Tack: Fashion or Function? Part 2

Well, our last post covered somewhat of a general overview on training and the (sometimes, over) use of “gimmicks” to obtain results (presumably) faster.

Now let’s look at specific pieces of tack that we see often. Often…because of fashion or function?

First, let’s talk about the ubiquitous 5 point breast strap (in the Eventing world). I’d guess they first came out 6 or 8 years ago. Now go to any Event from BN level up to Intermediate. You see these 5 point breast straps everywhere!    

Why?  Why does a rider put this piece of tack on that hits the top of the shoulder with straps running right over it, then…ask his horse to go out and tackle increasingly tough questions on XC with his shoulder constricted by these straps and cushions? This makes absolutely NO sense! Oh, I can hear it now!…”But, __________ (insert big name rider here) ALWAYS uses one!” No…they do not!

Phillip Dutton riding Woodburn USA

The big name rider has enough experience with enough horses, that he’s learned what it takes for each INDIVIDUAL horse to perform his best (comfortably)! He will NOT put on one because some other big name rider uses one!!!  (Note: tack will NOT EVER make you a big name rider!!!)   

If you DO think you need a 5 point breast strap, please check your saddle fit first, as well as your horse’s conformation. Use that 5 point money to get your saddle adjusted to fit your horse!       

By way of additional research, I consulted 2 other professionals on the 5 point, one near Nashville and another friend in Southern Ontario, Canada that works with dozens of OTTBs, and both are solidly in agreement with my assessment of the 5 point breastplate.  (Pictures: Fox-Pitt, Dutton, Jung on Sam, Jung on Roncana) Big name riders NOT using the 5 point!

Moving on, a couple years ago, I dropped out of the OTTB Connect Facebook group over a bit discussion I simply could no longer handle! Someone had posted the question, “which is the best bit for an OTTB?” (yes, I know). 90% of the answers had to do with the (usually, snaffle) cheek pieces. Of course, several said loose rings, several said eggbutts, etc. And yes, both can work very well with different horses, and many times cheek pieces, as on full cheeks, D rings, or Fulmers can really help. What I had noticed is not a single poster mentioned their bit’s mouthpiece! I had to chime in that the mouthpiece was, generally, far more important to your horse’s comfort and way of going than the cheek pieces ever were. The final straw to me dropping out of the group was a nasty response to my mouthpiece comment, “Well, I don’t care what type of mouthpiece it is! My OTTB looks so handsome in a D ring snaffle; I will NEVER use anything else!”                                                                                                                                          Time to leave!! What’s the use??

Let’s look at one more item of tack that I’m seeing a whole lot of nowadays in Dressage and Eventing Dressage, the Micklem bridle. First, if you are using one, throw out the plastic clips or “bit keepers.” They are illegal in most competition, and not needed.

The Micklem is probably not needed for the vast majority of horses. I do like them though, and do not object to seeing them. I believe they are well thought out and intelligently designed for the comfort of the horse. They seem to be particularly helpful with horses that tend to be a bit fussy. Note: If your horse does seem very fussy, PLEASE look for a cause first, before you buy a bridle! On the Micklem, please take the time to adjust it properly, as well!

So, is this post a bit controversial, or maybe ruffled a feather here or there?

What are your thoughts?

After all….this is, Just One Man’s Opinion.