NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Horse tack

Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates are all forms of horse tack. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... There are a number of theories regarding the domestication of the horse. ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ...

Saddles

Saddles are seats for the rider, fastened to the horse's back by means of a girth (English-style riding) or cinch (Western-style), a wide strap that goes around the horse at a point about four inches behind the forelegs. Some western saddles will also have a second strap known as a flank or back cinch that fastens at the rear of the saddle and goes around the widest part of the horse's belly.^[1] A saddle is a seat for a rider fastened to an animals back. ... A mounted police officer of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal patrolling the Parc du Mont-Royal. ... A mounted police officer of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal patrolling the Parc du Mont-Royal. ... horse, see Horse (disambiguation). ... Girth is the circumference of a cylindrical object. ... Cinch has multiple meanings: A cinch is a wide strap that attaches a saddle to a horse. ... A strap is a strip, usually of fabric or leather. ...

It is important that the saddle is comfortable for both the rider and the horse—an improperly fitting saddle may create pressure points on the horse's back muscle (Latissimus dorsi) and cause the horse pain and can lead to the horse, rider, or both getting injured.

There are many types of saddles, each specially designed for its given task. Saddles are usually divided into two major categories, "English saddles" and "Western saddles" according to riding discipline they are used in. Other types of saddles, such as racing saddles, Australian saddles, and endurance saddles do not fit in either category.^[1]

A new class of saddles have no tree inside (treeless saddles); they are mainly used for pleasure and trail riding and endurance. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (667x1000, 306 KB) Summary Author: User:Alex_brollo Subject: A modern saddle without a tree (treeless saddle) Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Horse tack Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (667x1000, 306 KB) Summary Author: User:Alex_brollo Subject: A modern saddle without a tree (treeless saddle) Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Horse tack Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or...

For the parts of the English saddle, see English saddle or Parts of the English Saddle. For the parts of the Western Saddle, see Parts of the Western Saddle. The saddles known as English saddles (as opposed to Western saddles) are used throughout the world, not just in England or English-speaking countries. ... Parts of a Western saddle Western saddles are used for western riding and are the saddles used on working horses on cattle ranches throughout the United States, particularly in the west. ... Woman riding in a modern english sidesaddle class. ... The Australian Stock Saddle sometimes called a Poley, is a saddle now in popular use all over the world for activities that require long hours in the saddle and a secure seat. ... The saddles known as English saddles (as opposed to Western saddles) are used throughout the world, not just in England or English-speaking countries. ...

Stirrups

Stirrups are supports for the rider's feet that hang down on either side of the saddle. The invention of stirrups was of great significance in mounted combat, giving the rider a secure footing while on horseback. At the same time the stirrups are problematic due to the tendency for feet to get stuck in them in dire moments, causing the rider to be dragged. Because of this danger saddlers have developed both safety stirrups or peacock stirrups —which are either shaped to allow the rider's foot to slip out easily or are closed with a rubber band—and safety stirrup bars that are hangers for the stirrup leather that allow it to detach from the saddle in an emergency.^[2] Haniwa horse statuette, complete with saddle and stirrups, 6th century, Kofun period, Japan. ... Haniwa horse statuette, complete with saddle and stirrups, 6th century, Kofun period, Japan. ... For other uses, see Foot (disambiguation). ... War horses are horses specially trained for use in battle or individual combat (see also: Jousting). ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... Modern leather-working tools Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide. ...

Bridles and halters

Bridles and halters (British English: headcollars) are an arrangement of straps around the horse's head used for control and communication with the animal. A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a horse. ... Horse wearing a halter. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x691, 193 KB)Australian horse in field Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x691, 193 KB)Australian horse in field Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... Image File history File links Dressagearab. ... Image File history File links Dressagearab. ... An upper-level dressage competitor performing an extended trot Dressage (a French term meaning training) is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics. ... A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a horse. ... Horse wearing a halter. ... Animal communication is any behaviour on the part of one animal that has an effect on the current or future behaviour of another animal. ...

