Home » Plants & Animals » Horse Riding Basics » Basic Tack - Part 2

Basic Tack - Part 2

© Renee Landkamer

You know may the difference between a western saddle and an english one, but haven't the slightest clue what a girth, d-ring, or stirrup leather are, or the difference between a curb bit and a snaffle bit. If this is not true, you can probably skip this article.

I guess I should start with saddles, them being essential for the new rider. The pommel and horn are close to the same thing, except a pommel is comparatively flat. They are, when on the horse, slightly behind the withers. This is raised to provide some room for the withers to move around. It also provides something for riders to pull themselves up on when they mount. On western saddles, the horn in also used as a place to attach a rope, for ponying or capturing cattle.

The d-ring is where a breast collar (keeps saddle from sliding backwards) is attached. This is present mainly on western saddles.

The girth is what keeps the saddle on, but is not actually part of the saddle. It is made out of rope, nylon, leather, and/or wool. It is attached to a cinch, which is usually made of leather.

The cantle is the back of the seat, and prevents riders from falling off backwards. The seat is, of course, where the riders sits, and is made of the same material as rest of the saddle.

Next is the bridle. The most important peice of the bridle is the bit, the metal rod that is put in the horse's mouth. This is used to tell the horse which way to turn, when to stop, and when to backup.

The headstall varies in several ways, but they all serve the same purpose, which is to keep the bridle from falling off. There are one ear bridles (a hole one ear slips into), two ears bridles (two holes, one ear slips into each), and ones where both ears slip into the same place. On english bridles, the part of the headstall that runs across the forehead is usually more decorative than western bridles.

The noseband is present only on western bridles. I don't know what it's purpose is.

Back to bits, the most important part of the bridle. There is an unlimited choice of these, for different horses and riders. Some bits should NEVER be used by inexperienced riders, or even some professionals. Some bits, however, are safe. The most well known of these are snaffle bits and curb bits. Snaffle bits have a joint at the center, which makes these bits the best for inexperienced riders, who have the tendency to be heavy-handed. Curb bits come in a variety of styles, but all have a chain underneath the horse's chin.