Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Sisu West Ranch wrote:

> It is interesting to me that in the mountains, without exception, period 
> all pack stock (horse and mule)  uses both a breast collar and either 
> (or both) a breaching or a crupper.  When the load must stay in 
> position, without fussing the solution is to make sure the saddle does 
> not move.
>
> After seeing a really bad wreck on the steep horse trail in Minnesota*, 
> I started using them.  My saddles do fit my horses.  The cruppers do not 
> dig into the tail.  The saddle just stays in place better, particularly 
> when the girth is looser than it should be.
>
> Ed

I've used a breast collar since shortly after I started endurance, and 
in recent years I've been using a crupper as well.  I no longer start 
endurance rides without both breast collar and crupper, no matter how 
flat the trail, and no matter how well the saddle fits or how well it 
stays in place without them.

To me, it is a safety issue, much like wearing a helmet.  My head stays 
in placed without a helmet, too.  Like a helmet, a breast collar and 
crupper may be unnecessary 99% of the time, but you're sure glad you 
have it that other 1%.

That said, I don't fault anyone who chooses to not use a crupper or 
breast collar.  We make our own choices.  I would prefer, though, that 
people not assume that if a saddle has a crupper it doesn't fit right.


--
Joe Long
jlong@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=