How do you put tack on a horse?

Why do they call it tack?

The word ‘tackle’ had been used since the early 1900s for several instances to mean gear or a piece of equipment – and not just for horses. In the 1920s, the term was shortened to ‘tack’ to clarify that it referred to a piece of equipment only for equestrian use.

Why is it important to check your tack fits correctly?

Tack is an essential piece of kit for all horse riders and it is important to regularly check your tack fits correctly. Whether you are a happy hacker or compete regularly, correctly fitting tack will ensure your horse is happy and can perform to the best of his ability without hindrance.

Why is it important to have your saddle checked?

An incorrectly fitting saddle can cause numerous amounts of problems both physical and behavioural so it is important to ensure your saddle fits correctly. Saddles should be checked by a qualified saddler every 6 months. Saddles can often be adjusted as your horse changes shape.

How do you know when your horse needs new tack?

Horses can change shape depending on work load and age; a young horse will develop muscle as he matures whereas an older horse may show signs of muscle wastage. If your horse changes shape, develops behavioural problems or exhibits any physical issues or changes you should get your saddle and tack checked.

Why is it important to check saddle fit?

Horses change shape all the time, dependent on weight, fitness and musculature, so at this time of year when management changes mean more stable time, fewer competitions and training schedules interrupted by the weather, checking saddle fit is important, as it has long term impact on both soundness and performance. 1.

How often should I get my Saddle checked?

You should get your saddle checked every three to six months depending on how the horse changes shape and his work schedule. In my experience, horses keep changing shape at all ages.

How do I know if my saddle fits correctly?

lumps and bumps appearing on the back (in the saddle area) An incorrectly fitting saddle can cause numerous amounts of problems both physical and behavioural so it is important to ensure your saddle fits correctly. Saddles should be checked by a qualified saddler every 6 months.

Does your tack affect your horse’s behaviour?

Incorrectly and badly fitting tack can cause discomfort to your horse which can result in behavioural issues both when riding and on the ground. What is your horse trying to tell you?

Is your saddle causing your back problems?

Saddle fitting has many components to consider and sometimes what looks like a good fit for the horse is not for the rider, and vice versa. Not every back problem is saddle related, and not every poorly fitting saddle is the cause of a back problem.

When is the best time to check the fit of your saddle?

Sue Carson, founder and managing director of Sue Carson Saddles explains why autumn is an important time to check the fit of your saddle — and what you should expect from your chosen saddle fitter

How do I measure my horse for a new saddle?

I recommend you measure your horse every month with a flexi rule, which should be positioned two fingers behind the shoulder blade, then again where the middle of the saddle would be and finally just before the back of the saddle, so you have three measurements.

What is the difference between a flocked and foam saddle?

Flocked, gusseted saddles can be reflocked or have their flocking adjusted by a saddle fitter to accommodate a horse’s changing shape or to fit a different horse. Foam, non-gusseted saddles cannot change their shape, and do not have much adjustability.

Can you add foam to a horse’s saddle?

In fact, certain horses have been known to show a preference to certain types of panels over others. Foam panels are often found in close contact European saddles such as Devoucoux. It’s not possible to alter them by adding additional foam. The only way to adjust them is to replace the entire panel.

How do foam panel saddles fit?

In terms of fit, the only thing you can do with foam panel saddles is use different types of pad to achieve a better fit on the horse. This is often why when you see people riding which this type of saddle they are often using sheepskin halfpads, shim insert pads etc.

How often should I Have my Saddle fit assessed?

It is advisable to have your saddler fitter assess the fit of your saddle every 4-6 months as your horse changes shape. Horses can change shape due to various reasons such as aging, muscle development or wastage, weight gain or loss and various other factors. Find out more about how to Recognise Saddle Fit Issues here.

How often do I need to re-flock my saddle?

Saddles should be completely stripped and reflocked every 2 years, and following a reflock (or if its a new saddle), the flocking will settle after around 20 hours of use. Therefore you may need some additional flocking added.

How long does a saddle last on a horse?

A well maintained saddle can have a very long life span. However, may not just for one horse as horses change shape so much throughout their lives. If the saddle is wool flocked, it should be stripped and reflocked every 2 years. The wool within the saddle will ball up quickly.

Does diet affect a horse’s behavior?

Then there’s the issue of diet affecting a horse’s behavior. Assertions regarding the effects of diet on behavior are commonplace in the equine community: “My horse is on a sugar high,” or he is “heated up by too much grain or protein,” and of course the “calming effect” of dietary fat. Is there any truth to these claims?

Is it important to understand a horse’s natural behavior?

However, as an owner or trainer, it is important to have some understanding of a horse’s behavior (particularly as it relates to feeding) in its natural environment and how confinement and modern feeding practices can lead to “unnatural” behaviors.

What happens if a saddle is not properly fitting?

A poorly fitting saddle is uncomfortable for your horse, and it can result in hollowed movement. If you’re trying to collect and engage your horse but he continues to travel with his head up in the air and his back hollowed, then a poorly fitting saddle may be to blame.

When is the best time to buy a new saddle?

Do aim to fit a new saddle when your horse is in a shape and condition which they’re likely to maintain. There is no point buying a saddle when your horse is at their fittest if you do not have the time to keep them fit.

How to choose the right size saddle for your horse?

To make sure you have the correct size saddle for your horse, place the saddle or saddle tree on your horse’s back. If you can place two or three fingers in between the horse’s gullet and your horse’s withers, that means it’s a good fit.

How do you measure a western saddle seat?

Here’s how to measure a Western saddle seat to make sure it fits you. First, sit in the middle of the pocket with your stirrups adjusted correctly. You want to look at how much space you have between your thigh and the edge of the swells. You should be able to get two to three fingers between your swell and your thighs.

Can You reflock a foam panel saddle?

Both foam panel and old hard wool panel saddles can be fully reflocked with fresh wool. It is something you will need to ask for specifically because only some saddle fitters provide the service. A full reflock will give you some leeway in allowing for the panels to mold to your horse’s.

What happens after a saddle is flocked?

Once the flocking is complete, the same process is repeated on the other panel. When both panels are flocked evenly, the two parts of the saddle must be restitched together. It is crucial at this point, that the saddle is stitched back together in the same way, as one wrong stitch could cause the saddle to be imbalanced.