When choosing tack for horse, it’s important to make sure your selections are suitable for your horse’s size, build, and temper. There are many intricate factors involved in achieving the proper fit, and if you do your homework ahead of time, you can avoid some of the following common problems.
Before riding, check first that the saddle is a good fit and is sufficiently padded. This is especially important on horses that have a poor conformation or have lost a lot of body condition. In either case, a saddle pad made of sheepskin, rubber, felt, padded material, or foam may help prevent the saddle from slipping.
On a very thin or narrow-chested horse, the saddle will tend to slip backward along the loins. A breastplate, consisting of a neck strap passing to the girth and anchored to the D-rings on the front of the saddle, may help to hold it in place. A breast girth may also have the same effect; it is a webbing strap that runs along the front of the chest and is attached to both sides of the girth.
On small ponies, the saddle will tend to slip forward from the withers up the neck, particularly whenever the animal puts its head down. A crupper — an adjustable leather strap leading from the back of the saddle around the dock — should overcome the problem.
A sore is a thickening of the skin resulting from pressure and friction from ill-fitting tack. Saddle sores are found on the withers and the middle of the back, usually on top of the raised vertebral processes of the backbone. Sometimes sores may occur on the side of the backbone if the gullet of the saddle is not wide enough, causing the saddle to pinch. In every case, removing the source of the pressure is essential. A saddle pad or foam pad that has had the relevant area above the pressure point cut out should ease the pressure and enable the skin to heal.
You may also notice the development of mouth sores. First, check that the bit is the correct width — for example, a jointed snaffle should protrude a quarter of an inch on either side. The cheek pieces should also be checked to make sure that they are adjusted properly to keep the bit in the correct position, just touching the corners of the mouth.
Some horses have very soft skin at the corners of the mouth. The mildest possible snaffle bit should be used and, if the lips are cut, an ointment should be applied immediately to aid healing. Cracked lips do not heal easily, and will continue to crack repeatedly unless treated. Pressure from the rings or the shanks of a bit can be prevented by using rubber bit-stops.
Always make sure your horse’s tack fits best. Not only will your horse be happier, but you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle and wasted money.