Selecting suitable tack is crucial to ensure both the rider and pony’s comfort. Due to the diminishing number of skilled saddlers and harness-makers, tack can be expensive, although it is an investment that pays off in the long run. Quality tack does not necessarily have to be new, as secondhand options can be equally good or even more comfortable. Sourcing secondhand tack through various channels like saddlers, sales, local newspapers, and horse magazines can lead to cost-effective options.
Types of Tack
Considering the wide range of available options when choosing tack, it’s essential to focus on:
Quality: High-quality tack ensures the comfort and safety of both the rider and pony.
Fit: A well-fitting saddle and harness can prevent injuries and discomfort to the pony.
Budget: While affordability is a concern, considering the long-term use and benefits of good tack is paramount.
Sourcing Tack
There are several options to find suitable tack for your pony, including:
- Local Saddlers: Having knowledge and experience, they can provide valuable advice and ensure a good fit for your pony.
- Horse Magazines: A good source of information and advertisements for tack, both new and secondhand.
- Local Newspapers: Classifieds may contain ads for tack sales or events in the area.
- Harness and Saddlery Sales: Events where tack vendors and potential buyers come together to sell and purchase a variety of gear.
Remember that sound secondhand tack can cost significantly less than new options while still maintaining good quality, but may be harder to find.
Example Tack Costs
The table below provides approximate costs of new saddlery items that can be expected when searching for suitable tack.
| Item | Price Range |
| Saddle | $500 – $2000 |
| Bridle | $50 – $350 |
| Girth | $20 – $60 |
| Stirrup Leathers | $25 – $100 |
| Stirrup Irons | $30 – $150 |
By actively researching and taking time to find the appropriate tack, you can ensure optimal comfort and safety for both you and your pony.
Fitting the Saddle
A saddle that fits both the pony and the rider correctly correlates directly to the comfort and performance of the pair. The size of the saddle should accommodate the rider’s growth potential, without being so large that it affects the rider’s position. A well-suited saddle for a fourteen-hand pony might suffice for multiple family members. The fitting should consider the saddle’s position on the pony, ensuring it doesn’t press on the withers or loins when laden with the rider’s weight.
Saddle Size: Balancing Comfort and Future Needs
When choosing a saddle size, there are two critical factors:
- Rider’s Size: The saddle should be enough to allow a little for your growing, but not so large that it impacts the rider’s position.
- Pony’s Size: A saddle for a fourteen hand pony should typically be able to accommodate the entire family.
Proper Saddle Positioning
A well positioned saddle has these characteristics:
- Does not press the Withers or Loins: The saddle, when the rider is mounted, should not compress the pony’s withers or loins.
- Obvious Weight Distribution: From both the front and the back, it should be clear that the weight is carried on the large muscles each side of the pony’s spine, not on the spine itself.
- Adaptivity to Pony’s Anatomy: Some ponies with higher withers may require a saddle cut back at the pommel or additional padding around the withers.
Choosing Saddle Based on Pony’s Characteristics
The table below shows the characteristics of the pony and the corresponding adjustments needed:
| Pony’s Features | Saddle Adjustment Required |
| High Withers | A saddle cut back at the pommel |
| Regular/Low Withers | Standard Saddle with regular padding |
| Extra space around Withers | Extra padding on either side of the withers |
By acknowledging these important points, an optimal saddle fit that benefits both the pony and the rider can be achieved.
Pony Bits
Bits, a crucial component of the bridle, can greatly vary in their types and uses. Although extensive literature exists on this subject by experts, the focus here will be directed towards three prominent kinds and their variations commonly used for family ponies.
Types of Bits
Different bits cater to various needs based on both the pony’s response and the subtleties of interaction the rider seeks. For family ponies, these three forms of bits and their derivatives are most common:
- Snaffle Bit: This bit is the simplest and most commonly used, suitable for a wide variety of ponies and disciplines. It works directly on the corners of the pony’s mouth and sends clear signals, making it a good choice for young or inexperienced riders.
- Pelham Bit: A step up in complexity, the Pelham bit provides more control and is typically used for stronger ponies or when additional finesse is required. This type of bit interacts with the corners, bars, and roof of the pony’s mouth, as well as exerting pressure on the poll.
- Kimblewick Bit: Falling somewhere in between the snaffle and the Pelham, the Kimblewick bit can provide a little more control than a snaffle without being as strong as a Pelham. It is often used when moderate control is necessary.
Each of these bits comes with variations that hinge on factors like the material, thickness, and shape of the bit.
Snaffle Variations
The table below provides an overview of snaffle bit variations:
| Variation | Description |
| Single-Jointed Snaffle | Applies a nutcracker action when rein pressure is applied |
| Double-Jointed Snaffle | Less severe than the single-jointed, it distributes pressure more evenly |
| Mullen Mouth Snaffle | Uses a solid, slightly curved mouthpiece to distribute pressure |
Pelham Variations
Pelham bit variations include:
| Variation | Description |
| Long-Shank Pelham | Provides more leverage and pressure |
| Short-Shank Pelham | Reduces the amount of leverage and pressure |
The correct bit, finely adjusted, can make a significant difference to the pony and rider’s comfort and control.
