How to Choose Tack

Horseback riding takes a huge commitment both time-wise and financially, and a big part of that chunk involves the purchase and care of tack. Tack is vital and can help or hinder the ongoing relationship between horse and rider.

To completely outfit a horse, one should expect to spend anywhere from $800 upwards, although savvy shoppers can find used tack in good condition and save a significant amount. On the other hand, tack stores seem to encourage splurging, and riders may find themselves spending thousands of dollars if they insist on top quality products.

The basic items a horse needs for everyday use and care won't cost too much; the real money involves riding equipment and show tack. For around the stable, a horse requires only a few items:

A halter and lead to lead the horse around the stable yard, to and from pastures, and anywhere the horse may need to go. Either a cheap nylon halter or a leather one will do. Leads range from leather shanks with chains attached to braided nylon ropes that often come in a number of fun colors. Those who ship their horses frequently may want to invest in a leather shipping halter covered in sheepskin; horses almost always ship in leather halters due to the fact that they will break away if put under enough pressure. Horses turned out in halters should wear leather ones fro the same reason.

A stable blanket, sheet, and cooler. The climate in which a horse is stabled will determine the number and type of blankets needed. Horses wintering in warm climes might need only a simple sheet to keep them toasty on cool nights, while those enduring harsh winters will need a thick winter blanket layered over one or two other lighter sheets. Some blankets come with removable layers for this purpose. Additionally, horses should have a sheet for cool days and a cooler to wick sweat away and chase chills after workouts.

Splint, fetlock, and bell boots. All horses should have a basic set of boots for all four legs, including bell boots (which protect the back of the hoof from strikes and also can prevent the front shoes from being pulled off). These can be used for workouts as well, but should be primarily used during turnouts to protect the horse's legs. Riders should invest in a separate set of exercise boots depending on the use.

Those shipping their horses will need shipping boots or stable wraps to protect the horse's legs en route. Stable wraps should also be handy to wrap the horse's legs overnight after rigorous rides to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Riders may also want to invest in a lunge line and surcingle for round pen work.

Now that the horse is comfortably outfitted in the stable essentials, riders can move on to the bigger budget items needed to actually ride.

The saddle is probably the most expensive item a rider will have to purchase, as they can run from a few hundred dollars used to four thousand and up for a custom model. Those competing in the hunter/jumper discipline should purchase a close contact saddle that places riders in the correct forward seat position adopted by the sport. Great care should be taken to research each prospective saddle based on quality, components, and, most importantly, fit. The saddle should be comfortable and the right size for each rider, and must fit the horse correctly to avoid causing pain, stiffness and soreness. A poorly-fitting saddle can do serious damage to a horse's back, while a correctly fitted one can do wonders for a horse's movement and comfort. Those purchasing a saddle will also need to get stirrups and leathers.

The horse will need a properly fitted bridle and the desired nose band. Most horses are fine in a regular cavesson, while some need a figure eight nose band or a flash. This decision is best made by the rider's trainer or another knowledgable horseman well versed in the complexities of bridling and bitting. Again, correct fit is key, and the bridle should be good quality to prevent breakage of the small pieces of leather and to ensure longievity.

Each bridle needs that key item, the bit. Again, this is an item that trainers should determine if the rider is unfamiliar with the options available and their uses. It is always better to underbit than to slap a monstrous contraption in a horse's mouth and cause him uneccessary pain.

As previously mentioned, horses should have a full set of exercise boots. Most jumpers and hunters need open front jumping boots and matching ankle boots, as well as bell boots if the horse has a tendency to overstep and heel strike. Polo wraps may also be used if the rider can properly wrap them.

Many horses require some sort of martingale. The standing martingale should be used on horses with a tendency to raise their heads too high. This piece of equipment attaches to the girth, runs between the horse's legs, through a loop around the neck, and attaches again to the cavesson nose band. A running martigale works in much the same way but instead of attaching to the nose band, it ends in a fork with a ring at each end that the reins are laced through. When the horse raises his head above a desirable level, the martingale places pressure on the bit via the reins rather than the nose band.

Some horse may also need a breastplate, which attaches to the girth and the dees of the saddle and loops around the chest to keep the saddle from slipping back. Most breastplates feature a center ring where a standing or running martingale attachment can be clipped.

Finally, no set up is complete without saddle pads. Every rider needs one or two square pads to go between the saddle and the horse. Addtionally, many riders choose to add shaped pads, half pads, corrective or therapeutic pads which lie between the saddle and the square pad. These can be for looks only, can improve or correct saddle fit, or can provide additional comfort or support to the horse.

While these are the basic items each horse should be outfitted with, there a countless other items available to the discerning equestrian today. Riders may find the choices available overwhelming, but some quick research and an experienced helper will make tack shopping a joy. One final warning is warranted though: finding and buying tack is addicting!