Follow these expert trail-tack guidelines for optimal safety, fit, comfort, and control.
Safe, comfortable, trail ready tack says you’re a dedicated, knowledgeable trail rider. You’ll also be ready for long rides in fall’s cool weather.
On the trail, your tack must stay in place, fit well, and be attached correctly so that your horse can conquer any terrain comfortably. If your saddle doesn’t fit, his back will be sore after just a short ride. If your saddle isn’t securely attached, it could slide backward or forward, especially when you ride up and down hills. If your bridle doesn’t have a browband and throatlatch, it could come off if your horse brushes against a low branch.
Here, I’ll explain what’s safe and unsafe in your trail bridle, trail saddle, and your saddle’s attachments that help to keep it in place—the flank cinch, breastcollar, and crupper. I’ll also share the type of tack I prefer on the trail and how to fit it to your horse so he stays comfortable and pain-free.
Your Trail Bridle
Use a bridle with a browband and throatlatch to help keep it secure and balanced. (One-eared headstalls can come off on the trail.) Adjust the headstall evenly on both sides. The browband should be level and sit just below your horse’s ears.
Esta historia es de la edición September 2017 de Horse and Rider.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2017 de Horse and Rider.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
A Horseback High
Riding vacations can be found around the world, and here are five bucket list rides in the United States
JOIN THE CLUB!
Riding clubs of all forms can be found across the country. What should you look for when choosing—or starting—a club of your own? We asked three club leaders to share their insights
Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!
Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect
REPLACING FEAR WITH CURIOSITY
Horses have both flight and investigative behaviors but not at the same time. Learn how to help your horse switch to curiosity when his flight instincts kick in, and how to put the brakes on when he's already gone
Ranch Riding Mares
Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
An Empty Stall
The loss of a horse leads to a new landscape of managing emotions and moving forward
Strengthen Your Mental Game
Prepare your mind for peak performances with your horse by implementing these tips from reining trainer Shane Brown
Burning Off the Fresh
Whether your horse has gone unridden due to a health problem, the weather, or your schedule, a thoughtful process can keep everyone safe during his return to work
Return to Exercise Slowly
If you’ve been turned out to pasture for a while, as the result of injury or just a busy life, return to exercise in a safe and steady way
Ground Tying for Ranch Trail
There are many reasons to teach your horse how to safely ground tie