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Traditional Arabian Horse TacksSome of the traditional Arabian horse tack is smaller than tack used for other breeds because of the unusual shape of the head and body. In addition, there is a large variety of tack used on Arabian horses depending upon the event during which the horse will be ridden. Arabian horses have very distinct head shapes. The head is wide at the top and narrows to a very slender muzzle. As a result, the Arabian bridle must be smaller to the areas of the brow and cheek. The smallest bridle made fits most Arabian horses. Because of the shape of the head, traditional Arabian horse tack also includes small bits. The most common bit size used with Arabians is 4 ¾ inches wide. There are smaller sizes for those horses with even narrower jaw lines. Larger bits fit the larger Arabian horses. Specially designed traditional Arabian horse tack is made to fit specific unique body characteristics. Breast collars are custom fitted to the narrower chest of Arabian horses. Shorter saddle blankets fit the shorter horse back. The round chest and wide backs of Arabian horses is due to the well developed lung capacity bred into the horse over centuries. This means the saddle must be wider to accommodate the wider back. It is important for the saddle to fit appropriately to prevent injury to both the horse and rider. The saddle skirt must also be shorter, like the saddle blankets, in order to fit the shorter back. [top] The general rules for tack apply to anyone wanting to ride an Arabian horse whether for competition or as a hobby. Carefully fitting the tack to the horse will prevent rubbing and chafing on the horse. There are many choices of traditional Arabian horse tack and deciding which tack will work best takes experience. But there are also well defined rules for horse outfitting at the various kinds of shows that Arabian horses are entered in throughout the year. The show tack descriptions make it much easier to decide which saddle, bridle or halter is necessary. Sport Horse Halter Class For sport horse in-hand showing, a snaffle bridle must be used on three-year-olds and older horses. Younger horses can wear a stable halter made of leather. Riders in Show Hack The saddle for the riders in show hack is usually a dressage saddle or forward seat saddle. For this show, the horse can wear a breastplate. A bridle can be a double bridle or snaffle bridle. Sport Horse Under Saddle For this style of riding the horse will wear a dressage saddle or a hunt seat for jumping. The bridle will be a snaffle style. The bit with be snaffle style or a Pelham. A dressage saddle is a saddle that has a deep seat. The flaps on it are straight cut. The purpose of the deep seat is to let the rider sit deeply in the saddle for cuing the horse. With a deep seat and straight flaps the rider is better able to communicate instructions to the horse for show moves. Horses are shown in show rings under different kinds of tack. There is English tack, Western tack, jumping tack, dressage tack, driving tack, and other kinds of tack including side saddle. The tack that is worn depends upon the show class. The best way to learn what tack to use is to attend shows and watch experienced riders. Also do the research online and learn the different kinds of tack and when they are used. Buying tack is a big investment and you want to make sure you buy what you need at a price you can afford. [top] |
