HORSE TACK BASICS

Horse ownership is a major investment and the cost of buying your horse is only part of the expense. Another part of the investment is the tack that you will need to ride and handle your horse. Tack includes halters, lead ropes, saddles, saddle pads or blankets, bridles, bits and the list goes on.

When purchasing your equipment stick with the basics (halter, lead rope, saddle, girth/cinch, pad, bridle, and bit). If you have ever walked into a tack store before or browsed the catalogs you have witnessed what a wide variety of options there are, but stick with the basics. These are the items that you must have to be able to handle and ride your horse. Other items you will acquire over time with the ownership of your horse. What discipline you will be riding will determine the type of tack you will need.

The fit of your tack is very important. Tack that does not fit correctly is very uncomfortable for your horse. How well your tack fits your horse will have a direct impact on your relationship. For example, buying a well fitting saddle is key. If your saddle is uncomfortable your horse will most likely display undesirable behavior when being ridden. Many tack stores, will help you fit your horse if you are able to bring it in. This will save repeat trips, ensure a good fit. Remember that most items are not returnable if they look the slightest bit used.

Buying just the basics is one way to keep the cost of purchasing your tack down. Another way to save money is to consider synthetic tack. Tack made of synthetic material is often cheaper and is easier to care for. On the downside, it does not look as nice as leather tack and may not be acceptable for your discipline of riding.

You may be overwhelmed by just how expensive it is to purchase jut the basics, but with proper care quality tack will last you several years. Synthetic tack generally needs to just be wiped off with water, but leather take must be cleaned with special cleaners and conditioners. Consult your tack store owner on how to best care for your tack. Knowledge is power. Invest some time and get a general vocabulary for the different pieces of tack and what they are used for. It is also a good idea to take along an experienced horse owner to help you make those first purchases. Susan Summers writes on horse related issues.You can learn more by visiting my blog, The Basics of Horse Ownership http://first-time-horseowner.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan