Equestrian Tack ” Learn the Basics of Equestrian Tacks

Equestrian tack refers to any of the various equipment and accessories made to be worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Equestrian tacks, also known as horse tacks, are supplied by a saddlery. Equipping a horse, like grooming or putting on the riding equipment, is called tacking up. Examples of equestrian tack are saddles, bridles, stirrups, bits, halters, reins, harnesses, martingales and breastplates.

One of the primary pieces of tack is the saddle, which refers to the supportive structure used by riders in riding horses. Saddles have several types, such as English saddles and Western saddles. These groups of saddles include different kinds of saddles that are used for the different disciplines in riding. For example, a dressage saddle, which is one type of English saddle, is used specifically for dressage discipline.

A bridle is a set of leather straps fitted to a horses head to be used by riders in directing the horse. It consists of the headstall that holds the bit and the reins that are attached to the bit. A bit is a part of the bridle that goes in the mouth of the horse. Some bridles have nosebands instead of bits.

A stirrup refers to the ring with flat bottom that hang on the side of the saddle by an adjustable strap. Typically, there are two stirrups that hang on either side of the saddle, which are used to support the rider. Stirrups provide great stability and aid the rider in mounting.

A halter, sometimes called headcollar, is a headgear that is made of rope or leather straps that fits around the head or neck of the horse. It consists of a noseband and headstall and is used to lead or secure the horse. It is fitted behind the ears and around the muzzle, allowing the horse to be led or tied.

A rein refer to a strap by which a horse is controlled by its rider. This strap is attached to a bridle by either a bit or noseband. Riders communicate directional commands to the horses head by means of reins. Usually, reins are made of leather, nylon or metal.

A harness is an equestrian tack that allows a horse to pull carriages, wagon, sleighs, sledge and other horse-drawn vehicles. Harnesses have two main categories: the breaststrap design, also known as breastcollar, and the collar and hames design. The breaststrap was designed to be used in lighter loads, while the collar and hames are for heavy draft work.

A martingale is a piece of equipment that keeps a horse from raising its head too high. It can also prevent the horse form throwing its head back. The two common types of martingale are the standing martingale or the head check and the running martingale or the ring.

A breastplate is an equestrian tack that is attached to the front of the saddle, across the horses chest. It usually has a strap that runs between the horses front legs and attaches to the girth. Also known as breastcollars and breastgirths, it is used to keep the saddle from sliding back or sideways.