piece of equipment that helps to provide saddle stability during riding. To work correctly, its shape and size must correspond to the horse’s anatomy. It is very important to understand that breastplate should not be used to compensate for a poorly fitting saddle. When the saddle fits correctly, a well-designed breastplate provides additional stability during trail riding, jumping, cross country training, Working Equitation, Western riding and other activities.

Why the Correct Breastplate Size Is Important

A breastplate that is too tight can restrict shoulder movement, create pressure points and rub the skin. It may also pull the saddle forwards and interfere with the horse’s natural stride.

A breastplate that is too loose will hang away from the body and only begin to work after the saddle has already moved. It can become unstable, cause rubbing or create a risk of the horse catching a leg in one of the straps.

A correctly fitted leather horse breastplate should follow the shape of the horse’s chest, remain centred and leave the shoulders free to move. It should sit clear of the throat and engage gently before the saddle begins to slide. You should be able to slide your hand comfortably beneath the straps.

How to Choose the Correct Breastplate Size

Always measure your horse with the saddle positioned correctly. Use a soft measuring tape and follow the natural contour of the horse’s body.

For a Lazypony Y-shaped breastplate, measure one side from the saddle attachment point at the level of saddle pad (because out breastplates have a straps to the saddle, not only shoulder straps), along the intended position of the breastplate, to the central ring on the chest. This is measurement A in our breastplate sizing guide.

Our standard measurements are approximately 43 cm for Pony, 53 cm for Cob, 66 cm for Full and 76 cm for Over size.

The size should not be selected only according to the horse’s breed or height. Horses of the same breed can have very different shoulder widths, chest shapes and body proportions. Choose a size that leaves sufficient room for adjustment in both directions. The breastplate should not fit only on the first or last hole.

If none of the standard sizes corresponds to your horse’s measurements, you can order a custom breast collar or breastplate made specifically for your horse. At Lazypony saddlery workshop we make custom sizes for no extra cost!

After fitting the breastplate, watch the horse walk, trot and canter. It should remain stable without shortening the stride, pressing against the shoulder joints or moving towards the throat.

Baroque and Portuguese Tack Made for Everyday Use

Baroque-style horse tack is often produced mainly for photoshoots, costumes and occasional shows. Many decorative models are made from thin or low-quality leather, fitted with weak hardware and designed without sufficient attention to comfort or durability. They may look impressive in photographs while being unsuitable for regular riding.

At the Lazypony saddlery workshop, we make Baroque and Portuguese horse tack for genuine everyday use. Our breastplates are handcrafted from top-quality Spanish full-grain leather using traditional saddlery techniques. We use strong solid brass or stainless-steel hardware and carefully construct every part to provide strength, comfort and long-term reliability. With appropriate care, this equipment will remain functional and beautiful for many years, even when used daily. It is strong enough for regular training and riding, while its elegant design also makes it suitable for shows, exhibitions and photoshoots.

Portuguese Leather Breastplate

The Portuguese Breastplate Lazypony is inspired by traditional Portuguese tack and classical Iberian horsemanship. Its anatomical Y-shaped construction helps stabilise the saddle while allowing the horse’s shoulders to move freely. Traditional Portuguese rosettes and handcrafted embroidery create its eye-catching appearance. Shoulder straps are padded for extra comfort and fur protection. The adjustable strap over the withers is also softly padded and can be removed if desired.

This custom leather breastplate is particularly suitable for Working Equitation, classical riding, exhibitions, horse shows, trail riding and everyday training. Its size, leather, padding, embroidery, stitching and hardware can all be personalised.

Western Leather Breast Collar

The Leather Western Breastplate Lazypony has a clean anatomical Y-shaped design that distributes pressure across the chest and avoids unnecessary restriction of the shoulders. This traditional and elegant custom leather breast collar can be used with Western, English, Spanish, Working Equitation and trail saddles. Its strong and simple construction makes it suitable for daily riding, active training and long hours on the trail.

The understated design coordinates easily with different saddles, bridles and other leather tack. You can order it in a standard size or as a custom breast collar made according to your horse’s individual measurements.

Custom Colours and Details

Traditional horse tack is usually available in black and brown. At Lazypony saddlery workshop, you can also choose from 16 bright leather colours, creating a breastplate that matches your saddle, bridle or personal style.

Natural undyed leather is also available. This option is especially popular for Western tack. With time and use, natural leather gradually darkens and develops its own individual character.

You can choose the colours of the stitching and soft nappa padding. The Portuguese breastplate also offers different embroidery colours. Solid brass and stainless-steel hardware is strong and long-lasting, but also makes it possible to coordinate the breastplate with the rest of your horse’s equipment.

Every Lazypony breastplate is handcrafted to order. Standard and made-to-measure sizes are available, and ordering a custom size does not cost extra. A properly fitted custom leather horse breastplate provides reliable saddle stability, freedom of movement and a eye-catching design created especially for your horse. Lazypony Saddlery Workshop