About English Tack
Tack is used to describe any item a horse wears or uses. Some examples of popular horse tack are reins, saddles, harness, bits and halters. It can also describe nonfunctional items such as decorations placed on the horse for special events or during show. There are three popular styles when it comes to equine tack; western, Australian, English. Each has its own purpose on the track, field, in the show ring or on the trail.
English Saddle
The original English tack was a saddle, and through the course of 3,000 years it was developed into nine distinct different saddles; Eventing saddle, dressage saddle, the jumping saddle, endurance saddle, English showing saddle, sidesaddle, racing saddle, polo saddle. They all have the same components, however their shapes are different. This is why it is important to buy the correct saddle for the type of riding. If not, it may be very uncomfortable to perform. These saddles are still in use today and may be seen in events such as the Olympics and other equestrian competitions.
Fittings
Stirrups and stirrup leathers are another form of English tack. Stirrups allow leverage when mounting and dismounting a horse, in addition to giving the rider a place to rest his or her feet. They are attached to the saddle using stirrup leathers, which allow them to be adjustable in length only.
They should not be purchased prior to the saddle, and each rider should have their own pair due to different stirrup sizes. Prior to purchasing, and before each use, the rider will want to make sure they properly fit. This is done by attaching to the saddle, sitting upon it and making any adjustments that are needed for height. To minimize safety concerns with stirrups, proper riding boots should be worn when both buying your stirrups and when riding.
English Reins
English riders prefer closed reins, or loop reins. This type of rein is connected part of the way down and the held end is split into two. Another type of commonly used English style rein is the combination of a snaffle rein and draw reins. When used together it gives the rider the ability to raise and lower the horse's head. Double reins used in conjunction with a double bridle might be a frequent site in polo sports
English Bridles and Bits
Bridles should not be confused with harnesses, though there are similarities in their uses. A bridle is used by someone riding or driving the horse for directing the horse and a harness is used by someone who is walking the horse or to tie the horse down. Never purchase a bridle without fitting it to the horse and horses should have their own bridle.
In English tack, there are four distinct styles of bridles; snaffle bridle, pelham bridle, double bridle, gag bridle. The snaffle is the most widely used out of all of the bridles in English riding, and double bridle is more commonly seen in dressage saddle seat events and polo. The gag bridle is seldom used, and are not allowed in many equine events, however it can still be found in polo and some show jumping. The pelham bridle is commonly used in some showing, though never dressage, and has become a favorite with driving horses as it offers more control.
Bits are used in conjunction with bridles and reins in order to help the rider communicate with its horse. It is typically made out of metal, however there are now synthetic bits on the market. There are over 1,000 current designs of bits on the market today, though they are commonly categorized by whether they cause leverage, and then again by the type of leverage caused. Common bits in English tack are; snaffle bit, curb bit, pelham bit, gag bit. When used in combination with specific types of bridles, they can multitask in ways to allow the bob of a horses head.
English Harness
A harness is used to attach the horse to a moveable object, like a cart for show racing. They are made of high quality leather, and often polished. If the load is light, a breast collar harness is typically used. However, if a heavy load is to be pulled, a breast collar cannot be used or else it will crush a horse’s sternum and possibly the windpipe. For heavy loads, a horse harness must include a horse collar in order to prevent in jury.