Uses for Saddles & Tack

Horse ownership and enjoyment is not an inexpensive hobby. In addition to the costs of maintaining a horse and its health, a number of tack items are required for training, maintaining, riding and enjoying your horse. In general, tack is classified by use, most of which fall under the category of Western riding or English riding.

Halters

Halters are required for everyday work with horses. The halter is made of straps that fasten over the horse's head and provides for control of the horse from the ground, typically with a rope or lead clasped to the underside of the horse's jaw. Halters are made of one of three materials: leather, rope or nylon. Leather is typically used in the show ring, rope for everyday use and nylon for training.

Bridles

Bridles are used for riding, the head gear that allows the rider to communicate with the horse. They are configured for their type of use, such as trail-riding, jumping, dressage or other sports. Bridles typically include head straps, reins and a bit, a metal device that slips into the horse's mouth. Sometimes a device such as a hackamore, which fits over the horse's nose, is used instead.

Saddles

Saddles and pads are worn on the horse's back and help distribute the rider's weight and ride with comfort. Saddles are specialized according to use, such as jumping, dressage and trail riding. Saddles may include a breast plate, which is worn across the front of the horse's breast and keeps the saddle from slipping. They also require a cinch and girth, the straps that go under the horse's belly to hold the saddle secure.

Leg and Hoof Protectors

A variety of tack products are available to protect the horse's lower legs and hooves from injuries during exercise, typically caused by the horse's own hooves, according to author Toni McAllister. Polo wraps help protect the lower leg. Sport, splint or jumping boots protect lower legs but are easier to use properly than polo wraps. Bell boots cover only the horse's hooves and are typically used to prevent front hooves from the back hooves overreaching.