I'd like to get a leather breast strap, english style that goes around
the neck. I can also order neoprene sleeves for the sides of this
breast strap but according to the new issue of Trail Blazer, neoprene
can hurt some thin skinned horses. My questions are, anyone know if
rubbing is a problem with these breast straps? If not, I'll skip the
neoprene sleeves (they add $18 to an already $58 anyway). I don't
ride endurance or even competitive but spend all my trail riding hours
in a mountainous region. I've been using a new Tucker's endurance
saddle (which I *love* so far) which rolls around just a little and
slips on steep hills unless I have a double weave blanket on and the
girth really tight which I don't really like to do.
I also plan on getting a Biothane tail crupper, never thought about
using one before I guess because everyone around here rides western and
even only a few use breast straps. Only through the eyes of magazines
have I been learning about the 'proper gear' to wear on my horse for
what I do. Which is ride up and down steep hills, jump logs and creeks,
and race my friend and her quarter horse (not a contest really, my
Foxtrotter isn't a fast runner but he's a *heck* of a trail horse).
I'll welcome all comments/advice (questions about my saddle?).
PS( The new Trail Blazer magazine is a great issue! I'm only half way
thru it and have loved every single thing I read so far! Especially
the small article about the kids camp in Idaho...really tugged on my
heart).
Cathy Caber in PA and trail pard D.Dare, not for the meek or mild
cmc3@psuadmin.psu.edu