Horse tack

Tack is any of the various accessories worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates are all forms of horse tack.

Martingales and breastplates

:{{seealso|Martingale (tack)}}

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A martingale is a strap that (1) keeps the horse from raising its head above a point of control or (2) keeps the horse from tossing its head and smacking its rider in the face.

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Martingale types include:

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• Running martingale: There are 2 types: 1 has a yoke around the neck, a part that runs between the front legs and attaches to the girth of a saddle, and a fork at the chest that branches off and attaches to each rein, so that the bit presses on the bars of the mouth if the horse raises the head too high. 2- has a "yoke" around the neck, attaches to the girth, and either has a ring on each side of the yoke or a "fork" with a ring at each end, where the reins run through the rings, enabling the rider to more easily keep the horse flexed at the poll. Fitted correctly, this 2nd type of running martingale does not control how high the horse carries his head.
• Standing martingale: similar to the running martingale, but instead of a fork it has one strap that runs from the chest and attaches to the noseband of the bridle, and therefore has no affect on the bit in the horse's mouth. A western counterpart to this piece of equipment is the tie down. The standing martingale, however, does not provide as much freedom for the horse, which could be dangerous for cross-country riding. Therefore, when a horse is used for eventing it must use a running martingale for safety reasons, if a martingale is to be used at all.
• Irish martingale: Unlike the previous two martingales, this does not control the height of the horse's head, but merely keeps the reins from going over the horse's head in the result of a fall. It consists of a piece of leather with a ring on each end in which each rein runs through.

Breastplates, breastcollars, and breastgirths are all extra equipment used to keep the saddle from sliding back. They are usually seen in demanding, fast-paced sports like eventing, show jumping, and polo, as well as fox hunting. They are also seen in Western events, with a more decorative than utilitarian function.

Related Topics:
Eventing - Show jumping - Polo - Fox hunting

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