What Tack Do You Absolutely Need to Ride a Horse?

If you plan to buy a horse, you need to leave some room in your equine budget for the tack you will need. In many cases the combined cost of that essential tack will be as high, if not higher, than the price of the actual horse. You can trim your costs somewhat by purchasing high-quality used tack, but you need to make sure the equipment you buy is solidly made and in great condition.

  1. Saddle

    • You need a solid and secure saddle to ride your horse safely, and it is important to choose a saddle that fits your horse and your body. The saddle should distribute weight evenly across your horse's back, with no pinching or bunching. When you sit in the saddle the seat should hold you securely, without sliding around or feeling cramped. You can choose a western saddle, which has a saddle horn, or an English saddle, which is smaller, lighter and has no saddle horn. Australian saddles represent a third choice, and they combine some of the features of the English and western saddle. Australian saddles have the same basic shape as English saddles, but they feature padded seats and often a saddle horn as well.

    Saddle Pad

    • The purpose of the saddle pad is to protect the horse's back and help distribute the weight of the saddle and rider more evenly. A quality western saddle pad should have solid side panels, and enough padding to provide adequate protection. English saddle pads are generally smaller, and they can have less padding due to the different design of the English saddle itself.

    Bridle

    • You need to have a solidly made bridle to control your horse and provide the stopping power you will need in an emergency. When choosing a bridle it is important to match the bit you use to the horse. Some horses have very tender mouths, and the mildest of bits will work just fine. Other horses, especially those who have been used for lessons or ridden by beginners, have harder mouths and might need a stronger bit for proper control. The best way to find the right bit for your horse is to ask the former owner of the horse what type of bit they used.

    Halter

    • While you do not ride your horse in a halter, you do need a halter to control your horse and tie it while you tack up and get ready to ride. A sturdy halter and a lead rope with a good snap are both essential pieces of tack that every horse owner should have. Look for a solid brass snap on your lead rope, since an inferior quality snap could fail if your horse were to pull back suddenly.