Equipment like martingales, breastplates, and neck covers are common in many disciplines. Their usage scenario is specific: a breastplate prevents the saddle from slipping back, a martingale helps control head carriage.
Materials are typically leather or strong nylon webbing. Their efficacy is to provide safety and control. However, they should not be used to compensate for poor training or saddle fit. A neck cover or "hood" can provide warmth and keep muscles loose.
Choosing to use this equipment requires understanding its purpose. It must be fitted correctly-too tight is restrictive, too loose is useless or dangerous. This equipment should aid the horse, not force it into a position. The question is always: does my horse need this for safety or performance, or am I using it to mask a problem?
