The Essential Glossary of Equestrian Tack Terms

Welcome to MyHorseHub.com, your ultimate resource for all things equestrian! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your journey into the wonderful world of horses, understanding the terminology surrounding tack is crucial. Tack refers to all the equipment used on a horse, and knowing the proper names and functions of each piece will not only enhance your riding experience but also ensure the safety and comfort of your equine partner.

This comprehensive glossary will define common equestrian tack terms, from the bits and bridles that guide your horse to the saddles and stirrups that support you. We’ll also include helpful external links to relevant articles for those who wish to delve deeper into specific topics. So, let’s saddle up and dive into the fascinating vocabulary of horse tack!

Bridle Components: Communication & Control

The bridle is arguably one of the most important pieces of tack, allowing the rider to communicate with the horse through the bit.

• Bridle: The entire assembly of straps, buckles, and a bit, placed on the horse's head to aid in control and communication. There are various types, including English and Western bridles, each with its own nuances.

  • Learn more about different types of bridles: Understanding Bridles (Practical Horseman)

• Headstall: The main part of the bridle that goes over the horse's head and holds the bit in place.

• Browband: The strap that runs across the horse's forehead, connecting the crownpiece on either side and helping to keep the bridle in position.

• Noseband (Caveson): A strap that encircles the horse's nose. While it doesn't directly connect to the bit, it can influence how the horse carries its head and jaw. Various styles exist, such as the cavesson, flash, drop, and figure-eight.

  • Explore different noseband types and their uses: Noseband Knowledge (Horse & Rider)

• Throatlatch: A strap that passes under the horse's throat, connecting to the crownpiece on both sides. Its primary function is to prevent the bridle from slipping off over the horse's ears.

• Cheek Pieces: The straps that extend from the crownpiece down the horse's face, connecting to the bit.

• Reins: Long straps, typically made of leather, webbing, or synthetic materials, that connect to the bit and are held by the rider to guide and control the horse.

• Bit: A metal (or sometimes synthetic) device that goes into the horse's mouth, resting on the sensitive bars of the jaw (a gap between the incisors and molars). It's the primary point of contact for the rider's aids. Bits come in an enormous variety of styles, including snaffle, curb, pelham, and gag, each designed for different purposes and levels of control.

  • A comprehensive guide to bits: Horse Bit Guide (SmartPak Equine)

• Bit Guards: Small rubber or gel rings placed on the bit to prevent pinching of the horse's lips at the corners of the mouth.

Saddle Components: Rider Comfort & Horse Fit

The saddle is the interface between rider and horse, designed to distribute the rider's weight evenly and provide a secure seat.

• Saddle: The seat for the rider, placed on the horse's back. Like bridles, saddles come in English and Western styles, each suited for different disciplines.

  • Understanding English vs. Western Saddles: English vs. Western Saddles: What's the Difference? (Dover Saddlery)

• Tree: The internal frame of the saddle, typically made of wood, fiberglass, or a synthetic material, which gives the saddle its shape and provides strength. The fit of the tree to the horse's back is paramount for comfort.

• Pommel: The front, raised part of the saddle. In English saddles, it's the arch over the horse's withers; in Western saddles, it’s the horn.

• Cantle: The raised, back part of the saddle seat.

• Seat: The part of the saddle where the rider sits.

• Flap: The leather panels on either side of an English saddle that protect the rider's legs from the stirrup leathers and girth buckles. In Western saddles, these are often integrated into the fender.

• Knee Roll/Block (English): Padding on the front of the saddle flap designed to provide support and stability for the rider's knees.

• Stirrup Leathers: Adjustable leather or synthetic straps that hang from under the saddle flap and attach to the stirrup irons.

• Stirrup Irons (English) / Stirrups (Western): The metal (English) or wooden/metal (Western) frames that hold the rider's feet.

• Fender (Western): The wide leather panel in a Western saddle that connects the stirrup to the saddle tree and protects the rider's legs.