The halter is the simplest piece of equipment, consisting of a noseband and headstall that buckles around the horse's head and allows the horse to be led or tied. The lead rope may be short, no more than 10 feet long, for everyday leading and tying, or much longer, up to 25 feet, for tasks such as for leading packhorses or for picketing a horse out to graze. Some horses, particularly stallions, may have a chain attached to the lead rope and placed over the nose or under the jaw to increase the control provided by a halter while being led. Most of the time, horses are not ridden with a halter, as it offers insufficient precision and control. Halters have no bit. A packhorse, pack horse or pack pony is a horse or pony used for carrying goods in sidebags or panniers. ... A stallion A stallion is a male horse that has not been castrated. ...

Bridles often contain a bit (see below) attached to reins and are used for riding and driving horses.^[3] A young rider at a horse show in Australia. ...

A hackamore (see section below) is a type of bitless bridle usually used to train young horses, or to go easy on an older horse's mouth. Hackamores or bosals are more often seen in western riding.^[4] A hackamore is a shank-based bridle for a horse. ...

English Bridles have a cavesson style noseband and are seen in English riding. Their reins are buckled to one another, and they have little adornment or flashy hardware.^[3] English riding is a term used in the United States to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world. ...

Western Bridles used in Western riding usually have no noseband, are made of thin bridle leather, with "Split" reins or closed Romal style reins. Western bridles are often adorned with silver or other decorative features.^[3] Western riding is shown in this sculpture, Great Western Tradition, by Doug Israelsen Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. ...

Double bridles are a type of English bridle that use two bits in the mouth at once, a snaffle and a curb. The two bits allow the rider to have very precise control of the horse. As a rule, only very advanced horses and riders use double bridles. Double bridles are usually seen in the top levels of dressage, but also are seen in certain types of show hack and Saddle seat competition.^[4] A double bridle or Weymouth bridle is a piece of horse tack. ... An upper-level dressage competitor performing an extended trot Dressage (a French term meaning training) is a path and destination of competitive horse training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics. ... Saddle seat is a form of riding that is found in the United States, and to a lesser extent in Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia. ...

A longeing cavesson is a special type of halter used for longeing a horse. Longeing is the activity of having a horse walk, trot and/or canter in a large circle around the handler at the end of a rope that is 25 to 30 feet long. It is used for training and exercise.^[5] A longeing cavesson is a piece of equipment used to longe a horse. ... Longeing or lungeing is a technique for training horses. ...

Reins

Reins consist of leather straps or rope attached to the outer ends of a bit and extend to the rider's or driver's hands. Reins are the means by which a horse rider or driver communicates directional commands to the horse's head. Pulling on the reins can be used to steer or stop the horse. The sides of a horse's mouth are sensitive, so pulling on the reins pulls the bit, which then pulls the horse's head from side to side, which is how the horse is controlled.^[6] The reins are the leather straps attached to the outer ends of a bit. ... The reins are the leather straps attached to the outer ends of a bit. ... Animal communication is any behaviour on the part of one animal that has an effect on the current or future behaviour of another animal. ...

On some types of harnesses there might be supporting rings to carry the reins over the horse's back. When pairs of horses are used in drawing a wagon or coach it is usual for the outer side of each pair to be connected to reins and the inside of the bits connected by a short bridging strap or rope. The driver carries "four-in-hand" or "six-in-hand" being the number of reins connecting to the pairs of horses. A wagon (in British English waggon) or dray is a wheeled vehicle, ordinarily with four wheels, usually pulled by an animal, or animals, such as horses, mules or oxen and used for transport of heavy goods. ... For other uses, see Coach. ...

A rein may be attached to a halter to lead or guide the horse in a circle for training purposes or to lead a packhorse, but a simple lead rope is more often used for these purposes. A Longe line is sometimes called a "longe rein," but it is actually a flat line about 30 feet long, usually made of nylon or cotton web, about one inch wide, thus longer and wider than even a driving rein. Longeing or lungeing is a technique for training horses. ...

Horses should never be tied by the reins. Not only do they break easily, but, being attached to a bit in the horse's sensitive mouth, a great deal of pain can be infliected if a bridled horse sets back against being tied.

Bits and hackamores

Bits and hackamores are used on the head of a horse for control and communication with the horse. A bit is a device placed in a horse's mouth, a hackamore is a device that goes around the horse's nose. Both are kept on a horse's head by means of a headstall. The horse's mouth and nose are both very sensitive areas, and thus both hackamores and bits need to be handled carefully. However, each can be useful for specific types of riding and training. a horse carries a bit in its mouth, held on by a bridle. ... A hackamore is a shank-based bridle for a horse. ...

