Whether you are a novice horse owner or have owned horses for decades, expect that your trips to the local tack shops will never end. In fact, you will know you are a real equestrian when you would rather shop for your horse than for yourself. Novice horse owners face a special set of challenges—namely, inexperience. In an age where everyone is accustomed to purchasing online, actually going to a tack shop and trying to articulate your horse’s needs is not easy but absolutely necessary.
I mention the internet because, unless you know exactly what you want, the great prices you find online can be enticing but deceiving. Horse equipment must be meticulously inspected, felt, and measured before purchase.
Take saddles, for example. Saddles are expensive and must fit both horse and rider. The only way a horse can tell you that a saddle pinches is by reacting in ways that may surprise or unseat you. Just because a saddle is expensive does not mean it will be comfortable for either of you. Therefore, do not purchase one without the help of an expert, or you will be paying for something that may make your horse uncomfortable and difficult to ride.
The length and width of the saddle, size of the seat, size of the panels, height and width of the gullet, girth, rigging, stirrup position, and the width of the twist vary from saddle to saddle. The quality of the leather, flocking, dyes, buckles and other metal fittings, the stitching, tree construction, and a host of other details must be considered, too!
English and Western style saddles differ widely depending on the discipline. Each type of saddle allows horses and riders to do different things. Barrel racing saddles are not the same as those used for reining; saddles used for jumping are unlike those used for dressage. Many equestrians have multiple saddles for each horse they own.
On top of all that, horses’ conformation changes throughout their lives, and the saddles that fit at one time may not be comfortable later.
Similar issues determine the suitability of bridles, halters, and other equipment. Seek advice from your riding instructor, friends, and experts at the tack shop. During your first visit to a tack shop, touch everything and compare the expensive items to the economical ones. Check out differences in material and construction.
Utilize the internet to do your online homework so you can learn how to take the measurements you need and bring them (plus a measuring tape) when you shop. Ask if the shop has a saddle fitter on staff or can recommend one. Be sure to inquire about the store’s return policy. Purchase your saddle at a store that allows you to take it home for a few days to ensure it is just the size your horse needs. Do not buy if you are not sure.
Purchasing tack is a significant financial burden. However, do not overlook used saddles and other equipment. Most tack shops and some feed stores keep used merchandise on consignment. In fact, used tack shops are springing up all over.
Used tack stores generally have every kind of saddle imaginable. You can find hand-tooled and silver-clad parade saddles and bridles alongside elegant dressage saddles and tack made of the finest leather. The quality of saddles and other leather goods ranges from the beautiful and barely used to the well-worn but serviceable. Most tack consignment stores also carry the same essentials as new tack shops, including blankets, brushes, fly masks, books, horse shampoos, first-aid items, and decorative accessories.
Another good place to purchase tack is at swap meets. Many riding clubs, barns, and horse rescue organizations hold annual sales of unwanted horse equipment. Prices are usually a fraction of what one would find elsewhere. However, before buying a saddle, talk to the owner about trying it out on your horse before purchasing it. Swap meets are often advertised in equestrian magazines, on the internet, and on feed-store bulletin boards.
Whether you buy new or used, the tack you buy can mean the difference between a happy horse and a grumpy one. Choose carefully!
By Chris Forté
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