Know your tack (Part 1) Let’s saddle up

by Sue Webb

Tack is the name given to the equipment used to ride a horse. The purchase of tack is very ­difficult and requires the advice of an expert. There are many sources of tack, which include tack shops, advertisements in the press and advertisements in specialist publications.

The golden rules for purchasing tack are:
• Buy tack that is suitable for your discipline
• Buy tack that fits your horse
• Buy the best you can afford.

Saddles
Saddles are intended for different types of ­riding and one saddle is not always suitable for many disciplines. They are intended for:
• Dressage
• Jumping
• General purpose
• Western riding
• Gaited classes
• Trekking/herding
• Polo.

The perfect fit
Saddles are measured to fit the rider, so that is an added bonus when buying this piece of tack. The measurement displayed, is the ­distance from the pommel to the cantle, and can still be expressed in inches. So a 17 inch saddle would convert to 44 cms.

The size at least can be ascertained in the shop, but the fit of the saddle regarding the horse (especially the width and height of the pommel), is a problem if the saddle cannot be taken on appro. If possible, arrange a fitting ­before payment and at least fill in a written agreement with a deposit.

Second-hand goods
When you view a second-hand saddle, first stand over the saddle grasping side of the flaps and try to open the pommel. If it opens, the tree is broken and you MUST NOT BUY IT. Next, check that the girth points (there should be three) are not torn, cracked or cut short. They should be well-fed with leather dressing.

The bar holding the stirrup leathers must not be loose. Do not buy a child a saddle that is too big or too small and especially avoid this in the stirrup irons. Saddles are made of leather or synthetic materials. Leather is better if is of a very good quality, but synthetic materials withstand rain and the rough treatment received on trail rides.

When you buy a new saddle after establishing the type and size, it is advisable to buy a girth as near to the colour of your horse as possible. Measure with string on your horse from the centre to the centre of his girth, so you know the length.

Girths and stirrups
There are many types of girths, but a synthetic with two buckles is durable and strong. A more expensive but excellent girth is a leather Atherstone, which is padded and shaped to avoid rubbing behind the elbows.

Stirrup leathers are lethal if they break and therefore buffalo hide is the best. Cow hide lasts if it is cared for. Stirrup irons must not fit tightly on the boot, nor be huge enough for the boot to slip through. Stainless steel is the best material and of course the most expensive. The tread needs a rubber step to keep the foot from slipping.

Irons can be angled with the leather kept to one side, keeping the boot close to the horse. Children can have safety stirrups with an open side closed with a rubber band.

The numnah
Numnahs are the blankets under the saddle. They are varied because specific disciplines ­require specific designs. The most important thing is that the numnah or saddle blanket ­protects the ­saddle from the horse's back and not vice versa. The saddle must not be too flat or too narrow so that it pinches or lies on the withers with the numnah there to stop it rubbing.

For showing and jumping an unobtrusive numnah is best. For dressage a white quilted blanket is used. Trail riding and Western style use colourful Navajo blankets.

Next time the even more complicated subject of bridles, bits and gadgets will be tackled. SAH