Tack & Riding Attire

Tack

Introduction

Tack is the term used to describe the gear and equipment used to ride horses.

Common pieces of tack include:

• Halter: A halter is head gear used to lead or tie up livestock.
• Saddle: The saddle is a piece of tack that the rider sits on while riding a horse.
• Bridle: The bridle is a piece of tack that is worn on the horse's head and helps the rider control and guide the horse.

Tack should be selected based on what the horse and rider will be doing. A cowboy out on the ranch, a jockey riding racehorses, and an English rider jumping fences all use different tack. Tack is designed to help the rider and the horse accomplish their goals; two main styles of tack are Western and English.

Western Saddle

THE WESTERN SADDLE

The Western saddle is commonly used for both work and pleasure (See figure 1). There are a variety of types of western saddles: roping saddles, barrel saddles, trail saddles, pleasure saddles, and endurance saddles.   

  

Figure 1: Western Saddle

THE TREE

The tree is the "backbone" of the Western saddle (See figure 2).  The entire saddle is built around the tree.  It's called a tree because it's traditionally made of wood.  Usually softer woods are chosen for flexibility. 

Once constructed, the tree is then covered with rawhide for strength and durability.  Rawhide is animal skin that has had the fur and fat removed and has been stretched.  Bull hide is the first choice due to its strength and weight.  Finally, the tree is covered in varnish to seal it. 

The finished product is a strong, yet flexible tree.  Often, synthetic materials are used instead of real wood.  Some saddle makers don't use synthetic trees due to a fear of them being of lower quality.                                                                                                                                 

Figure 2: Western Saddle Tree

PARTS OF THE WESTERN SADDLE

It's important to learn the what the various parts of the Western saddle are called and what their purpose is.  Below is a drawing with the various parts of the saddle labeled. 

PARTS OF THE WESTERN SADDLE EXPLAINED:

Saddle Horn:  The saddle horn was originally added to the Western saddle as a way to help in roping cows.  Cowboys use the saddle horn to wrap the rope around when catching cattle.  Over the years, the use of the saddle horn has changed.  It can be a handy hook to hang things on as well as a safety device for the rider when the ride gets rough. 

Swell: The swell is constructed as a way to attach the saddle horn, however it also helps keep the rider in the saddle.

Latigo or Cinch Strap: The latigo (or cinch strap) is a strip of leather or nylon that is used to connect the cinch to the rigging. You can control how tightly the saddle is sitting on the horse by pulling the latigo tight or leaving it loose.

Fender: The fender helps protect the rider's legs from the sweat of the horse and the rigging used to connect the stirrups to the saddle.

Stirrup: The stirrups are used to hold the feet of the rider.  The stirrups help the rider stay in the saddle.

Cinch: The cinch is a wide strap that fits under the horse and attaches to the rigging.  The cinch is what secures the saddle to the back of the horse.

Rigging: Rigging is a series of metal rings and plates used to connect the stirrups to saddle and to secure the saddle around the horse.

Seat: The seat is the part of the saddle that the rider sits on.

Seat Jockey: The seat jockey protects the tree (the "backbone" of the saddle) as well as protects the rider's legs from rubbing on the rigging  and the fender.

Cantle: The cantle secures the rider so that they don't slide off the back of the saddle. 

Skirt: The skirt helps distribute the weight of the rider over a larger surface, making the saddle more comfortable for the horse.  The skirt also helps protect the horse from the tree. 

Gullet: The gullet is the open space under the saddle horn and between the swells.  The gullet rides on top of the horse's withers.  When the saddle is on the horse, the gullet should not touch the withers of the horse.  A person should be able to fit 3-4 fingers between the top of the gullet and the top of the withers.

Western Bridle

THE WESTERN BRIDLE:

The bridle is a combination of multiple pieces of leather and metal that aid the rider in controlling the horse.  See figure 1. The bridle is worn on the horses head.  The bit is worn in the horse’s mouth. Although all bridles serve the same purpose (to control and communicate with the horse), there are many different styles available. A horse person can choose the style of headstall, bit and reins they want to be included in their bridle.  

PARTS OF THE WESTERN BRIDLE

PARTS OF THE WESTERN BRIDLE EXPLAINED:

Headstall: The term headstall is used to describe the crown piece, browband, throat latch, and cheek piece collectively (curb strap/chain, bit, and rein are not included in the headstall).

Crown Piece: The crown piece is a strip of leather that runs over the poll (top of the head) and connects to the cheek pieces. The crown piece applies pressure to the poll when the reins are pulled, allowing the rider to control the horse.

Browband: The browband is a small strip of leather that is attached to the crown piece. The browband prevents the bridle from slipping off the horse's head or down its neck.

Throatlatch: Much like the browband, the throatlatch prevents the bridle from slipping out of position. The throatlatch runs around the horse’s neck, and rests just behind the jaw.