Bits

The mouthpiece of the bit does not rest on the teeth of the horse, but rather rests on the gums or "bars" of the horse's mouth in an interdental space behind the front incisors and in front of the back molars. It is important that the style of bit is appropriate to the horse's needs and is fitted properly for it to function properly and be as comfortable as possible for the horse.^[7] a horse carries a bit in its mouth, held on by a bridle. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1000x667, 228 KB) Author: User:Alex_brollo Subject: A curb bit and a bradoon (double bridle) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Double bridle Bit mouthpiece Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1000x667, 228 KB) Author: User:Alex_brollo Subject: A curb bit and a bradoon (double bridle) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Double bridle Bit mouthpiece Metadata This... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (667x1000, 197 KB) Author: User:Alex_brollo Subject: A Pelham bit File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Pelham bit Bit converter Bit mouthpiece Metadata This file contains additional... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (667x1000, 197 KB) Author: User:Alex_brollo Subject: A Pelham bit File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Pelham bit Bit converter Bit mouthpiece Metadata This file contains additional... A view of the upper half of a horses mouth. ... Incisors are the first kind of tooth in heterodont mammals. ... A molar is the fourth kind of tooth in mammals. ...

The basic "classic" styles of bits are: a horse carries a bit in its mouth, held on by a bridle. ...

While there are literally hundreds of types of bit mouthpieces, bit rings and shanks, essentially there are really only two broad categories: direct pressure bits, broadly termed snaffles; and leverage bits, usually termed curbs. A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding that uses leverage. ... // The Basics of the Snaffle A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding horses. ... Pelham bit, used with a bit converter so only one rein is used. ... A double bridle or Weymouth bridle is a piece of horse tack. ... The mouthpiece of a horses bit is possibly the most important determinant in the severity and action of the bit. ... The bit ring is the ring on the side of a horses bit, particularly on a snaffle. ... // The Basics of the Snaffle A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding horses. ... A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding that uses leverage. ...

Bits that act with direct pressure on the tongue and lips of the bit are in the general category of snaffle bits. Snaffle bits commonly have a single jointed mouthpiece and act with a nutcracker effect on the bars, tongue and occasionally roof of the mouth. However, regardless of mouthpiece, any bit that operates only on direct pressure is a "snaffle" bit. The mouthpiece of a horses bit is possibly the most important determinant in the severity and action of the bit. ...

Leverage bits have shanks coming off the mouthpiece to create leverage that applies pressure to the poll, chin groove and mouth of the horse are in the category of curb bits. Most, though not all curb bit mouthpieces are solid without joints. However, any bit with shanks that works only off of leverage is a "curb" bit, regardless of mouthpiece. The mouthpiece of a horses bit is possibly the most important determinant in the severity and action of the bit. ...

Some combination or hybrid bits combine direct pressure and leverage, such as the Kimblewick or Kimberwicke, which adds slight leverage to a two-rein snaffle design; and the four rein designs such as the single mouthpiece Pelham bit and the double bridle, which places a curb and a snaffle bit simultaneously in the horse's mouth. a horse carries a bit in its mouth, held on by a bridle. ... The Kimberwicke or kimblewicke is a type of bit with a mouthpiece and D-shaped rings on either side. ... Pelham bit, used with a bit converter so only one rein is used. ... A double bridle or Weymouth bridle is a piece of horse tack. ...

In the wrong hands even the mildest bit can hurt the horse. Conversely, a very severe bit, in the right hands, can transmit subtle commands that cause no pain to the horse. Bit commands should be given with only the quietest movements of the hands, and much steering and stopping should be done with the legs and seat.

Hackamores

The word "hackamore" is derived from the Spanish word jaquima. Hackamores are seen in western riding disciplines, as well as in endurance riding and English riding disciplines such as show jumping and the stadium phase of eventing. While usually used to start young horses, they are often seen on mature horses with dental issues that make bit use painful and on horses with mouth or tongue injuries. Some riders also like to use them in the winter to avoid putting a frozen metal bit into a horse's mouth. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 584 pixelsFull resolution (2081 Ã— 1520 pixel, file size: 940 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 584 pixelsFull resolution (2081 Ã— 1520 pixel, file size: 940 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... A hackamore is a shank-based bridle for a horse. ... A hackamore is a shank-based bridle for a horse. ... Western riding is shown in this sculpture, Great Western Tradition, by Doug Israelsen Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. ... Competitors on an endurance ride Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long distance races. ... English riding is a term used in the United States to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world. ... Show jumping is a form of competition in which horses are jumped over a course of fences, low walls, and other obstacles (e. ... Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises dressage, cross-country and show-jumping. ...

