Horse tack means any of the different equipment and garnishes worn by horses whenever they are used by people for riding and shows. Horse tack is composed of the saddle, stirrups, bridles, halters, bits, harness, and martingales. The horse uses a horse blanket.
The saddle is the seat for riders placed at the back of the horse. The saddle is fastened to the back of the animal with the use of a girth or cinch which is a wide strap. Saddles can be classified into two major categories such as the English saddle and the Western saddle.
The English saddle is used in every Olympic equestrian discipline. This has no horn and its panels are pairs of pads which are attached to the side. These pads can be filled with foam, air or even wool. The Western saddle is designed for Western riding. This is also known as the “cowboy saddle”. Unlike other saddles, this doesn't have pads of its own so this is used with a saddle blanket or a separate pad to provide a more convenient and comfortable fit for riders.
The saddle’s parts are: the tree- base where everything is attached; the seat where riders sit; the pommel or swell- part in the front that is slightly raised; the cantle or the back of the saddle; the stirrup- where the feet of the rider rests and provides leverage and support; the leather or fender-the straps made of leather which connect the stirrups to the tree, and the D-ring- the ‘D’ shaped ring at the front of the saddle where other pieces of the horse tack are attached.
The breastplates and the breastcollars are additional things used to keep saddles from sliding back. These are used for fast-paced sports.
The bridle is an arrangement of straps or ropes around the head of the horse. This is mainly used for communication with the animal. The bridle holds the horse bit that is attached to the reins. The bridle is used for riding, driving and controlling the horse.
The bridle is also called the headstall and is consisted by the following parts: crownpiece, cheekpiece, throatlatch, browband, noseband, cavesson and reins.
The halter is also an arrangement of straps or ropes used as a headgear or a headcollar to guide the horse. This is fitted over the back of the horse’s neck and around the mouth. When the rider pulls the end of the halter, the head of the horse turns towards the rider.
Unlike the bridle, the halter doesn't have a bit that is placed on the mouth of the horse.
The bit and the hackamore are parts of the horse tack placed at the head of the horse. Like the bridle, these are used for control and communication. The bit is placed particularly at the mouth of the horse while the hackamore goes around the nose of the horse.
The basic types of the bit are the curb bit, snaffle bit and the Pelham bit. Different bits offer different levels of control and pressure to the horse by the rider. The bit is designed to fit the needs and condition of the horse to serve its purpose properly.
The hackamore is made of rope, leather, cable or plastic. The hackamore is used whenever the horse has dental problems or tongue injuries and also during winters to avoid hurting or freezing the mouth of the horse.
The harness is a complicated arrangement of straps that attaches the horse to the cart or sleigh. Depending on the type of vehicle or load the horse is attached to, there are different kinds of harnesses.
The martingale is also a strap that keeps the horse from putting its head above the point of control. This also keeps the horse from tossing its head that would be risky to the rider’s safety. The martingale has various types such as the running martingale, standing martingale and the Irish martingale.
The horse blanket gives the horse warmth and comfort. This is intended also to protect the horse from other elements. This is made especially to fit the body of the horse. It has straps crossing the underneath of the horse so that it won't fall when the horse moves freely. This also has a hole at the back for the horse’s tail to pass through.
Naturally, the long hair of the horse makes it warm especially during winter. But horses are preferred with short hairs. It is believed that the horse blanket keeps the hair of the horse short. Short hair for horses is important for shows.
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