The Definition of "Horse Tack" is all the equipment that you need as the owner of a horse. Riding a horse and properly caring for a horse requires certain equipment to adequately take care of their needs. You will need to evaluate you and your horse's activities and needs to evaluate what pieces of tack you should invest in. Bridles, bits, saddle pads, saddles, lead ropes, halters, whips, stirrup leathers are just a few of the basic supplies you will need.

The first time you go to the tack store you may feel like you've spent way too much, but don't worry, if you take good care of all your tack it will last you for several years. Then you can just replace items as needed. Also, getting a good quality saddle and bridle will last you forever if you keep it clean and polished up after every use. The same goes with ALL your tack.

Horse tack ranges from the very simple, to the very elaborate. The first thing you will need for your horse is a halter. The halter fits over the horses nose and head to allow you to control the horse. The halter has two rings, one on each side of the horses head and one under the chin. These rings are used to secure a lead rope or side ties which is another must have.

Lead ropes are especially made for horses and they have a very long clasp and are woven tightly for strength. Next comes the saddle. There are so many options on saddles it will make your head spin, so in basic terms, a good all around saddle is best. Take your horses measurements around the girth and length of his back to help you decide what size you will need. Under the saddle goes the saddle pad or blanket.

The last "must have" is the bridle. The bridle is used to control the horse while riding and has the bit and the reins attached to it. You will have to experiment on which bits to use with your particular horse. Some horses have sensitive mouths so you must choose a bit that is very easy on the mouth. On the other side of the coin, some horses are "hard-mouthed" which means they are very hard to control and need a really stiff bit to make him mind.

Until you ride your horse a while you won't know exactly which to choose at first so just pick a middle of the line bit that is not too expensive for the first effort.

Most stores that sell saddles and other tack will have a specialist there that can help you purchase all of these items and give you some good advice as to which ones are a good "first-time" choice. Whatever you do, enjoy.