All images by Kelsey Royston of Pooch and Ponies Photography
For those of you who didn't already know... I am a Brand Ambassador for Salute Equestrian! 😁🤗 https://saluteequestrian.com/
As Nutmeg can on occasion be a little "turbulent" I always like to have something to cling on to if needed 🤣
I'd previously always ridden in a breastplate which had been fab and definitely been my saving grace when riding out some serious acrobatics throughout Nutmegs years of training.
But I was aware that whilst I had my fingers firmly tucked underneath for security, because of the close proximity of my hands to the saddle, she didn't have room to move and I could feel the tension through the reins which could potentially have caused her to overbalance (which thankfully she never has - there's pros and cons to being good at rearing!!) or even worse, be painful through the bit if I couldn't release the reins enough.
I got into the bad habit of clinging on whilst jumping too - she had been prone to some sassy refusals in the early days - which obviously isn't ideal when she needs to be able to move over the fences.
So I wanted an alternative option...
I'd tried other types of breastplates but none ever seemed quite right (hunter style, neckstrap, plain martingale...). Most were too loose or didn't feel in the right position, but I was also always worried about the fact that a loose neckstrap could easily fall down her neck and cause serious complications - we've all seen the posts do the rounds on social media of a horse simply putting their head down for a snack and in an instant a front leg through where it shouldn't be, or even the photos of cross country riders where a shoe somehow gets lodged underneath in the leatherwork, the horse then unable to make the landing. It doesn't even bare thinking about!
Then I found Salute Equestrian Click & Connect Neckstrap whilst working away at a show during the summer of 2022. It was whilst at Hartpury in fact!
Finally! Here was my solution! Fully adjustable, super high quality leather, simple and easy to attach to the saddle D rings - just clip them on - and allowing complete freedom of movement WHILST still offering that all important security for me should any gymnastics occur 🤸♀️ Stylish in design too! There's personalisation options (which we all know I love) and loads of colourways - conveniently including my brand colours 😀 always a bonus!
I've been using it whilst hacking, jumping and just general riding ever since and never looked back.
The Click & Connect Neckstrap IS ALSO COMPLIANT with the latest FEI regulations (regarding neckstraps not being allowed to attach to the girth) due to the vast array of attachment set up options available - I ride with ours simply attached to the saddle D rings on both sides.
If you'd like to get your hands on one, or indeed any other of the fabulous Salute Equestrian range:
Use coupon code FRANCESDIXON for 10% off
OR you can use this direct referral link 🤗🤗 (10% applied automatically)
Thank you Salute Equestrian!
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