The Basics Of Horse Riding Tack

By Susanne Malloy

When you purchase a horse you may not be aware of all the additional expenses you will have before you actually get to take the horse out for a spin. Before making the plunge, be sure to price out the various types of tack and make a decision which style of riding you want to do and what type of tack is best. If you are on a budget or don’t want to buy new tack right off the bat, a good option is to go to horse shows or even farm sales and buy used tack that has been well cared for and maintained. Another option is to buy locally from a tack or feed store, this option usually allows you to return tack that doesn’t fit, but be sure to check the stores policy. If you know what you want, what size you need and all the particulars, buying online can be a good option as well. Returning items from online purchases can sometimes be costly as well as a hassle, so always read the return policy carefully before buying.

The most basic pieces of equipment you will need, especially to bring your new horse or yearling home is a halter and a lead rope. If you are buying a full grown horse you can select the halter you are going to use for many years, but if you are buying a young horse you will need to buy a foal or yearling halter and then buy bigger ones as the horse matures. Nylon halters and even leather halters aren’t expensive as long as you don’t get the ornate show halters.

Since you will want to ride your horse, you will need a saddle, saddle blanket or pad, bridle, bit and at least one set of reins, possibly two depending on the type of riding you wish to do. There are two different and broad categories of tack, English and western. English tack and western tack have similarities but are distinctively unique in appearance. English tack is smaller, with saddles that are minimal without a horn, high fork, deep seat or wide fenders on the stirrup leathers. Western saddles are the heavy saddles with a definite horn, deep seat and high, rigid cantle at the back. The fenders on the stirrups and the skirts on the saddle may be ornately carved or may have gold or silver accents. Within both English and western tack styles there are several variations, so it is important if you are interested in a particular event or competition that you find out what specific tack is required.

Bridles, bits and reins are all needed to control the horse, with differences again between English and western styles. English bridles tend to have more straps, including a noseband and a browband, while western bridles may or may not have these features. Bits for both English and western riding are typically snaffle bits, although the western style has an additional bar on the outside of the horse’s mouth, known as a curb. These bits are sometimes referred to as a snaffle curb, which is different than a curb bit.

An optional piece of tack that you may wish to purchase if your horse is going to be kept outdoors or in an unheated area is a blanket. Turnout blankets are for use outdoors and have a water resistant exterior and a warm, padded interior. They strap close to the horse’s body. Stable blankets are for use indoors and are less fitted to the horse and generally slightly lighter weight. Flysheets and covers can also be used in the summer.

About the Author: Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used English saddles, riding apparel, and all

English horse tack

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