Tack and equipment
What does a horse wear, and what is it for? Explore the saddle, the bridle with its bits and the other equipment. Each item briefly explains what it is and what it is used for.
Saddle and accessories
The saddle and its accessories: the seat on the back, plus girth, stirrups and saddle pad.
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Saddle
The saddle is the seat that rests on the horse's back and spreads the rider's weight.
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Dressage saddle
A dressage saddle has a deep seat and long, straight flaps for a long leg position.
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Jumping saddle
A jumping saddle has shorter, forward-cut flaps and a flatter seat for a short stirrup.
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All-purpose saddle
An all-purpose saddle is a versatile model that sits between the dressage and jumping saddle.
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Western saddle
A western saddle is a large, heavy saddle with a horn and a wide bearing surface.
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Girth
The girth is the strap that runs under the belly and holds the saddle in place.
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Stirrups
Stirrups are the metal supports in which the rider places the feet.
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Saddle pad
The saddle pad is the layer between the saddle and the horse's back.
Bridle and bits
The bridle on the head and the bits in the mouth, with reins and nosebands.
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Bridle
The bridle is the set of straps around the head that holds the bit and reins in place.
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Noseband
The noseband is the strap that runs over the horse's nose.
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Reins
Reins are the straps running from the bit to the rider's hands.
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Snaffle bit
The snaffle is a bit that works with direct pressure, without leverage.
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Curb bit
The curb is a bit that works by leverage through shanks and a curb chain.
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Pelham bit
The pelham combines snaffle and curb action in one mouthpiece with two pairs of reins.
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Hackamore
The hackamore is a bitless bridle that acts on the nose, chin and poll instead of the mouth.
Other equipment and rugs
Equipment around the horse: halter and rope, training aids, rugs and leg protection.
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Halter
The halter is a set of straps around the head without a bit, used to lead or tie a horse.
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Lead rope
The lead rope is the rope or strap that clips to the halter to lead the horse.
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Martingale
A martingale is a training aid that limits how high the horse carries its head.
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Breastplate
The breastplate is a set of straps across the chest that keeps the saddle in place.
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Stable rug
A stable rug is a non-waterproof rug for use indoors in the stable.
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Turnout rug
A turnout rug is a waterproof rug for outdoor use in the field.
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Fly rug
A fly rug is a light, fine-mesh rug against biting insects.
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Leg boots
Leg boots are protective coverings around the horse's legs.