Basic Tack You Need for Your Horse

Owning your first horse is such an exciting time. If you've been a horse lover in your life, you can understand the emotions of that first day you have your horse in the pasture in your own backyard. While a horse is great to have, you need a few other items to make horse ownership and keeping successful. Horse tack ranges from the very simple, so the very elaborate! This article is going to list the items you will want to have before you make your horse purchase, or within the first few days of horse ownership. I remember the day I brought my first horse home, it was so exciting and I was glad I had done my homework ahead of time so I had all the items I needed handy. Follow this list to ensure you will have the tack you need in your horse barn.

One of the most important pieces of tack you need for your horse is a halter. A halter fits over the horses nose and neck to allow you to control where the horse is going. The halter has two rings, one on each side of the horses head and one under its chin. These rings are used for lead ropes or side ties. Without a halter, you cannot tie a horse up safely as you should never try to tie a rope around the horse to have it stand still. Halters come in three types. Nylon, leather and rope halters can all be chosen. A nylon halter is the most common and works the most efficiently. The nylon is very strong to prevent breakage under high force. It is also waterproof and fairly inexpensive. I would suggest purchasing two halters so you have a backup if one is broken or lost. A leather halter is most commonly used for show, so if you plan to show you may want to make a leather halter part of your tack kit as well. A rope halter is often used it training as it puts a little more pressure on your horses head.

The next item is almost as important as the halter and it is a lead rope. Lead ropes are specially made for horses as they have a very strong clasp and are woven very tightly. If you use a different rope there is a good chance your horse will break it within a day or two. Lead Ropes come in long and short lengths, and I would suggest purchasing at least 2 short ones that are about 8 feet long, and at least one long one that is about 12 feet long. Lead ropes will come in handy very often, so you can never have enough in my opinion!

Next comes a saddle. You can choose western or English, whichever you prefer. The western saddle is very simple and often comes in a complete package. A cinch may be purchased separately if you wish. An English saddle may come in a package too, but often you have to buy the cinch and straps separate along with the stirrups. A saddle will help you to ride more efficiently and they are specially made for different horse sizes and shapes. Taking your horses measurements around the girth and length of the back will help you select the correct size. Most stores that sell saddles will have an employee that can help you purchase the correct size saddle to fit you and your horse.

Along with the saddle you will need a saddle pad or blanket. The blanket goes under the saddle provide extra cushioning and protection for the horse. Blankets come in many colors, shapes and materials. Western blankets are generally rectangular in size while English blankets are made to follow the curves of the saddle. You can really choose whichever blanket you like the best, they all work well.

The last piece of tack you will want to buy is a bridle. The bridle is used when riding the horse to control the horses' movement. The bridle contains a headband, throat latch, and a bit. Bridles also can be very simple or elaborate, and you can really choose whichever you prefer. Your bit will most like need to be purchased separately, and a snaffle bit or curb bit are the most commonly used bits on pleasure riding horses. If you have an English saddle, purchase and English style bridle, and purchase a Western style bridle for a Western saddle. You can find matching bridles and saddles that are beautiful when placed on your horse, or you can find a very simple bridle that will work efficiently. Be sure that the bridle contains reins, and if there are no reins attached make sure you purchase those as well.

Now that you have your entire tack ready, the fun can begin. Allow your horse some time to feel out the new saddle and bridle before riding. You may want to dress your horse and then allow it some free time in the arena or round pen to adjust to the new feelings of the new tack. Some horses are much more sensitive than others, but it is always better to be safe than sorry! Happy Riding!