Horse Tack and Saddlery

Book excerpt: When people first began to ride horses, their only piece of equipment was a rudimentary bridle. It was a very long time before the arrival of the saddle, and longer still before the appearance of the stirrup. Nowadays, there is a vast array of equipment and the choice available can make the job of buying tack a daunting one. Here is a comprehensive guide to tack and horse clothing for riders at all levels of horsemanship. With a photographic directory-style approach, the book looks at the complete range of horse equipment item by item: the saddle; the bridle and bit; training aids and gadgets; clothing and protective equipment. Photographs of the available models for each item and clear descriptions of usage help you make an informed choice about what to buy. Different riding activities necessarily make varied demands from the saddlery and equipment, and the appearances and functions of all the different styles are outlined in this book so whatever horse riding activity you hope to pursue, you and your horse have everything you need to ride with safety and success. For novice riders, there are how-to step-by-step sequences on fitting and removing the saddle, bridle and bit, rugs and boots, and instructions on how to care for them to ensure they remain in top condition for many years. Full of expert advice and fascinating historical information, Complete Saddlery & Horse Equipment is an invaluable reference manual for all horse riders.