When talking about tack, people are usually referring to western-style tack for riding horses. Horseback riding is a sport that has been around for centuries, but the way that people ride horses has evolved over time. In the old days, horseback riders used different types of tack than they do today because there were no synthetic materials available for use in the field or on trails.Now, there are so many synthetic materials available that it can be hard to understand what all of the different types of tack are and how they work. Read on to learn more about these different types of Western-style tacks:
Straw Tack
Straw tacks are the oldest type of tack and are typically used for trail riding and in non-competition events. Straw tacks are made from woven straw and can last for years. They usually don't have anything similar to a metal or plastic ring on the end, which means that they can be used with all types of bit styles.Straw tacks are generally not used in eventing or other competitive disciplines because they don't provide as much support as other types of tack. They are more often used for trail riding and for children who are learning to ride. They are also very low maintenance, which makes them a good choice for people who are on a tight budget and want to use tacks that don't require much maintenance.
Rawhide Tacking
Rawhide tacking is used for trail riding and for horses that are not being ridden in a competitive event. It is also commonly used for children and for beginner riders.Rawhide tacking consists of a long leather strap with a ring attached to the end that is wrapped around the horse's neck. The ring is similar to the ring on a martingale, but it is much larger to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and types of bridles.Rawhide tacking is a good choice for trail riding because it doesn't interfere with the rider's leg movements as much as other types of tack. It is also a good choice for people who are learning to ride because it is not as challenging as other types of tack.
Hackamore Tacking
A hackamore is a type of bit that is used with a pair of reins instead of a bit and a bridle. Hackamores are typically used for trail riding, and the horse has a rope attached to the bit, which allows the rider to give the horse gentle cues without causing damage to the horse's mouth.Hackamore tacking is similar to rawhide tacking, but the ring on the hackamore is much smaller. It is also sometimes called a "snaffle tacking" because it uses a snaffle, which is a type of bit similar to a Western bridle.Hackamore tacking is a good choice for trail riding because it is easier on the horse's mouth than a normal bit. It is also a good choice for people who are learning to ride because it is less challenging than other types of tack.
Bittedraw Towing or Grain Tacking
Bittedraw tacking is a combination of both a bit and a snubbing strap. The snubbing strap is attached to the bit and is used to keep the horse from pulling on the bit.Bittedraw tacking is used for riding in fields where the ground is muddy or when the rider needs the horse to keep its head down and mouth closed. The bit is used to keep the horse from pulling on the snubbing strap, which is attached to a lead rope that the rider is holding.Bittedraw tacking is good for muddy fields because the bit helps keep the horse from pulling on the snubbing strap, which could lead to the rider slipping off the horse. This is especially important for children who are learning to ride.Bittedraw tacking is also good for when you want to keep the horse's head down and mouth closed.
Bridles and Headstalls
A bridle is a bit and a pair of reins that are used to control a horse. There are many types of bridles available, and each type has a different design and function. A headstall is a bit holder that is attached to a bridle that is used with a horse that is being ridden in a Western competition.There are many different types of Western-style bridles, and each type serves a different purpose for different disciplines. For example, a "classic" style bridle is used for Western pleasure and trail riding, while a "break-to-ground" style bridle is used in eventing.
Conclusion
The type of Western-style tack that you use depends on the discipline that you are riding and the horse's needs. For example, a break-to-ground style bridle would be a good choice for eventing, while a classic style bridle would be a good choice for trail riding.