Breast collar fit--rule of thumb-please help

[horsefeather]

:D does anyone know the rule of thumb for breast collar fit? i just got a breast collar for my western saddle. ive only been western for about 2 months (winter months really so more like 10 days :D ) and i bought a really nice nylong black and green breast collar. i have been riding english for 16 years and i feel totally stupid. i have no idea about any of this.

the breast collar fits him but may be just a tiny bit too snug. if it turns out to be too tight, do they make extenders?

how many fingers are you supposed to get between the BC and the horse on his shoulders, at the collar point and also how tight between the legs.

where should the connection on the chest lay--where the neck/chest/and shoulders land? lower that that. and how tight between the legs.

its just for looks and is really there to serve no helpful purpose. the saddle fits fine and doesnt slide. he doesnt have a hard time moving with it. it doesnt seem to hinder any gaits at all.

if anyone can help me with this that would be awsome!

[Bacharel]

From what you descrivbe how it fits it should be fine. If its to snuge he might get rubs of somesort. You can also punch another hole in the leather to make it a little looser. Also make sure between t he leg there is a little bit of slack. And also if theres not purpose just use it for shows or other special ocassions! :p

Feel Free to aask anymore questions!

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Ask a stallion, Tell a gelding, talk things over with a Mare

[K&K]

Ideally you should be able to fit your fist easily between the breast collar and the horse's chest; same with the strap between the legs. You want it to rest right across the middle of the shoulder.

Here is a photo of a breast collar on my mare.

http://kaiti.tomchu.com/nrsugar/sugarkaiti7.jpg

Hope this helps :)