Horse Care Hints & Tips

Saddlery and Tack

In this Section:

+ What is it?

Horse tack is all the equipment that comes with owning a horse, kitting yourself out can be an expensive job. Bridles, saddles, bits, saddle pads, lead ropes, halters, whips, horse boots are just a few of the bare minimum supplies. Tack should be suitable for the purpose intended and fitted correctly.

Having correctly fitting tack and saddle is important for the comfort and health of your horse, and will also ensure that you are safer whilst riding. Not having correctly fitting items will result in an agitated horse and not a very pleasant ride for you!

Bridles come in three sizes, pony, cob and full, and it is important to purchase the right size bridle for your horse. The bridle is fully adjustable, and if required the standard nose band can be changed to a different style.

+ Saddle

A qualified saddle fitter should fit the saddle; however you as a rider should position a saddle correctly for use. The saddle must be well fitting and correctly positioned on your horse's back. If your horse's shape alters, after weight gain or muscle development, then it is important to check the fit of the saddle as it may need altering.

Girths attach the saddle to the horse and help to maintain its position. They are available in many shapes, types and sizes to suit a range of different saddles. A girth should be broad and smooth and fit comfortably around the horse's breast. A correctly fastened girth should rest approximately one hand's width behind the horse's elbows.

+ Saddle cloths and pads

Saddle cloths are used to minimise saddle slip when riding and also to keep the underside of the saddle clean. If they are not properly placed under the saddle they can alter the fit of the saddle and could even place undue pressure on the horse's withers and spine. Pads are often used to alter the fit of a saddle, however, it may be wise to purchase a new saddle replacement if it still does not fit properly even with a pad.

+ Bit

One of the vital pieces of tack to fit correctly is the bit, as this forms the mouthpiece of the bridle. The bit is the means by which a rider communicates with and directs the horse via the reins. When choosing your bit it is important to consider that different types of bit work better for different horses, it may take some time to find one that will work. A different style of noseband can be applied to enable the action and the strength of the bit to be altered or increased.

Bit sizes are measured along the length of the bar between the inner edges of each bit ring, when the bit is laid flat. The bit size and fit is important in order to fit your horse's mouth correctly, to ensure you do not damage his teeth, gums or lips. Bits are available in sizes ranging from 9cm (3inches) to 15cm (6inches).

+ Rugs

A rug should fit well around your horse's shoulders and around the base of his neck. If the rug slips it will rub the horse and cause discomfort. The rug should fit comfortably over the top of the neck in front of the horse's wither, and should not be able to slip backwards down the horse's spine.

+ Security

Ensuring that all your tack and equipment is safe and secure when you are not using it is of utmost importance. If you were to go to the stables one day and find all your equipment had been stolen, would you be able to afford to replace everything? It would most certainly spoil a day of riding that you had been looking forward to!

In these instances it is worthwhile considering horse insurance, as many policies include, or have the option to include, cover for saddlery and tack. You can have your tack postcode marked or micro-chipped in case of theft or to make it more easily identifiable if it goes missing.

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Horse Care & Tips

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