Like a bit, a hackamore can be gentle or harsh, depending on the hands of the rider. It is a myth that a bit is cruel and a hackamore is gentler. The horse's face is very soft and sensitive with many nerve endings. Misuse of a hackamore can cause damage to the bones and cartilage of the horse's nose and jaw. Cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. ...

The basic types of Hackamores are: A hackamore is a shank-based bridle for a horse. ...

Western riding is shown in this sculpture, Great Western Tradition, by Doug Israelsen Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. ... The reins are the leather straps attached to the outer ends of a bit. ... A noseband is the part of a horses bridle that encircles the nose. ... Riding aids are the cues a rider gives to a horse to communicate what they want the animal to do. ... English riding is a term used in the United States to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world. ... A curb chain is used on curb bits when riding a horse. ... A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding that uses leverage. ... A curb chain is used on curb bits when riding a horse. ... It has been suggested that History of rodeo be merged into this article or section. ... Trail riding is riding on trails as opposed to riding on roads or courses. ... Show jumping is a form of competition in which horses are jumped over a course of fences, low walls, and other obstacles (e. ...

Harness

A horse harness is a set of devices and straps that attaches a horse to a cart, carriage, sledge or any other load. There are two main styles of harnesses - breastcollar and hame style. The latter requiring the use of a separate horse collar. Horse in harness with horse collar A Horse harness is a type of horse tack that allows a horse or other equid to be hitched to pull various horse-drawn vehicles such as a carriage, wagon, plow or sleigh. ... A horsecart transporting watermelons in Harbin, China. ... A horsecart transporting watermelons in Harbin, China. ... Horse in harness with horse collar A Horse harness is a type of horse tack that allows a horse or other equid to be hitched to pull various horse-drawn vehicles such as a carriage, wagon, plow or sleigh. ... A cart is a vehicle or device, using two wheels and normally one horse, designed for transport. ... Catherine IIs carved, painted and gilded Coronation Coach (Hermitage Museum) George VI and Queen Elizabeth in a landau with footmen and an outrider, Canada 1939 The classic definition of a carriage is a four-wheeled horse drawn private passenger vehicle with leaf springs (elliptical springs in the 19th century... For the cricket meaning, see Sledging (cricket) A sled, sledge or sleigh is a vehicle with runners for sliding instead of wheels for rolling. ... A breastplate (used interchangeably with breastgirth and breastcollar) is a piece of riding equipment used on horses. ... A pair of hames are curved metal pieces lying on the collar of a draught horse or other working animal to which the traces are attached. ... Two horse collars A horse collar is a device used to distribute load around a horses neck, for pulling a wagon or plow. ...

A harness that is used solely for heavy draft work will have a bridle, reins, horse collar hames, and traces. A harness that is used to support shafts, such as on a cart pulled by a single horse, will also have a saddle attached to the harness to help the horse support the shafts and breeching to brake the forward motion of the vehicle, especially when stopping or moving downhill. Horses guiding vehicles by means of a pole, such as two-horse teams pulling a wagon, a hay-mower, or a dray, will have pole-straps attached to the lower part of the horse collar. Two pairs of Shire horses and a pair of Suffolk Punches A draft horse, draught horse, or harness horse is a large, strong horse bred for heavy work rather than speed. ... A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a horse. ... The reins are the leather straps attached to the outer ends of a bit. ... Two horse collars A horse collar is a device used to distribute load around a horses neck, for pulling a wagon or plow. ... A pair of hames are curved metal pieces lying on the collar of a draught horse or other working animal to which the traces are attached. ... In transport, a trace is one of two, or more, straps, ropes or chains by which a carriage or wagon, or the like, is drawn by a harness horse or other draught animal. ... A wagon (in British English waggon) or dray is a wheeled vehicle, ordinarily with four wheels, usually pulled by an animal, or animals, such as horses, mules or oxen and used for transport of heavy goods. ... Note: A cart may also be short for cartridge, particularly in the radio industry, where 8-track cartridges (and later CDs and zip drives) were used. ...

