A Newbies Guide to Horse Tack

Articles on Horses | Topics: horses, horse, equestrian

by Hanya Robbins

You bought a horse, but what else do you need? Here's a list of tack that may be helpful for you and your horse. This list of tack includes bits and spurs, headstalls and reins, breast collars, saddle pads and blankets, cinches, halters, and saddles. This will also tell you what the tack is and where it goes on the horse.

The bits go in the horse's mouth, and are designed to teach communication between the rider and horse. It can let you balance your horse from left to right and front to back. It teaches a horse to bend his neck and throatlatch so he will turn in both directions. Most horses don't like bits, and try to spit them out, but with a little patience and perseverance a horse will get used to it.

Spurs are for the rider. They hook onto your boots and when you want the horse to obey, move forward, backward, turn, and gallop, you kick the horse. It is an immediate action, and the horse may not like these. You may get bucked off a few times. The horse will get used to them however and obey when kicked with your spurs.

Headstalls can also be called a 'head piece'. It fits over the horse's head and lets you have control over your horse. Reins are attached to the headstalls. With a headstall you can make your horse do anything you want.

Reins attach to the headstall and this is what you hold onto when you ride. If you want the horse to go left, pull the reins left. If you want your horse to go right, pull them right. You don't want to pull the reins tight when you're galloping so let then have slack. When you want the horse to stop, pull back on the reins. The reins are like a steering wheel; if you don't know how to control then, you'll go nowhere.

A breast collar is a horse's collar that fits over the horse's chest instead of around its neck. This is a leather strap that passes around the front of the horse above his forelegs, which is then attached to the rings of the saddle.

You don't want to get blisters, why would your horse? A saddle pad is a blanket or pad that fits on the horse's back. Which then the saddle is placed over this, a saddle pad is used for protection to the horse. That way the saddle won't rub on the horse causing sores or burns.

Bit of History

Barely a twelvemonth after
The seven days war that put the world to sleep,
Late in the evening the strange horses came.

—Edwin Muir (1887–1959)

A blanket can be used the same as a saddle pad or it can be used to drape over your horse when they are in the trailer. This can be good for heat or protection from insects.

A cinch is a wide strap that attaches a saddle to a horse. It is a strap that goes from one side of the saddle under the horses belly to the other side of the saddle.

Halters are made of leather or rope and it fits around the horse's neck or head. A halter is used for leading a horse around.

A saddle is the seat you sit on when you ride your horse; it has a saddle horn in the front, which you can hold onto so you don't fall off. It has stirrups on the side, which you put your feet into so you don't fall off. This is your lookout point; from the saddle you're the controller, the boss. You say control the horse, you're in the driver's seat.

Tack is an important part of owning a horse; if you don't know anything about tack contact your local feed store or western store. They can tell you what you will need, and how it's used. Just remember you don't need the most beautiful tack in the world, as good durable tack is just as good. Your horse isn't going to be impressed by it when you're out working cattle. You don't necessarily need all of the tack stated above, but with enough tack you can always experiment to see what works best for your horse and you. There are all different brands of tack so you need to research what is the most durable, non-expensive, lasting tack for you and your horse.

We strive to provide only high quality articles on our website. If there is a specific horses-related topic that you do not see but would like us to cover, please contact us here.

Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "A Newbies Guide to Horse Tack" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by DogsPetsCats.com.

Subtle Ways Your Cat Trains You
By Prunella Franklin
Cats are subtle in the ways they train their human owners. Just as we train them to use a scratching post or accept a new baby, there are many ways they train us....

How to Incorporate Favorite Pets in the Wedding Ceremony
By Darrene Robbins
If a dog is really man's best friend, why shouldn't your favorite puppy be a part of your wedding ceremony? It may sound strange, but animal lovers agree that having their cat or dog present to share in their big day is important. Seeing a kitty or pup stroll down the aisle would have been unheard of years ago, but that's no longer the case....

Adopt A Pet
By Wahiba Stephenson
Though I think it is wonderful when someone goes out to adopt a pet, there are times when you should think twice about what you are doing. If you want something for your family, you should always consider adoption from a shelter first....

Is A Dog Right For You?
By Zachary Jenkins
Is A Dog Right For You? Early morning walks, cold noses waking you up. Are you really ready for all that a dog needs? Do you know where you local veterinarian is? What kind of dog do you want? Are you ready to play pick up maid? Do you really like those shoes? How about that new white carpet you just put in? Are you very attached to it staying white? These are all things you must think of when you go to purchase or adopt a new member of your family....

Get more articles about horses...