Cheek Piece: The cheek pieces rest on the cheek of the horse and are connected to the crown piece. The length of the cheek pieces can be adjusted to ensure that the bit fits properly in the horse's mouth.

Curb Strap/Chain: The curb strap (or chain) rests under the chin of the horse and is connected to the bit. The curb chain applies pressure to the chin when the reins pull on the bit. This helps the rider in controlling the horse.

Bit: The bit is usually made of metal (most commonly steel, aluminum, and a little copper) and rests on top of the horse's tongue in their mouth. The primary purpose of the bit is to create pressure in the horse's mouth allowing the rider more control. Bits come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Many Western riders use snaffle bits with young horses and while training.  Curb bits are commonly used by Western riders on horses that are well broke. 

                                      

                                                              Figure 2: Curb and Snaffle Bits

Rein: Reins consist of two narrow, but long, strips of leather that are connected to the bit and are long enough to run down the horse's neck and reach the riders hands. Reins allow the rider to control the amount of pressure the bit produces. Reins also place pressure on the side of the horse's neck helping the rider's communicate what they would like the horse to do.

English Saddle

THE ENGLISH SADDLE

The English saddle is commonly used for jumping, but can also be used for riding on flat surfaces.  There are many different styles of English saddles, but the most common are hunt seat and saddle seat.  Different saddles are better suited for different activities.  For example, a saddle used for jumping can be different than a saddle used for riding on flat surfaces. 

Much like the Western saddle, the English saddle is also built around a tree.  The tree is the "backbone" of the saddle.

PARTS OF THE ENGLISH SADDLE

  

PARTS OF THE ENGLISH SADDLE

Skirt: The skirt helps protect the riders legs from rubbing on the tree and other pieces that hold the saddle together.

Pommel: The pommel creates a more secure seat for the rider.  The shape of the pommel also determines the comfort level for the horse.

Knee Roll: The knee roll offers the rider comfort and support.  Not every english saddle is equiped with knee rolls.

Stirrup-Iron: The stirrup-irons are where the rider places their feet while riding.

Flap: The flap is designed to protect the rider from the sweat of the horse.  The flap can be shaped differently depending on what the saddle is to be used for.

Stirrup Leather: The stirrup leather is usually 1" wide and is used to connect the stirrup-iron to the saddle.

Cantle: The cantle allows the rider to maintain a proper seat position while riding.

Seat: The seat is where the rider sits while riding.

Billets: The billets are long straps with buckles on them.  The billets are buckled to the girth to anchor the saddle to the back of the horse.

Girth: The girth, which buckles to the billetts, goes underneath the horse to secure the saddle to the back of the horse.

English Bridle

THE ENGLISH BRIDLE

The English bridle is very similar to the Western bridle, with a few minor differences such as the caveson and flash. Although slightly different, the English bridle serves the same purpose as the Western bridle which is to control and communicate with the horse.

 

PARTS OF THE ENGLISH SADDLE EXPLAINED:

Headstall: The term headstall is used to describe the crown piece, browband, throat latch, and cheek piece collectively (caveson, flash, bit, and reins are not included in the headstall).

Crown Piece: The crown piece is a strip of leather that runs over the poll (top of the head) and connects to the cheek pieces. The crown piece applies pressure to the poll when the reins are pulled allowing the rider to control the horse.

Browband: The browband is a small strip of leather that is attached to the crown piece. The browband prevents the bridle from slipping off the horse's head or down its neck.

Throatlatch: Much like the browband, the throatlatch prevents the bridle from slipping out of position. The throatlatch runs around the horse’s neck, and rests just behind the jaw.

Cheek Piece: The cheek pieces rest on the cheek of the horse and are connected to the crown piece. The length of the cheek pieces can be adjusted to ensure that the bit fits properly in the horse's mouth.

Cavesson: The caveson is a noseband that is worn around the horse's nose. The cavesson can serve many purposes such as helping to control and communicate with the horse as well as a way to attach additional tack to the bridle. See figure 1.

Flash: The flash is worn snuggly around the nose of the horse to teach the horse how to properly use the bit as well as to keep the bit in position.  See figure 2.

                                 

                         Figure 1. English bridle with Caveson                             Figure 2. English bridle with caveson and flash

Bit: The bit is usually made of metal (most commonly steel, aluminum, and a little copper) and rests on top of the horse's tongue. The primary purpose of the bit is to create pressure in the horse's mouth allowing the rider more control. Bits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, however most English riders use a snaffle bit (see figure 3).

 

                                                                       Figure 3. Various snaffle bits

Reins: Reins consist of two narrow, but long, strips of leather that are connected to the bit and are long enough to run down the horse's neck and reach the rider's hands. Reins allow the rider to control the amount of pressure the bit produces. Reins also place pressure on the side of the horse's neck helping the rider communicate what they would like the horse to do.

