Horse riding equipment is an essential part of any rider’s arsenal, and there are many things you need to buy to keep your horse safe and comfortable. It’s important to be aware of the different pieces of tack so you can choose the best ones for your particular horse.
Bridles:
A bridle is a piece of leather that attaches to the headpiece of your horse. There are several types of bridles and they all help to control your horse. They come in a variety of styles and are made from leather, nylon or metal. Some bridles have additional items such as a martingale or bit that help to give you more control over your horse.
Choosing a bridle is an important decision and one that should be done by a professional. If you don’t purchase a high quality bridle, you could be putting yourself and your horse at risk.
There are four types of martingales. These include a German martingale, an English or Market Harborough martingale and a running martingale. These martingales all work differently to help you control your horse.
The German martingale, also known as a Market Harborough martingale, is used in show jumping or other mounted competitions because it has greater leverage than a running martingale. Its design is similar to that of a running martingale but it is more adjustable and is softer on the horse’s throat.
It is essential that the bridle you choose is made of good quality leather, as this can prevent girth galls from developing on your horse’s neck. The girth should be long enough to keep the horse’s elbows in contact with the bridle but not so long that they can hurt the horse.
If you are a new rider, it is best to avoid buying a bridle that has been used on several other horses because it may be infected with bacteria or fungi. This is a serious problem and can cause very serious health issues for you and your horse.
Stirrups:
When you are learning to ride it is a good idea to invest in safety stirrups because they are designed to stop your foot from slipping down the stirrup bar and falling off. This can be dangerous if you are a child or someone who is not used to the feeling of the stirrups.
Depending on the style you choose, the stirrups will usually have a rubber tread to keep your foot from slipping. It is also a good idea to make sure the stirrups fit properly and are not too big so you won’t be able to slip them off.
Saddles:
The saddle is the most important item of horse riding equipment because it allows you to safely sit on the horse while you ride. A saddle that is too big or too small will cause discomfort and make it difficult to communicate with your horse. You should always get your saddle measured to ensure you get a proper fit.