The Salisbury 5 Point Breastplate is a premium leather breastplate designed to keep the saddle secure on horses that work hard, jump, or have a more challenging shape to fit. With five points of attachment and a detachable running martingale, it aims to combine stability with comfort.
Salisbury tack is generally positioned towards the quality end of the market rather than budget, and this breastplate follows that pattern with padded leather and genuine sheepskin at key contact areas to minimise rubbing. The removable sheepskin and elastic inserts in the martingale attachment show it has been thought through for regular riders who care about both performance and their horse’s comfort.
There are no user reviews to draw on yet, but on paper this looks like a solid, well‑specced option for riders who want something more refined than a basic breastplate without straying into ultra‑luxury territory.
The Salisbury 5 Point Breastplate is best suited to riders whose saddles are put under real pressure, such as show jumpers, eventers, or anyone riding over varied terrain where slipping and shifting are a concern. The five-point attachment gives extra stability compared with a simple hunting or three‑point breastplate, which is reassuring when you are jumping or riding at speed.
It is also a good fit for horses with a more difficult conformation where saddles tend to slide back or sideways, and for owners who are conscious about pressure points. The padded leather and genuine sheepskin at the contact areas will appeal if your horse is sensitive or prone to rubbing from harder, unpadded tack.
In terms of budget, this sits in the mid to upper bracket for a breastplate, so it is likely to entice committed leisure riders, Pony Club and Riding Club competitors, and amateur competition riders who want a smart, functional piece of tack that will last. For a very occasional hacker on a tight budget it may feel like more than you need, but if you ride regularly or compete, the extra spend is easier to justify.
It is not specifically aimed at total beginners putting together their first basic tack set on the cheapest possible budget. Instead, it suits riders who already know the benefits of a five‑point design and want something comfortable, neat and relatively easy to maintain.
The biggest plus point of the Salisbury 5 Point Breastplate is the combination of security and comfort. Five separate contact points help to anchor the saddle without having to over‑tighten the girth, which can be a real benefit for horses that dislike pressure behind the elbows or tend to get tight in their way of going.
The padded leather and genuine sheepskin lining where it sits against the horse help to spread pressure and reduce the likelihood of rubs, particularly on clipped coats or finer‑skinned horses. The fact that the sheepskin is removable makes it far easier to keep clean and fresh, which is a practical win if you ride frequently or in muddy conditions.
The detachable running martingale with elastic inserts adds versatility. You can use the martingale when you need more control and remove it entirely when you do not, without swapping to a different piece of tack. The elastic gives a little more flexibility and a softer feel on the reins compared with a completely rigid setup.
Finally, the smart black leather finish will suit most saddles and bridles, and looks tidy enough for competition as well as everyday work.
There are a few potential drawbacks to consider. As a five‑point breastplate made from proper leather and sheepskin, it is likely to be heavier and more involved to fit than a very simple hunting breastplate or synthetic alternative. Riders who prefer completely minimal tack or are short on time when tacking up may find it a bit more faff.
The sheepskin, while excellent for comfort, inevitably adds to maintenance. Even though it is removable, it will still need regular washing to stay soft and hygienic, which is more work than a plain leather lining. If you are not someone who likes cleaning and caring for tack, that is worth bearing in mind.
There are also no colour options beyond black leather listed, which is slightly limiting if you ride in brown tack and care about a perfectly matched look. And with no published user reviews yet, you are relying entirely on the spec and brand reputation rather than feedback from other owners.
In everyday riding, a five‑point design like this tends to feel reassuringly secure once adjusted correctly. The multiple attachment points distribute pressure across the chest, shoulders and girth area, so the horse is less likely to feel a single tight strap digging in. That can make a noticeable difference on longer rides or in fast work.
Fitting takes a little time initially, as you need to adjust each strap individually to get a balanced, even contact and keep the saddle sitting where you want it. Once you have those settings dialled in for your horse and saddle combination, day‑to‑day use becomes easier, with only minor tweaks needed.
The removable sheepskin sections are a real plus for comfort and hygiene. After a sweaty schooling session or a muddy hack, you can take the sheepskin off for a proper clean rather than trying to scrub around fixed pads. This also helps the leather underneath to dry properly and stay in better condition.
The detachable running martingale attachment adds to the flexibility of your routine. If you have one horse that sometimes needs a martingale for jumping and sometimes does not, it is simple to clip it on or off rather than owning multiple pieces of kit. The elastic in the martingale inserts helps the contact to feel less rigid during sudden movements, which can be kinder on both horse and rider.
From a performance perspective, the key strength of the Salisbury 5 Point Breastplate is stability. Five attachment points help to keep the saddle in place, particularly on horses that are narrow, have sloping shoulders, or are very active over fences. This can give you a more consistent feel under saddle and reduce the need to stop and adjust during a lesson or round.
Comfort has clearly been a design priority. The padded leather reduces harsh edges, and the genuine sheepskin at pressure points acts as a soft buffer against the skin. This can be especially useful on clipped horses or those that have previously shown resistance to standard, unpadded breastplates.
The sheepskin sections can be removed, which is a simple but important feature for riders who value easy cleaning and flexibility. You can run with the sheepskin on through winter and harder work, then remove it in warmer weather if you want less bulk, or swap it out for a fresh set when it wears.
The detachable running martingale extends the usefulness of the breastplate beyond simply stabilising the saddle. It allows you to fine‑tune the horse’s head carriage when needed, without committing to a separate martingale for every ride. The addition of elastic inserts provides a bit of give, helping to avoid a dead, fixed feel on the reins.
Overall, while it does not have flashy extra gadgets, the core features it offers are well chosen for riders who want security, comfort, and practical day‑to‑day usability in one neat piece of tack.
At around £90, the Salisbury 5 Point Breastplate sits in the mid to upper price range for a leather breastplate with martingale. It is not the cheapest option on the market, but you are paying for quality materials, thoughtful padding and the versatility of a detachable running martingale.
The use of genuine sheepskin and padded leather, together with the five‑point design, means you are getting more than a basic, entry‑level product. For riders who are in the saddle several times a week or who compete, that extra investment is likely to pay off in terms of comfort, longevity and performance.
With no user review data to confirm long‑term durability, the value judgement rests largely on specification and brand reputation. For most regular riders wanting a secure, comfortable and smart breastplate, it represents fair value, particularly if you will make regular use of both the breastplate and the martingale functions.
If you only hack occasionally at a steady pace, you might be better off with a simpler, cheaper breastplate. But for active all‑rounders and competition riders, the feature set makes the price tag relatively easy to justify.
The Salisbury 5 Point Breastplate is a well‑designed, comfortable and versatile option for horses and riders who need more than a basic breastplate. Its five‑point attachment offers excellent saddle stability, while the padded leather and removable sheepskin help to keep the horse comfortable even during more demanding work.
The detachable running martingale with elastic inserts adds genuine extra value, allowing you to adapt your tack to different rides without a tangle of separate straps. Day‑to‑day care does demand a bit more effort, especially if you want to keep the sheepskin looking and feeling its best, and it may feel like overkill for very casual riding.
If you are a keen leisure rider, Riding Club member or amateur competitor who cares about both security and comfort, this breastplate is a strong contender and justifies its price. If you are on a tight budget or ride infrequently, a simpler, cheaper design may be more sensible.