Other Tack

OTHER TACK

There are other pieces of tack that are necessary when working with horses.  A few of these pieces include the halter, lead rope, saddle blanket, and breast collar.

Halter:  The halter is a is piece of tack worn on the horse's head.  The halter allows the handler to connect a rope to the halter, which is around the horse's head.  This allows the handler to lead the horse as well as tie the horse to a fence rail or trailer while working with it. See figure 1.

     Figure 1: Halter

Lead Rope: The lead rope is connected to the halter.  The handler holds onto the lead rope while working with the horse.  The lead rope is also used to tie the horse.

                                           

                                                                 Figure 2: Lead Rope

Saddle Blanket: The saddle blanket is worn underneath the saddle.  The saddle blanket helps protect the horse from the saddle by providing padding, absorbing sweat, and making sure the saddle fits properly on the horse's back.  See figure 3 and 4.

             

         Figure 3: Western Saddle Pad                    Figure 4: English Saddle Pad

Breast Collar: The breast collar is worn across the chest of the horse and attaches to the saddle.  The breast collar prevents the saddle from slipping down the horse's back.  See figure 5.

 

    Figure 5: Breast collar on horse

Riding Attire

Introduction

Just as there are different styles of tack, there are also different styles of attire. Attire refers to the clothing worn by the rider or horse person. It's important to wear appropriate attire when working around horses or riding horses for the person's safety and comfort.

In this section you will learn about proper Western and English attire!

Western Attire

WESTERN RIDING ATTIRE

Typical western riding attire usually includes denim jeans, a long sleeve button down shirt, belt, cowboy boots and cowboy hat. Although many western riders spend their time in the show ring and not on the ranch, the traditional attire of the working cowboy has remained. That is why it’s still customary to see western competitors in cowboy hats, button up shirts, and denim jeans. See figure 1 and 2 for men's and women's western attire.

 

Figure 1: Men's Western attire (straw cowboy Hat) Figure 2: Women's Western attire (felt cowboy hat)

Cowboy Hat: Although the cowboy hat makes quite a fashion statement, the main purpose of the hat is to keep the rider cool while riding outside in the sun. The wide brim of the hat shades the rider's neck and face from the sun beating through the clouds. Many western rider's wear straw hats in the summer (see figure 1) to keep cool and felt hats in the winter to stay warm (See figure 2). The felt hats keep the heat from escaping the riders head, much like a stocking cap.

Long Sleeved Shirt: Long sleeved button down shirts are worn to protect the arms and upper torsos of western riders. They protect the riders from the sun as well as from trees and other objects that may scratch or cut them. These long sleeved shirts come in a variety of colors, designs, and fabrics, although they are typically a cotton blend.

Denim Jeans: Denim jeans are typically worn by western riders because of their durability. Due to the type of work that western riders usually participate in (ranching, working cattle, trail riding) a strong fabric is needed to protect their legs from becoming injured.

Belt: The belt is worn to ensure proper fitting of the jeans and to add style to the person's outfit (see figure 3). The belt is also used by western riders to showcase their prized belt buckles.

Figure 3:There are many styles of western belts

Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots are a necessity in any western rider's closet. Cowboy boots have tall tops that extend mid-calf and can have a pointed, round, or square shaped toe. All cowboy boots have a heel preventing the rider's foot from slipping through the stirrup which can be a very dangerous situation if the rider were to fall off. Overall, the cowboy boot protects the foot and makes working with and around horses safer. See figure 4.

Figure 4: Cowboy Boot with Spur

Spurs: Spurs are sometimes worn on the boots of western riders. Spurs are used to aid in the communication between the rider and the horse. The rider will nudge the horse's side with spurs to communicate with the horse. See figure 5.

Figure 5: Western Spurs

Chaps: Chaps are also sometimes worn by western riders. Chaps add extra protection to the thighs and lower legs of the rider. It’s typical for a rider to wear chaps when working with cattle and out on the ranch. See figure 6.

(photo courtesy of Themightyquill)

Figure 6: Chaps on a Saddle Bronc Rider

English Attire

ENGLISH ATTIRE

English attire is worn when a person is participating in jumping, dressage, fox hunting, and pleasure riding. See figure 1. English attire is quite different than western attire, however many of the items serve the same purpose.

Helmet: It's customary for english riders to wear a helmet while riding to protect their head if they were to fall.

Jacket: The jacket is worn to add style to the rider's attire.

Dress Shirt with Choker: Under the jacket a long or short sleeved dress shirt is worn. The dress shirt is usually white or a pastel color. A choker or collar is worn closely around the rider's neck with a decorative pin to add style to their outfit.

Breeches: Breeches are the pants worn by english riders. Breeches are made of a stretchy material and allow the rider to move freely in the saddle.

English Boots: English boots are tall black boots that stop just below the person's knee.

Spurs: Just like western riders, english riders wear spurs. English spurs allow the rider to communicate with the horse. See figure 2.

Figure 2: English Spurs