Tackling Tack Horse Tack Article By Beth Esfandiari

By Beth Collins

One of the first questions I ask a new client when they call me on behavioral
issues with their horses is “does your tack fit correctly?” Often the answer is “I
guess so..” Tack fit is a mystery to most horse owners. The sources available to
help us with this issue are slim in many communities.

A good saddle is one of the most important purchases you make after the horse.
I often use a shoe analogy when trying to explain the need for care to be used
when selecting a saddle and bridle. Having recently purchased a pair of running
shoes, this analogy strikes a cord even closer to home. I was looking for a pair of
running shoes with the same criteria as most people look for tack, cheap, looks
good, pretty comfortable. Well, after over 45 minutes perusing the sale rack at
the local "runners world" I settled on two pair that had very different qualities.
Both met the first criteria, cheap. Yet one pair felt like slippers, and the other felt
like my feet where wearing a girdle. I approached one of the sales reps with my
finds, hoping just to get the definitive opinion on which pair to buy . To my
irritation , and surprise she asked me twenty more questions outside of the
criteria I had made my picks with, and then asked to see my feet. Turns out she
rejected both pair of shoes and brought me another pair altogether. These met
only one of my criteria, pretty comfortable. In fact, compared to the two pair I had
been willing to accept on my body, damn comfortable! They where not cheap,
they where not particularly good looking. I pointed this out to the girl sheepishly,
and she, being the consummate sales rep, did not sneer or roll her eyes, she
went to the sales section and found me the same shoe, albeit even uglier, for less
money. As I waited in line to pay for my new shoes, it struck me as ironic that
after preaching all these years on saddles being like shoes, I had almost bought a
“saddle “ for myself that was way below par. In fact I had experienced what many
people experience at a tack shop, without the benefit of the sales person being
able to see the object they are trying to recommend a product for. Very scary!

That brings us to the obvious question, how do we ever get proper tack for our
horses. Education, read everything you can on saddles and bridles (notice I
include bridles, more on this in a minute) look at product reviews and internet chat
rooms on the subject. Attend seminars, hire a professional saddle fit person to
come to your barn, ask your instructor. Then use your common sense. Define
what you are going to be doing with your horse, then try as many saddles as you
can.

Remember some saddles cross train really well, for instance I like my dressage
saddle for trail, it has a lot of support and is nice and deep. The last thing on
your list of criteria should be cost and looks. I know there are limits to everyone's
budget but everything can be found used, a cost cutter right there. Also
remember it should be as comfortable for you as your horse. If you don’t like
riding in it you have wasted your money. Been there done that.

If you will indulge me a bit longer lets talk about bridles shall we. I won‘t compare
these to shoes, I will compare them to underwear. They will be sitting against very
sensitive skin. Now for you guys this may be a very baffling read so hang on to
your hats. Ladies, we have all purchased that pretty lacy stuff at the department
stores, you know the kind, itchy, twisty, binding, frilly stuff. If you are into the racy
colors, it’s the pair that turned all your sensible panties pink in the wash. These
are not cheap, they are not comfortable, but if we stand a certain way they look
fabulous! Well, many bridles are the same way. They are not cheap, they have
sharp edges, and some of them even fade on your horse where he sweats. The
best place to check bridle fit is the brow band area. It should not pinch your
horses ears in the front corners even when he has winter fur. It should not
squeeze or rub up against the back of his ears in the poll area, nor should it rub
out his bridle path. The underside of the edges of the leather should be finished
and rounded. If you use a nose band on your horse, the buckle under the chin
should be sufficiently padded so that you cannot feel the hardware even when it
is pulled very tight (I am against this practice by the way). Straps along the sides
of the face and at the corners of your bit should be rounded and pliable. And, all
of this leather should be light weight. I have picked up bridles that almost
dragged me to the ground. Imagine wearing drawers that heavy.

So now we have at least a simple outline to help us begin on our quest for the
perfect outerwear for our horses, just remember to look at as many types and
styles as you can, there may be one that is less flashy, or from another discipline
that would suit you and your horse to a tee. Happy investigating!

Copyright 2003 Beth Collins