eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.
A horse bridle is a piece of horse tack long used by riders to control a horse. Made of leather straps, the bridle holds the metal bit in the horse's mouth. The rider uses the connected reins to steer the horse by tugging on the left or right corner of the horse's mouth. more »
A bit is a metal, wooden or plastic bar that is held in the horse's mouth by a bridle. It works by pressing down hard on the very sensitive area behind the horse's molars. But not all bridles have bits. These are known by various names, including hackamores. They work similar to a dog leash, only the leash is around the horse's nose... more »
To avoid causing injury to your horse, you should check the fit of the harness every time it is used and adjust if necessary. If you are unsure how to harness your horse, it is best to consult your veterinarian. An ill-fitting harness can cause painful injuries to the horse. If you notice any weak spots or problems with your tack when... more »
Horses have been used by humans for hundreds of years for riding, pulling wagons and plowing fields. They are often ridden under saddle over obstacles, but getting a horse to perform under saddle takes hard work, training and time. more »
Skin diseases can be one of the most often overlooked health problems in horses and can get out of control if not properly addressed. Skin problems can also be the cause of behavioral changes in a horse, so it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms and address the problems. more »
Are you an equestrian enthusiast? Perhaps you're thinking of buying a horse? If that's the case,...
Horse tack can become very expensive, especially if it has to be replaced frequently. You can keep it clean and safe for many years if you... more »
Miniature horses can't use tack designed for regular horses, and even halters designed for foals won't create the best fit. If you have a mini,... more »
Crystal horse tack is quickly becoming the tack of choice in western riding. Whether it is a show, rodeo, trail ride, parade or at your home,... more »
Keeping horse tack clean is a job that must be repeated after almost every ride. Even if you don't ride in the mud, horses sweat and have dirt on... more »
A disorganized horse tack room can be stressful, leading you to frantically search for some lost item with a horse waiting for you. It can also be... more »
Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates are all forms of horse tack. Equipping a horse is often referred to as tacking up.
Saddles
Saddles are seats for the rider, fastened to the horses back by means of a girth (English-style riding), known as a cinch in the Western US, a wide strap that goes around the horse at a point about four inches behind the forelegs. Some western saddles will also have a second strap known as a flank or back cinch that fastens at the rear of the saddle and goes around the widest part of the horses belly.Catalog167>Price, Steven D. (ed.) The Whole Horse Catalog: Revised and Updated New York:Fireside 1998 ISBN 0-684-83995-4 p. 167-178
It is important that the saddle is comfortable for both the rider and the horse as an improperly fitting saddle may create pressure points on the horses back muscle (Latissimus dorsi) and cause the horse pain and can lead to the horse, rider, or both getting injured.
There are many types of saddles, each specially designed for its given task.
Saddles are usually divided into two major categories: "English saddles" and "Western saddles" according to the riding discipline they are used in. Other types of saddles, such as racing saddles, Australian saddles, sidesaddles and endurance saddles do not necessarily fit neatly in either category.Catalog167/>
Saddle accessories
*Breastplate or breastcollar: Prevents saddles of all styles from sliding sideways or backward on a horses back
*Surcingle
*Pack saddle
*Crupper
*Breeching, also called "Britching"
Stirrups
Stirrups are supports for the riders feet that hang down on either side of the saddle. They provide greater stability for the rider but can have safety concerns due to the potential for a riders feet read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse+tack
Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:
How to Get Fired Gracefully
How to Stop a Shopaholic
How to Drive Defensively During the Holidays
Wonders of the World
Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
