Owning, caring for and riding a horse can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but there are some skills you need to master in order to do it effectively. One of the most important is proper choice, use and care of the saddle and bridle, collectively known as "tack." Knowing the correct name and exact function of the different parts of various types of tack not only helps you communicate with other owners and riders, but can deepen your understanding of the mechanics of horsemanship.
Saddle Tree
Although the saddle tree is not visible, it is the most important part of the saddle. Usually made of wood, the saddle tree is the frame that provides a sturdy foundation for the entire piece. Alpha Horse notes it is essential that the saddle tree fit your horse properly; ill-fitting saddle trees can pinch the horse, interfere with shoulder action, and inhibit the horse's natural gait.
Pommel and Cantle
The pommel of the saddle is the peak at the front of the saddle. The slightly higher peak at the back of the saddle is the cantle. Horse Data warns this part of the saddle is the most fragile, as the leather is stretched very tightly over the rise.
Seat
The seat is the part of the saddle where you sit. Seats come in a variety of depths and slopes depending on the type of saddle.
Saddle Skirt and Flap
The skirt of the saddle is stitched to the seat of the saddle and covers the place where the stirrup leathers are attached. The flaps are the large pieces of leather that cover the girth straps. Flaps usually have a kneepad--made from soft leather and foam padding--for extra comfort.
Girth Straps and Girth
The girth straps--usually three on each side of the saddle--hold the girth, a wide webbing strap which runs under the horse's belly, and is the means by which the saddle is kept on the horse. Horse Data advises checking girth straps often for wear and tear, as they are usually the first part of the saddle to wear out.
Stirrup Leathers and Irons
The stirrup leathers are the straps that hold the stirrups. They attach to stirrup bars under the skirt of the saddle, which are designed so stirrup leathers pull off in case of an accident. At the bottom of the stirrup leather are the stirrups, or irons, the metal loops into which the rider places his feet.
Bridle Headpiece
The headpiece is part of the bridle and runs behind the horse's ears. It is the closest part of the bridle to the rider, with the exception of the reins, and helps to support the bit in the horse's mouth.
Throatlatch
The throatlatch is cut from the same piece of leather as the headpiece. It crosses the side of the horse's face vertically, behind the eyes, and encircles the gullet from underneath. Take care that this part is not fitted too tightly or the horse's throat will be restricted when he bends his head. New Rider notes the only real function this part serves is to hold the bridle in place if the rider falls over the front of the horse and is still clinging to the reins.
Cheek Pieces
The cheek pieces are the two straps of leather running parallel to each other on each side of the horse's head from the bit to the headpiece. They have buckles for adjusting their length to hold the bit in the proper position. According to New Rider, the cheek pieces should be adjusted so that the bit is just contacting the edge of the horse's lips. If the cheek pieces are too tight, the bit will be uncomfortable. If the pieces are too loose, the bit may bang against the horse's teeth.
Noseband
The noseband encircles the horse's muzzle and helps to give the rider an extra element of control.
Reins
The reins attach to the bit rings at either side of the horse's mouth, beneath the cheek pieces, and are held in the rider's hands. They should not be so short that you have to lean forward to hold onto them. If they are too long, you risk getting the excess caught in around your feet or in the saddle.
Bit
The bit is a metal bar that goes in the horse's mouth in the gap between the front and rear teeth, and rests against the skin of the lower jaw. Loops at each end connect it to the reins, which the rider can pull in order to guide--and stop-- the horse. A properly fitted bit is not painful for the horse, and a properly trained rider won't cause the horse any discomfort when using the bit and reins. There are many different bits available, but the most common is the snaffle bit, which is jointed at the center.