Utilizing a Dropped Noseband
A dropped noseband, an essential part of the horse tack, mandates careful positioning and buckling to ensure the pony’s comfort and control. It’s primarily positioned on the bony portion of the pony’s nose and usually buckles under the bit, in or adjacent to the chin groove. However, it should never be so low as to obstruct the nostrils or cause discomfort. The utilization of a standing martingale is not recommended with a dropped noseband.
Correct Positioning of the Dropped Noseband
Accurate positioning of the dropped noseband serves several core purposes:
Positions the Bit: It helps maintain the bit in the correct position within the pony’s mouth.
Controls Mouth Opening: It prevents the pony from opening its mouth excessively and evading control by ‘yawing’ at the rider.
Aids Control: Particularly beneficial for riders dealing with a strong pony, the dropped noseband’s slight pressure on the front of the nose coupled with the chin groove assists in control.
Notice that misplacement of the noseband can lead to distress and compromised performance in the pony.
Potential Dangers of Misuse
If a dropped noseband is incorrectly fitted, it can cause numerous issues. These involve:
Interference with Breathing: If the front strap is too long or it is affixed low onto the nostrils, the noseband can restrict the pony’s breathing.
Discomfort: The placements of the side rings must nestle in the soft hollow before the bit. Focusing the strap high or near the nostrils may result in discomfort and potential distress.
Emphasise that incorrect placements such as attaching a standing martingale to the noseband were formerly common, even in professional environments like adult and juvenile show jumping, before getting rightfully banned by the British Show Jumping Association due to the discomfort and risk it caused.
Proper Maintenance of Equestrian Tack
Maintaining equestrian tack is a crucial aspect of riding practice. It ensures the tack remains functional and prolongs its lifespan. Equestrian tack comprises the equipment used in horse riding, such as horse saddles, bridles, and other harnessing aids. Cleaning shortly after a ride is easier and more effective than waiting for grime to harden and makes for an environment that is healthier for both the horse and the rider.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning holds paramount importance in preserving the quality of the tack.
Immediate Cleaning: Wiping off the tack immediately after a ride with a damp cloth or chamois leather effectively removes mud and grease. This minor effort can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort needed for deep cleanings later.
Frequency of Cleaning: A quick clean-up post-ride and more in-depth cleaning with saddle soap or suitable oil at least once a week is typically sufficient.
Product Selection: Certain market-available cleaning products contain beneficial ingredients like lanolin. These can be easily painted onto the tack with a brush following a cold water rinse and drying but should be sparingly used to prevent tack from becoming sticky.
Cleaning the Saddle
Every part of the saddle requires attention, especially the commonly ignored underside.
Linen Lining: If it feature a linen lining, this may be washed and left to dry in the air.
Serge Lining: This type of lining merely requires a proper brushing off.
Leather Lining: Grease can be removed from a leather lining using a damp nylon saucepan cleaner. Treat with soap or oil after cleaning and avoid using oil on the top of the saddle or flaps that may come into contact with clothing.
Bridle, Leathers, and Reins Maintenance
To ensure the suppleness of these components:
Frequent Treatment: Treat buckles and billets at regular intervals, barring when applying lanolin preparatory solutions. Avoid excessively soaping or oiling the reins as they may become slippery.
Handling Bits and Irons
Following these guidelines makes the upkeep of bits and irons relatively straightforward.
Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a damp cloth should suffice for most occasions. The actual mouthpiece of the bit should never be polished with metal polish.
Dealing with Dirt: After instances of severe dirt accumulation, like after hunting, wash the metal parts in a bucket.
Routine Inspection and Repairs of Equestrian Tack
Periodic inspection and necessary repairs are essential components of maintaining the functionality and longevity of equestrian tack. Incorporating these checks into your regular tack cleaning routine can potentially preempt mishaps caused from wear and tear.
General Guidelines for Inspecting Equestrian Tack
The practice of regular examination includes several general guidelines:
Timing: Assess your tack every time you clean it. This routine integration makes the task less daunting, and it becomes a habit over time.
Focus Points: Pay particular attention to components that are more prone to wear, such as girth straps, stitching on leathers, bridles, and reins, and areas around buckles.
Proactivity: Taking proactive measures by immediately repairing signs of wear can prevent accidents at inconvenient moments.
Specific Areas of Focus During Inspection
There are some specific areas of tack that need intensive examination:
Girth Straps: These play a pivotal role in the horse’s comfort and rider’s safety and should be inspected thoroughly. Look for things like thinning leather and splitting holes.
Leathers and Bridles: Check for wear in the leather sections that fit into buckles. The stitching in these areas is also subject to stress and should be evaluated regularly.
Girth Buckles and Stitching: These are crucial components for the secure fitting of the saddle and need to be robust. Check these for any signs of wear or damage.
Importance of Regular Professional Checks
Although routine personal checks are essential, some checks should be conducted by a professional saddler.
Saddler’s Inspection: It is advisable to have your girth straps inspected by a certified saddler at least once a year due to their pivotal role in maintaining balance and safety during rides.
Storage Considerations
Proper storage conditions are essential for preserving the durability of your tack.
Keep Tack Dry: Moisture can be detrimental to the leather and metal parts of your tack. Therefore, it’s critical to store your gear in a dry area to prevent damage from dampness.Long-Term Storage: If your tack is not going to be used for an extended period, such as during term time, ensure it’s cleaned thoroughly before storage. If possible, consider storing it in a dry room in the house. The preservation effort may allow this if the tack’s cleaning and maintenance are up to the mark.
