Several of the items of equipment essential to effective horsemanship include the halter, bridle, saddle, and stirrups. Tack traditionally is put on the horse from the left, or near side. The right side of the horse is referred to as the off side.

Bridle

The bridle consists of the bit, the headstall, the cavesson, curb chain,  and the reins. The bit is a metal bar that fits into the horse's mouth. The  rider can then control the horse by means of pressure on the bit. The headstall, to which the bit is attached, is an arrangement of leather straps secured about the horse's nose, jaw, and head. The cavesson is attached to the headstall. This peice goes under the horse's jaw and should never be too tight, or it could choke the horse. The curb chain goes on the underside of the horse's nose, and it keeps the horse from 'mouthing' the bit. The reins are leather lines attached to the bit on each side of the horse's mouth; they run along each side of the neck to the rider's hands.

Saddle

The saddle is a leather seat that fits over the horse's back, with flaps extending down the sides. It is held in place by a girth that circles the belly of the horse and fastens under each flap. The part of the saddle occupied by the rider is called the seat, the front of which is the pommel. The rear is called the cantle. On each side of the saddle are adjustable straps which are attached to semicircular metal or wooden stirrups, which support the rider's feet. These are called the stirrups. Although there are many types of saddles, the two basic ones are the English saddle and the Western saddle. The Western saddle is much heavier and bulkier than the English saddle.

Back to the Horse Care page