It’s time to clean out the tack trunk. Beginning Nov. 1, 2012, new rules from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) will take effect, prohibiting several types of formerly legal training devices and items of tack from the grounds...
If you’ve ever seen a horse wearing what appears to
be a jingling necklace, you’ve probably seen rhythm beads. These are a string
of colorful beads often adorned with bells or charms. The sound they make with
every step the horse takes...
Though tack designed with a working western flair is popular, complete with narrow leather ties securing bits and reins to headstalls, the venerable Chicago screw seems here to stay. Chicago screws consist of two parts, and one half is...
The Pelham is the most popular leverage bit used in hunters and hunt seat equitation competition. It is designed to use two sets of reins along with a curb chain. One rein attaches to the upper ring on the...
Just like western breast collars, English breastplates are primarily
used to help prevent a saddle from slipping back, out of the ideal position. Horses
with certain conformation issues, like steep withers that abruptly slope to a
deep dip in their spine, are...
Water loops (also called slobber straps) are handy
U-shaped leather straps that fasten a pair of western reins to the bit. Though
originally utilitarian tack for the working cowboy, they’re gaining in
popularity with a wide range of riders thanks to...
A curb chain on a kimberwick bit (top) and weymouth curb bit (bottom)The curb chain is an integral part of nearly every type of leverage
bit, whether it’s being used for English or western riding. When the reins are
pulled back,...
During the last decade a revolution of sorts has occurred in the design of English stirrups. Riders are no longer restricted to the rigid stainless steel “fillis” style of irons. Many of today’s English riders, especially those who ride...
Occasionally it’s necessary to use a specific type of pad to augment the fit of an English saddle. A riser pad (sometimes also called a lift-back or wedge pad) may be necessary if a horse, due to age or...
Similar in function to the English standing martingale, the western tie-down prevents a horse from raising its head above a pre-determined level. When adjusted properly, the tie-down allows a horse to carry its head freely in a natural position....