Breastplates and Martingales

Breastplates, breastcollars or breastgirths attach to the front of the saddle, cross the horse's chest, and usually have a strap that runs between the horse's front legs and attaches to the girth. They keep the saddle from sliding back or sideways. They are usually seen in demanding, fast-paced sports. They are crucial pieces of safety equipment for English riding activities requiring jumping, such as eventing, show jumping, polo, and fox hunting. They are also seen in Western riding events, particularly in rodeo, reining and cutting, where it is particularly important to prevent a saddle from shifting. They may also be worn in other horse show classes for decorative purposes.^[9] Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 681 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (1135 Ã— 1000 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 681 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (1135 Ã— 1000 pixel, file size: 1. ... A breastplate (used interchangeably with breastgirth and breastcollar) is a piece of riding equipment used on horses. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A breastplate (used interchangeably with breastgirth and breastcollar) is a piece of riding equipment used on horses. ... English riding is a term used in the United States to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world. ... Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises dressage, cross-country and show-jumping. ... Show jumping is a form of competition in which horses are jumped over a course of fences, low walls, and other obstacles (e. ... For other uses, see Polo (disambiguation). ... A fox hunt Fox hunting is a form of hunting for foxes using a pack of scent hounds. ... Western riding is shown in this sculpture, Great Western Tradition, by Doug Israelsen Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. ... It has been suggested that History of rodeo be merged into this article or section. ... Reining is a Western horseback riding competition. ... Cutting is an equestrian event in the western riding style where a horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a calf away from a cattle herd and keep it away for a short period of time. ... A horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. ...

A martingale is a piece of equipment that keeps a horse from raising its head too high. Various styles can be used as a control measure, to prevent the horse from avoiding rider commands by raising its head out of position; or as a safety measure to keep the horse from tossing its head high or hard enough to smack its rider in the face.^[10] This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

They are allowed in many types of competition, especially those where speed or jumping may be required, but are not allowed in most "flat" classes at horse shows, though an exception is made in a few classes limited exclusively to young or "green" horses who may not yet be fully trained. A horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. ...

Martingales are usually attached to the horse one of two ways. They are either attached to the center chest ring of a breastplate or, if no breastplate is worn, they are attached by two straps, one that goes around the horse's neck, and the other that attaches to the girth, with the martingale itself beginning at the point in the center of the chest where the neck and girth straps intersect.

There are other training devices that fall loosely in the martingale category, in that they use straps attached to the reins or bit which limit the movement of the horse's head or add leverage to the rider's hands in order to control the horse's head. Common devices of this nature include the overcheck, the chambon, grazing reins, draw reins and the "bitting harness" or "bitting rig." However, most of this equipment is used for training purposes and is not legal in any competition. In some disciplines, use of leverage devices, even in training, is controversial. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... A noseband is the part of a horses bridle that encircles the nose. ... Western riding is shown in this sculpture, Great Western Tradition, by Doug Israelsen Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. ... The anatomy of the horse comes with a large number of horse specific terms. ... The show hunter is a type of show horse that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going. ... A riders equitation is her/his ability to ride correctly with a strong, supple position and effective aids. ... A cross country competitor Cross country equestrian jumping is an endurance test, and is the second phase of the sport of eventing. ... Show jumping is a form of competition in which horses are jumped over a course of fences, low walls, and other obstacles (e. ... The bearing rein, also called a checkrein, was a type of rein that is used horses. ... A chambon is a training device used on horses. ... Running reins. ... A bitting rig or bitting harness is a training tool for horses that can teach a horse to accept a bridle and bit, and later assist a horse in developing the necessary musculature for a given equestrianism discipline. ...

Associated Accoutrements

A spur is a metal instrument composed of a shank, neck, and prick, rowel (sharp-toothed wheel), or blunted end fastened to the heel of a horseman. ... A whip is a cord or strap, usually with a stiff handle, used for delivering blows to human beings or animals as a means of control or punishment or torture. ... A crop, sometimes called a riding crop or hunting crop, is a rather short type of whip witrhout a crack, used in horseback riding, hence also known as a horsewhip. ...

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