Neckstraps

[cocopops]

This is purely out of interest, and i will have my own opinion later, but how many of you ride with a neckstrap, or dont ride with a neckstrap, and why, or why not?
Just wondering.

[Lucy B]

I ride with one on Milly and i find it really useful for slowing her down and also backing her up. She has learnt from the beginning that the pressure on her neck starp means to slow down or reverse so it saves me using my reins as much.

[Teej]

My daughters riding instructor told her to ride with one because Baby used to buck alot in the school. I think that is the daftest idea ever as the last thing you want to be doing is holding onto a neckstrap when the horses head is going down to buck. My daughter tried it once and felt very vulnerable and took the neck strap off. She does have a balance strap across the D rings but doesn't use that either.

I think they have their uses in other situations but not for bucking.

[black crow]

I used to on quite a few horses - i dont like holding the pommel so have always avoided it, Particuarly useful if ive been riding a horse that has been a rearer or can dodge around

[torgrosset]

I kind of use a neck strap on Kiz - it's actually a leadrope tied in a knot and attached to her noseband. It's there for two reasons really, one is in case Kiz is a moo-bag and I need to either grab her quickly or lead her for whatever reason and the second is for Poppy to use as a neckstrap for added security if she ever needs one. However Poppy does still have her balance strap across the d-rings, but to be honest hardly ever uses it, and if she ever does need a bit of security she grabs the balance strap and not the neck strap. I think neck straps are useful when you're learning to jump, but the're too far forwards, in my opinion, for "normal" everyday riding and tend to pull the rider out of their seat.

[vels mum]

Started using one on Turk when his saddle began to slip back going up hills.

[hot.to.trot]

i would always school and hack with a neckstrap, just in case. i feel so much happier with one, just incase anythign happens. theyre also easier to hold onto than the saddle too i find, btu those puiny one attached to the saddle i find are no help at all

[Susan]

I have never used one on any horse, so I have never thought to rely on one for emergency balance! If push comes to shove I will grab mane or pommel, but my RI has tried to drum it into me that if I feel like I am falling off then the first thing to do is slow the horse down, not drop rein contact to grab pommel or mane!

[casper_cb]

I've never used one, we were never taught to ride with one, I'd not have a clue what to do with it. I'm not a fan also as they encourage the riders centre of balance to be in totally the wrong place, surely having a bit of bailer twine going from d-ring to d-ring would be more sensible as it would encourage a more correct position rather than when you loose your balance, unbalancing even more to lean forwards to grab the kneck strap, whilst your leg go back actually encouraging the horse to go forwards?

What I do like is the new thing I've seen advetised, I think it's very clever and simple. Google libby's tack shop RS-tor.

[XenaWarriorPrincess]

At work we normally ride with one, especially when doing canter work, when your in jockey position on a teeny race ex saddle and your ride decides that something in the hedge is worthy of a spook they come in handy! Also useful if yours is bowling on a bit too much, most of them respond to a tug on the neckstrap!
I use one when i get on xanth, purely to stop myself catching her in the mouth if she decides to be silly, the 2nd time i rode her without one she leapt in the air at something and i managed to grab her mane in time but wouldnt want to risk it again!

[Poppy and Harmony]

I've ridden in one once and when I went to use it for a bit of extra security it unbalanced me so I have never used once since!

I do occasionally grab onto Harmony mane at her withers though, its in just the right position for my hands

[My Crazy Clan]

I don't, have used my reflective strap but its too small now.

For the bucking, would it be better to put one of them handle straps on the saddle?

[vels mum]

I thought the reason for attaching a breastplate was to stop the saddle slipping back, looks like im the only one who uses it for this reason?

[Susan]

Vel's Mum, I think we are just talking about plain neckstraps, not breastplates - you know basically a stirrup leather round their neck!

[cocopops]

Vels mum- i wasn't asking about a breastplate, just a neckstrap which the rider can hold onto if they loose balance etc.
I was just interested in hearing other peoples experiences and POV, i personally do ride wiht one and even have it on SJ and XC at events, i can tuck a couple of fingers under mine whilst keeping my hands in position, and it has saved coco a couple of jabs in the mouth. My trainer rides all her horses at home with them and the babies at competitions too. I feel there is a prejudice against using them as they are for "begginers" but cant understand why people feel this way! if its good enough for William FP its good enough for me!

[vels mum]

Lol sorry x

[CityLights]

I ride babies with one and i prefer to have something there if i am jumping be in a breastplate or matringale strap, i just feel when i am jumping if and when i do balls up i would rather grab that to stop myself getting behind then sock them in the teeth,

[Tnavas]

All my school horses and ponies have them - riders use them when learning to rise to the trot, holding the neck strap up off the horses neck means they learn to keep hands still, open and close the elbow and also means they are able to swing their hips forward rather than stand up and down - a problem I find that happens when riders use a monkey strap or hold the pommel.

They also use them when jumping - the instructor shortens each strap so that it sits further up the neck - riders are then encouraged to reach for the strap - stops them resting their hands on the horses neck - the ponies then get the freedom they need to jump well.

I always use one when jumping the young horses too - means I have something to reach for in a sticky moment.