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Basic Tack Part 1

© Renee Landkamer

If you are just starting to get into horses, you probably know what a saddle is, but have no idea what the difference is between an english bridle and a western one. If you do, you can probably skip this article.

Well, I guess I should start with the basics. A saddle, bridle, and halter are all necessary, especially for beginners. Saddles come in two styles, English and Western. The best saddle to use when first learning to ride is the Western saddle, whether you intend on using it long term or not. There are a few reasons for this - Western saddles have a horn, a fairly square seat, and an upright back. They are rather heavy (up to forty-five pounds) which is a disadvantage when a young person is trying to tack up (put the saddle, bridle, and sometimes halter on the horse), but convenient for fast and furious western events.

English saddles have advantages, too. (see picture) They seat you more naturally, give you closer contact with the horse, and are generally more comfortable. Another advantage is that most have the built-in safety feature of detachable stirrups (if your foot should happen to slip too far into the stirrup, and you fell off, the stirrup would come off the saddle instead of you being dragged underneath the horse).

Both do have their disadvantages. Western saddles have horns which would be nuisances if you should happen to use direct or English reining instead of indirect or Western reining. English saddles are smoother, which increases the chances of sliding off.

Bridles don't vary much, but have differences that only matter for showing purposes. The differences are that English bridles have a noseband and their headstall is usually more decorative. Bridles are used to direct and control the horse by applying pressure to a metal or, in some cases, rubber bit in the horse's mouth, and are essential for all riders, experienced or not.

Halters are necessary for every horse, no matter how obedient they seem. Halters are used to lead the horse and as a form of restraint when the horse has to stand. The only differences between different halters are decorative.

Well, I guess that covers the basic tack. I will, in my next article, talk more about bits and other parts of tack. I look forward to writing for you again.

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