Tack must fit the horse and the rider. A horse with a bad saddle sore isn't much of an asset. A quarter horse bar tree usually fits most horses. If the tree is a little too wide in the wither area, then a build up pad can be used or more padding if the whole tree is a little too wide. If the tree is too narrow, no matter what you do, the back of the horse will be sore. Be sure you have enough clearance between the horse's withers and the gullet of the saddle.
Double-rigged saddles have some advantages on mountain trails. They should be rigged so the cinch is a little farther back to prevent sores behind the front leg, the strap between the cinches should be adjusted and the back cinch in contact with the horse's stomach to prevent sideways movement and to help keep the pads in place. Three quarter rigging is the best position for mountain riding. A full or 7/8 rigging is too far forward for mountain riding because it can gall the horse. Some people prefer a saddle with a high cantle for mountain use. However, the higher cantle shouldn't be used to brace against when riding uphill, keep your weight forward and help your horse.
Stirrups should be adjusted so that you can place just three fingers between your crotch and the saddle when standing in the stirrups. Ride relaxed but alert, with the ball of your foot in the stirrup and about 1/3 of your weight on your feet.
A properly adjusted breast collar is an advantage when riding in rugged country. Breast collars should be fastened to the rings installed for that purpose or off the 'D' rings, and in a manner so there is no possibility of interference with the horse's breathing. A crupper or britchin can also be added and is recommended for a horse with poor withers or round back. A horse can be ridden with a looser cinch if a breast collar and crupper or britchin are used. A cinch that is too tight is one of the chief causes of cinch sores. On a property saddled horse, you should be able to insert your fingers between the cinch and the horse's body without undue trouble but you should feel pressure from both. Breast collars must be kept soft so they won't cut. Roper style breast collars are a good choice.
Fabric covered foam pads or 'Kodel' fleece pads are excellent and have the advantage of being washable. They should be of a firm consistency and two inches thick. If hair pads are used, a pack horse should have two pads and a saddle horse a pad and a blanket. Don't ever lay a pad or blanket directly on the ground as it will pick up debris that could sore a horse's back.
Any good nylon halter is adequate. Flat nylon has the advantage of not creasing a horse's nose and has a larger bearing surface over the poll. The halter should be adjusted so that it can't be rubbed off. It's unsafe to turn a shod horse loose wearing a halter; it could get its hoof caught while trying to scratch with a back leg.
For most people, a nine-to ten-foot lead rope seems to be about right. If the rope is attached through the halter ring and around the animal's neck, it must be longer. Manila 1/2" in diameter would be minimum, but soft nylon or poly plus rope is much better. These ropes are stronger and won't rot, and can be stored when wet. Make your lead rope from a length a little over a foot longer than the finished product. Braid a small eye in one end for attaching the snap (bull snaps are recommended) and braid the other end back.
Saddle bags on your riding horse should be loaded lightly because they are sifting over the horse's loin - the weakest part of the horse's back, There are many large cantlepack/saddlebag systems that can be easily overloaded to the detriment of your horse and your ease of mounting and dismounting. The best location on your saddle horse for carrying heavier items is off the front of the saddle.
If pack stock are used, a spare cinch, latigo and lead rope should be carried. In an emergency, the lead rope from your saddle horse can be used on a pack horse. A knife with a leather punch, pliers, small rolls of stove wire and electrical tape, and nylon or leather boot laces will make most emergency tack repairs.
Click here to return to the Table of Contents.
Click here to return to the BCHC home page.