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The Fairfax Performance Breastplate

$575.00

Developed and handmade in the UK

This breastplate is based on scientific research and is designed to:

  • Prevent the saddle slipping back when needed
  • Work without restricting the horse’s breathing
  • Allow the horse to maintain his natural jumping action or shape over a fence

The Performance Breastplate was developed using Pliance Pressure mapping and Centaur Biomechanics gait analysis.

Our testing into breastplate designs showed that using a breastplate has a significant negative effect on the horse’s action as he jumps.

When a breastplate is attached to a saddle and then the girth, it forms, in effect, a ‘cage’ around the horse’s shoulder apparatus that restricts his movement over a jump.

The highest pressures were consistently seen at the moment when the horse is at the peak of take-off and its shoulder is in its most forward position. However, biomechanical analysis showed that the whole jump is adversely affected by the breastplate from this point onwards:

  • The shape of the jump from take-off to landing (the trajectory) is shortened (see Testing & Design)
  • the horse’s landing is steeper
  • the horse’s hind legs are “cramped” in the landing phase, with the joints flexing more in an attempt to clear the fence

Furthermore, both over-flexing and landing more steeply cause increased wear and tear on the horse’s limbs and joints.

Scientific trials have shown that the Fairfax Performance Breastplate does not interfere with the horse’s natural jumping action or shape over the fence.

Colour Black, Brown
Size One size, fully adjustable
(not suitable for ponies)

Breastplate Fitting 1

1. Position the yoke of the breastplate at the base of the horse’s neck. Not so high that it pulls on the windpipe, or so low that it dangles on the chest.

Breastplate Fitting 2

2. Adjust straps 1 and 2 (as shown on the picture) so the yoke is held comfortably in place.

Breastplate Fitting 3

3. Thread your (long) girth through the elastic loop. On a monoflap saddle thread the loop under the first girth strap and onto the second (as shown).

 
Breastplate Fitting 4

4. Place the edge of your hand against the horse’s chest between his body and the yoke of the breastplate.

“Breastplate

5. Adjust strap three.

“Breastplate

6. If using a martingale, use one with a traditional loose neck strap (not one that

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