Be Trail - Tack Savvy
Horse and Rider|September 2017

Follow these expert trail-tack guidelines for optimal safety, fit, comfort, and control.

Julie Goodnight, With Heidi Melocco
Be Trail - Tack Savvy

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.

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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.

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