Understanding the Importance of Horse Tack

3 min read
21 September 2023

Once you get in the world of horseback riding, the sheer amount of equipment you need not just for yourself but also for your horse can be overwhelming. Much of the equipment required riding horses falls under the descriptor “tack,” but high end horse tack is not one-size-fits-all.

Each piece should be sized correctly for both the horse and the rider, and it is the horse owner’s liability to come into the equation with a solid knowledge in regards to all types of equipment to ride safely and stop injuries. The most important pieces of riding tack are the bridle, saddle, and reins. But tack also includes many other items such as cinches, stirrups, blankets, bits, horseshoes, bell boots, and halters.

 

Understanding the Importance of Horse Tack

Importance of high end horse tack

When humans first started horseback riding, the only equipment they used was a bridle. A long time passed until man started using saddles and longer still until the arrival of the stirrup.

If you have never purchased tack for a horse before, it may seem like your options are never-ending. Because of this, you should research each item of tack methodically and talk to experienced equestrians before purchasing a product. There is much more to get set up appropriately than just choosing what looks good or seems cool to try out! Having the right horse tack and equipment and using it correctly can play a significant role in your and your horse’s safety and enjoyment.

Unfortunately, it is very easy to purchase the wrong piece of equipment. 

Understanding the Importance of Horse Tack

Various tack for various riding styles

The tack shops in Ontario usually focus on two main horse-riding styles: English and western. Each style has its distinctive tack. English riders use smaller and lighter horse saddles meant to keep them close to the horse’s back. English riders hold one bridle in each hand and depend on them a lot to give the horse direction. There are many kinds of English saddles, all of which come in various sizes, several horse bridle styles and thousands of various bits.

Western horse tack uses bigger, heavier horse saddles, and some riders hold their horse’s reins in one hand. Most western horses are taught to respond to neck reining, which means they change direction when the rein rests against the side of their neck. This kind of riding requires a lighter touch from the rider, whereas English style relies more deeply on direct contact.

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Vision Saddlery 2
Vision Saddlery is dedicated to the innovation of equestrian products for superior performance, comfort, and style. Born conceptually in 2006, and now celebrati...
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