EquiResource

Just bought a horse? That's great! Now you need supplies and equipment to help care for your horse. Here's a list of tack that may be helpful. You'll learn more about bits and spurs, headstalls and reins, breast collars, saddle pads and blankets, halters, and saddles.

A bit is used to teach communication between the horse and rider, and it goes in the horse's mouth. A bit helps move your horse from left to right and front to back. It teaches a horse to bend his neck so he will turn in both directions. Most horses don't like bits at first, but with patience and consistency a horse will get used to it.

Spurs hook onto the rider's boots. When you want the horse to obey, move forward, backward, turn, and gallop, you kick the horse. Like the bit, many horses do not like the use of these at first, but will generally become accustomed to them over time.

A headstall, also be called a head piece, fits over the horse's head. Reins are attached to the headstalls so that the horse will move as you want.

Reins, which attach to the headstall, is what you hold onto when you ride. Move the reins into the direction you want the horse to go. Be sure to leave a little slack in the reins if you are galloping, as your horse needs more room to manuever. Pull back on the reins when you want the horse to stop. The reins are like a steering wheel; if you don't know how to control then, you'll go nowhere.

A breast collar fits over the horse's chest. This is a leather strap that passes around the front of the horse above his forelegs, which is then attached to the rings of the saddle.

A saddle pad is a blanket or pad that fits on the horse's back. This helps prevent sores or burns when the saddle is on the horse.

A blanket serves the same function as a saddle pad. Blankets can also be used to cover your horse when they are in the trailer, and also protect horses from heat and insects.

Halters are made of either leather or rope. A halter fits around the horse's neck or head and is used for leading a horse around.

A saddle is the seat you sit on when you ride your horse. The front has a saddle horn for you to hold on to. A saddle has stirrups on the side that help support when you ride.

Tack is an important part of owning a horse. Your local feed store or western store can help you with ideas. They can tell you what you will need, and how it's used. Just remember you don't need the most beautiful tack in the world, as good durable tack is just as good.You don't necessarily need all of the tack mentioned here, as you can always start with basic equipment and add more as you need. There are all different brands of tack so be sure to research what choices and options are the best fit for your needs.