Tack & Equipment
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Tack & Equipment
When you own, lease, or ride a horse, you know that there is lots of tack and equipment that you need. Some of it has to do with riding; some of it simply has to do with general horse care.
Riding Equipment
Saddles
This is very obvious. While some riders don't own a saddle and are still happily galloping through the fields, most horse owners prefer to at least own one, even if they don't use it all the time. I'm sure everyone knows that saddles are the huge (and rather expensive) pieces of leather or synthetic material that we place on the horse's back. There are several types of saddles, such as a simple Western saddle, barrel saddle, or trail saddle; or an English jumping saddle, dressage saddle, or all-purpose saddle. Be prepared to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a good one of any type.
Bridles
Bridles are headpieces that you slide over the horse's head and ears. The bridle has the bit and the reins attached to it. You might pay as little as $20 or as much as over $100 for a good one.
Bit
The bit is the long piece of metal that you slide in the horse's mouth. You use the bit as an aid in giving the horse directions. It is attached to the part of the bridle that goes over or around the horse's muzzle. There are many types of bits; most riders use snaffle bits or curb bits. There are many other types, such as eggbutt bits and Kimberwick bits, that are used according to the horse it is being used on. Bits may be purchased attached to the bridle or separately.
Reins
The reins are the long straps or strap attached to the bit; they are also used as aids in directing the horse. Reins are made of several materials, including leather, rubber, and braided rope. They are tied or snapped onto the rings of the bit. English reins are usually a very long, single piece of leather or rubber. Many Western riders use single braided rope reins, but also popular are leather or rubber split reins, which are two long, separate straps. Barrel racers or pole benders may also use game reins or sport reins, which are relatively short, one-piece reins. Reins may be purchased attached to the bridle or separately.
Girth/Cinch
The girth, or cinch, is what holds the saddle in place on the horse's back. It is buckled or tied to either side of the saddle and then fastened again to hold the saddle in place. The girth is a very, very important piece of tack, and obviously must be used when using a saddle. There are several types of girths too, including leather girths, nylon girths, and rope/string girths. Girths are usually purchased separately from the saddle, and they are not very expensive.
Stirrups
Stirrups are what you put your feet into when riding using a saddle. They can be made of iron, wood, plastic, and more. Usually English saddles have stirrups with stirrup leathers (long, strong strips of leather that attach the stirrups to the saddle), and Western stirrups are usually attached by means of a "fender" (a wide piece of leather or whatever the saddle is made of that attaches the stirrup to the saddle). English stirrups can be separate from the saddle.
written by Cherokee Red Quarters & Brumbies WOSE 222306
