
In Part 1, we discussed the bridle and its measurements. Part 2 focused on the saddle and the back strap. Part 3 addressed breeching, the false martingale, and the reins. Let’s now look at some variations of the breast collar and how the neck strap and traces affect the line of draft.
The breast collar (breast strap) is probably the simplest means of transferring the forward energy of the horse to the motion of the vehicle. It is functionally correct only when the traces can adjust to the motion of the shoulder (single tree, whiffletree, lead bars). If the breast collar inhibits the shoulder motion by a non-flexible attachment – roller bolts or hooks on the vehicle – the shoulder will slide or rub on the inside of the breast collar, possibly causing soreness.
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