• Girth (English) / Cinch (Western): A strap that passes under the horse's belly, attaching to the saddle on both sides, to hold the saddle securely in place. Girths come in various materials and designs, including straight, anatomic, and shaped.

  • Choosing the right girth: How to Choose the Right Girth for Your Horse (Equestrian Living)

• Billets (English): The small leather straps extending from the saddle tree, to which the girth buckles are attached.

• Latigo (Western): A long, flat strap, typically made of leather, used to secure the cinch to the saddle on the off-side (right side).

• Off-Billet (Western): A shorter strap, similar to an English billet, used to secure the cinch on the near side (left side) of a Western saddle, often in conjunction with the latigo.

• D-rings: Metal rings on the front or sides of the saddle, used for attaching breastplates, martingales, or other accessories.

• Saddle Pad / Blanket: A pad or blanket placed between the saddle and the horse's back to provide cushioning, absorb sweat, and protect the saddle.

  • The importance of saddle pads: The Importance of Saddle Pads (Schneiders Tack)

Additional Tack & Accessories: Enhancing Performance & Safety

Beyond the core bridle and saddle components, a variety of other tack items serve specific purposes.

• Martingale: An elastic or leather strap attached to the girth and passing between the horse's front legs, designed to prevent the horse from raising its head too high. Running martingales have rings for the reins, while standing martingales attach directly to the noseband.

  • When and why to use a martingale: Martingales: When to Use One and Why (Equisearch)

• Breastplate / Breast Collar: A strap that goes around the horse's chest and attaches to the saddle, preventing it from slipping backward, especially during jumping or uphill work.

• Splint Boots / Sport Boots: Protective boots worn on the horse's lower legs to protect the cannon bone, splint bone, and soft tissues from impact and interference.

• Bell Boots / Overreach Boots: Boots that cover the horse's hooves and pasterns, protecting against overreaching (when the hind hoof strikes the back of the front hoof).

• Polo Wraps: Long fabric wraps used to support the horse's tendons and ligaments during exercise.

• Shipping Boots / Leg Wraps: Padded boots or wraps used to protect a horse's legs during trailering or transport.

• Halters / Headcollars: A strap arrangement placed on the horse's head, without a bit, used for leading, tying, and handling the horse on the ground.

• Lead Rope: A rope or strap attached to a halter for leading or tying a horse.

• Lunge Line: A long line (often 20-30 feet) used for ground training and exercising a horse in a circle.

• Whip / Crop / Bat: An aid used by the rider to reinforce leg cues or encourage forward movement. Different lengths and styles are used for various disciplines.

• Spurs: Metal aids worn on the rider's boots, used to refine leg cues. They come in various styles, from blunt to sharp, and should be used with skill and discretion.

• Tie-down (Western): A strap used in Western riding, connecting the cinch to the noseband, similar in function to a standing martingale, to prevent the horse from throwing its head up too high.

• Curb Chain (Western Bridle/Pelham Bit): A chain that passes under the horse's chin, connecting the shanks of a curb bit or pelham bit, applying pressure when the reins are engaged.

Care and Maintenance Terms: Keeping Your Tack in Top Condition

Proper care extends the life of your tack and ensures its safety.

• Tack Cleaning: The regular process of cleaning leather, metal, and fabric tack to remove dirt, sweat, and grime.

• Leather Conditioner: A product used to moisturize and protect leather tack, keeping it supple and preventing cracking.

• Saddle Soap: A specialized soap used for cleaning and conditioning leather tack.

• Oil (for leather): Certain oils (like neatsfoot oil) are used to deep condition and soften leather, especially new or very dry tack.

Conclusion

Understanding equestrian tack terms is a fundamental part of becoming a knowledgeable and responsible horse person. Each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose, and knowing these details will not only help you select the right gear for your horse and discipline but also ensure that it is fitted and used correctly.

We hope this comprehensive glossary from MyHorseHub.com has been a valuable resource. Keep exploring, keep learning, and enjoy every moment with your magnificent equine partners!