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.

Saddles

:{{seealso|Sidesaddle}}

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Saddles are seats for the rider, fastened to the horse's back by means of a girth or cinch, a wide strap that goes around the horse at a point about four inches behind the forelegs. Some saddles will also have a second strap known as a flank cinch that fastens at the rear of the saddle and goes around the widest part of the horse's belly.

Related Topics:
Rider - Cinch - Strap

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It is important that the saddle is comfortable for both the rider and the horse—an improperly fitting saddle may rub and cause the horse pain and can lead to the horse, rider, or both getting injured.

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There are many types of saddles, each specially designed for its given task.

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Saddles are usually divided into two major categories, "English saddles" and "Western Saddles" according to riding discipline they are used in. Other types of saddles, such as racing saddles, australian saddles, and endurance saddles do not fit in either category.

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• English Saddles
• Jumping Saddle
• Dressage Saddle
• Polo Saddle
• Park Saddle
• Racing Saddle
• Show Saddle (gaited)
• A/P or All Purpose (G/P General Purpose)
• Western Saddle
• Roping Saddle
• Barrel Racing Saddle
• Endurance Saddle
• Trail Saddle
• Pleasure Saddle
• Sidesaddle
• English Sidesaddle
• Western Sidesaddle
• Military Saddle
• Australian stock saddle

For the parts of the English Saddle, see

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For the parts of the Western Saddle, see

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