Saddle & Tack Our First Web Page - Jacquelyn Geyer & Amberleigh Million

THE EQUIPMENT THAT IS USED ON A HORSE IS CALLED ITS "TACK"

WE HAVE PICTURED BELOW THE BASIC EQUIPMENT USED IN RIDING

THE SADDLE is usually made from leather. It is placed on the back of the horse. You will notice that on each side are what we call stirrups. Sometimes they are made of metal, however, in this picture they are made of wood that has been covered with a hard type of leather called rawhide. A saddle is always placed on top of a blanket. This is so the horse will not suffer any burns from the saddle rubbing on its back. The blanket also helps to keep the saddle from slipping. A cinch or girth is a piece of equipment that circles the belly of the horse and fastens to the saddle on each side under the flaps. It also helps hold the saddle in place. The part of the saddle that the person sits in is called the seat.

WESTERN SADDLE & BLANKET

LEAD ROPES are used when a person needs to tie their horse for any reason. This might be to have the horse examined or while waiting to be saddled. REINS are used with the bridle while riding the horse. The attach to the bridle's bit or in some cases to a Hackmore Bridle. A Hackmore Bridle is one without a bit. Instead of a bit it has a strap that puts pressure on the horses's nose when the reins are applied.

WESTERN BRIDLE & SNAFFLE
BIT

This is a bit that is broken in the middle. That means that it isn't a solid piece of metal. It can swivel in the middle and when pressure is applied gives the horse a quick correction. Many owners of Race Horses use this type of bit.

WESTERN BRIDLE &THE CURB BIT

This is a solid piece of metal that has a curve in it. It also applies pressure to the top of the horse's mouth when the reins are pulled back. Having a bit in the horses mouth is what gives the rider control over the horse when riding.

This is the tack that I use for showing my horse. My saddle and blanket match in color and the girth is laying across my blanket. It took me a long time to find a saddle and blanket that matched. My parents say that in a couple of years if I do well, I will be able to earn some
silver for my saddle. Silver is what the decorations on a saddle are made from. I know I will keep practicing.