Horse Tack Use and Care
Information and Videos

Horse tack is probably one of the most expensive aspects of owning your horse. With that said, proper use and care of your horse equipment is vital for it to last as long as possible.

On this page you will find helpful information and videos on English and Western saddle pads, saddle fitting, saddle positioning, bridle's, proper cleaning and oiling of your horse tack, and more!

Regardless of what type of rider you are, all tack requires care and should be applied appropriately for your safety and the comfort of you and your horse.

Horse tack that is applied incorrectly can cause injury to you and/or your horse and can become costly if you are frequently replacing equipment.

The saddle pad is the horse tack that the saddle sits on to protect the back of your horse. It also protects the saddle from the dirt and sweat from your horse.

Saddle pads come in many styles to fit your riding needs. Western saddle pads come in everything from standard wool pads to orthopedic pads and English pads can vary as well.

Follow the link below below to learn about several types of both Western and English pads.

Visit our Horse Saddle Pads Video Page for videos on the different types of both English and Western saddle pads

The saddle is an important piece of horse tack and should be fitted properly to your horse and you. Most commercial saddles come in standard sizes, but unfortunately horses do not.

Every horse has a different shape to their back and require a saddle that will not pinch or be too large for them. A saddle that does not fit your horse comfortably can cause your horse pain and long term damage to their backs, as well as, bad behavior when you are riding!

Our local tack store offers saddle fitting and try the saddle before you buy which is a great service and I highly recommend finding a saddle fitter to assist you in locating the best saddle that fits you as well as your horse.

A saddle can range from a several hundred dollars to well in to the thousands depending on what type of saddle you need so getting the right saddle is crucial.

I found a great Collegiate Convertible Diploma saddle at Crazy Horse Tack-it was the best deal I could find for this saddle and came with a free gullet change system and bridle! They have other saddles as well with free incentives-I highly recommend them and they give great service!

Follow the link below to watch videos on English and Western saddle fitting, saddle positioning, saddle types, breast collar fitting, back strap fitting, martingale fitting, and more!

Visit our Horse Saddles Video Page for information on both English and Western saddles

Visit Page Two to Learn Even More About Proper Saddle Fitting

Saddles vary in style depending on which horse riding discipline you have chosen. Both Western and English saddles come in various styles as well depending on which type of riding you do.

Western saddles have show, reining, roper saddles and so on. English saddles can come in all purpose, jumping, eventing and so on.

Regardless of the saddle you are using, it is important to apply it in the proper position on your horse and fasten it correctly. Nothing would be worse than your saddle being too loose and WHAM, you have come off your trusty steed!

The bridle is a harness that contains a headstall, bit, and reins. Bridles, bits, and reins, of course, come in many different styles as well. Click on the link below for videos on how to apply and measure for both English and Western bridles.

Visit the Horse Bridle Video Page for information and videos about measuring and placement of both English and Western Bridle's

Cleaning a Western saddle is basically done the same as an English saddle-keeping the leather cleaned and properly oiled. If you have a show saddle you will need a good silver polish for the silver.

It is a good practice to keep your tack in a saddle or bridle bag to keep the dirt and dust away while it is not in use.

Remember, keeping your tack in colder climates can cause the leather to become dry and less supple which can cause cracks.

Visit the Horse Tack Cleaning Video Page for information on how to clean and oil both English and Western saddles


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