This category contains tons of information about tack, how it is made, how to use it. It has been researched extensively and has been written over time as our experience and education grows. There must be a thousand bits out there. We certainly have not used most of them, so have relied on other experts to give us advice to pass along to you. If you find any errors or omissions, please chime in. We want to learn as well as teach.
Saddle Fork: The fork of early saddles was created by a single forked tree branch. Today it is made of the same wood as the rest of the tree. (see Saddle Overview) Fitting the Rider to Saddle Swells: The swells (padded fork) of a saddle have significance to the fit and use. A narrow swell… Read More The Western Saddle: Saddle Fork
The cantle in the rear gives support to the rider’s back and buttocks. Too steep and it can bruise your back side or take too much room from the seat squeezing the rider forward and making it uncomfortable against the swells. Too shallow and it will give you no back support nor security in the… Read More The Western Saddle: Cantle
Tack Leather Tanning Hides are tanned to prevent rotting and to add suppleness. There are two main types of tanning: Chrome Tanning and Bark Tanning. Chrome tanning employs chemicals that can be detrimental to a horse when coming into contact with a horse’s sweat. Bark tanning uses only natural vegetable compounds. Latigo refers to a… Read More Leather Tanning
Mohair is made from the hair of the Angora goat. It is one of the oldest fibers: natural, durable, resilient. It takes dye exceptionally well. It is also resistant to moisture and stretch, which makes it an ideal fiber for horse equipment. It can “wick” moisture into its inner fiber away from the surface of… Read More Mohair
Shop Cinches Cinch: The wide “belt” that attaches (by way of heavy leather straps) to either side of the western saddle and goes around the horse’s chest to hold the saddle in place. Cinch Materials: Most cinches are made of Mohair, Synthetics, or Neoprene. Each has its pros and cons. The best materials transfer heat… Read More The Western Saddle: Cinch
Tie Down Sometimes referred to as a “Standing Martingale”, but usually referred to as a Tie-Down by Western Riders, this is a single, fixed-length strap that goes from the D-ring on the cinch up between the horse’s front legs and attaches to the nose band. (The nose band is a separate piece of equipment from… Read More Types of Martingales
A Breast Collar is used to keep the saddle from slipping backwards. Because it is also attached to the cinch, it may be part of a tie down or martingale attachment. Western work with cattle requires a sturdier, thicker breast collar than English riding, which uses thinner straps of leather. Usually attached to the saddle… Read More The Western Saddle: Breast Collar
The back cinch of a saddle is the strap that secures the back of a saddle and keeps it from rising off the horse’s back. It is commonly used on roping horses whose saddles get a lot of forward pressure when backing and holding a steer at the end of a rope. It is fastened… Read More The Western Saddle: Back Cinch
Horse leads come in various lengths, diameters, materials and buckle-types. If you can’t keep track of leads for routine ranch work, try an inexpensive lead made of cotton, 5/8″ diameter, at least 10′ long. It is comfortable on the hand and easy to grip, and you can keep several around the ranch and barn for… Read More Lead Ropes
Horse Halters are a common type of bitless headgear used on a horse. They are most commonly used by a person on the ground leading or directing a horse’s movement or for tying him. A halter is preferred for tying because bridles are usually made of more expensive and lighter materials (which can break) and… Read More Halters