A New Horse Owner's Guide to Basic Tack

Before you buy a horse, it is best if you have already bought the tack and supplies you will need. Many tack shops have every piece of equipment you need, but this convenience can sometimes be overwhelming to new horse owners. The following is a list of the basic tack and supplies you will need, along with a brief description of each. Of course, each item varies depending on your situation, but as long as you get most of the items, you will be good to go.

Saddle

The most obvious piece of tack is the horse's saddle. You will definitely need a saddle unless: your horse is too young to ride, you only compete in halter events, or you ride solely bareback. There are several different kinds of saddles, but the most popular ones are: all-purpose, close-contact, dressage, western, and Australian saddles. The saddle you choose will depend on your discipline.

Saddle Accessories

Along with the saddle, you'll need: stirrup leathers, stirrups, saddle pads, and a girth. Stirrup leathers attach the stirrups to the seat of the saddle. Stirrups are where your feet go, and they help you keep your balance. A saddle pad keeps the saddle from rubbing your horse's back, as well as making the saddle fit on your horse's withers. Never ride without a saddle pad! Lastly, the girth keeps the saddle in place on the horse's back. If you rode without a girth, you and the saddle would slip off the horse.

Bridle & Bit

The bridle is used to help guide the horse's head and keep you in control. The bit is a metal piece that goes in the horse's mouth. There are many different types of bridles, but the most common one is the regular snaffle bridle. If your horse doesn't accept the bit in his mouth, then you may be riding in a hackamore in the near future, which is a bit-less bridle.

Halter & Lead Rope