Category: Tack & Equipment Knowledge

Tack is one of the most significant investments a horse owner makes. Poor storage shortens lifespan, weakens leather, damages stitching, and increases the risk of equipment failure — directly impacting rider safety. Correct storage is not cosmetic. It is protective maintenance. This guide explains how to store saddles, bridles, and leather equipment properly in UK…

A five-minute safety check before mounting can prevent serious accidents. Tack failure is rarely sudden — it usually follows gradual wear, unnoticed damage, or poor fitting. Every ride should begin with a systematic inspection. This is not excessive caution — it is responsible horsemanship. This guide explains what to check before riding, why it matters,…

A headcollar and lead rope may seem like simple pieces of equipment, but they are fundamental tools in daily horse handling. Poorly chosen or poorly fitted headcollars increase the risk of injury, pressure damage, and loss of control. Correct selection improves safety, communication, and comfort. This guide explains how to choose the right type for…

The girth plays a critical role in saddle stability, horse comfort, and rider safety. An ill-suited girth can cause discomfort, behavioural resistance, restricted movement, and even long-term soft tissue damage. Choosing the correct girth is not simply about size — it is about shape, material, pressure distribution, and discipline suitability. This guide explains the main…

A well-run yard depends on more than good horsemanship — it relies on practical equipment that supports safety, hygiene, and daily efficiency. The right tools reduce labour, prevent injury, and improve welfare standards. This guide outlines the essential tools every horse owner should have, why they matter, and how to maintain them properly. Why Proper…

Tack maintenance is often neglected not through carelessness, but through time pressure. However, inconsistent cleaning shortens equipment lifespan, increases safety risk, and can compromise horse comfort. A structured cleaning schedule allows even busy riders to maintain high standards without unnecessary time burden. This guide outlines a realistic, effective system that protects leather, stitching, and metalwork…

A well-organised tack room is more than visually pleasing — it improves safety, extends equipment lifespan, and saves time every single day. Poor organisation leads to lost items, damaged tack, rodent contamination, and unnecessary replacement costs. An efficient tack room supports professional standards and smoother daily routines. This guide explains how to structure, store, and…

When choosing tack, riders are often faced with a difficult question: Is premium tack worth the investment, or will budget options perform just as well? The answer is not simply about price. It is about materials, construction, safety, fit, longevity, and intended use. This guide breaks down what truly matters — and where spending more…

Tack is constantly exposed to environmental stress — even when stored indoors. The UK’s fluctuating climate, high humidity, and seasonal extremes can significantly impact leather integrity, stitching strength, and metal fittings. Understanding how weather affects tack allows you to prevent avoidable deterioration, safety risks, and costly replacements. Weather damage is gradual — and often invisible…

Tack-related injuries are rarely random. They usually result from poor fit, unnoticed wear, incorrect use, or inadequate maintenance. Because tack sits at the interface between horse and rider, even small faults can create significant discomfort, behavioural resistance, or acute injury. Preventing tack-related injury is not complicated — but it requires consistency, observation, and accountability. This…