If you’re new to horse riding, the world of horse tack can feel overwhelming. There are so many pieces of equipment, so many fitting rules, and so many different styles that it’s normal to feel confused at first. But the good news is this: once you understand the basics of saddles, harnesses, rugs, bridles, halters, and pads, everything becomes simple. This guide will teach you everything you need to know in a beginner-friendly way, so you feel confident choosing, fitting, and maintaining your horse tack.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What Is Horse Tack?
- Saddles — The Foundation of Riding
- Saddle Pads — Protection and Comfort
- Bridles — Communication Through the Headpiece
- Halters — Control From the Ground
- Harnesses — Essential for Driving Horses
- Horse Rugs — Protection and Warmth
- Headcollars — Travelling Safely
- Cleaning and Maintaining Tack
- How to Choose the Right Tack as a Beginner
- Common Beginner Tack Mistakes
- Beginner Tack Cost Guide
- Safe Tack Routine for Beginners
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- Horse tack includes saddles, bridles, halters, harnesses, pads, and rugs.
- Proper fit is the most important part of horse tack.
- Incorrect tack causes pain, rubbing, and poor performance.
- Internal Criterion-UK guides can help beginners measure tack correctly.
- Clean, well-fitted tack keeps you and your horse safe.
What Is Horse Tack? (Beginner Breakdown)
Horse tack is the equipment you put on a horse so you can ride, train, lead, or drive them. Think of it as the communication system between you and your horse. Every piece has a specific job, and using the right tack ensures safety, comfort, and control.
The main categories of tack include:
- Saddles
- Bridles
- Halters
- Harnesses
- Rugs
- Saddle pads
Saddles — The Foundation of Riding
A saddle is one of the most important pieces of tack you will own. It supports your weight, protects your horse’s back, and helps both of you stay balanced.
Every rider needs to understand:
- saddle types
- saddle fit
- saddle components
- how to measure your horse
Incorrect saddle fit is one of the biggest causes of back pain in horses. That’s why measuring correctly matters.
You can learn exactly how to measure a horse for a saddle here: How to measure horse for a Saddle?
Types of Saddles
- General-purpose saddles — great for beginners.
- Dressage saddles — straight flaps for flatwork.
- Jumping saddles — forward flaps for jumping.
- Kids saddles — lightweight and designed for young riders.
For families, this guide explains the best kids’ saddles: Kids Saddle Guide
Saddle Fit and Why It Matters
- Behavioural problems
- Bucking
- Back soreness
- Girth soreness
- Performance issues
Always measure properly before buying a saddle to ensure your horse stays comfortable and pain-free.
Saddle Pads — Protection and Comfort
A saddle pad sits between the horse and the saddle. It protects the horse’s back from pressure and absorbs sweat. Learn more: What is Saddle Pad?
Saddle pads come in different shapes for different types of saddles, so always match the pad to your saddle type.
Bridles — Communication Through the Headpiece
A bridle is the main steering system of your horse. It allows you to communicate using light rein pressure. There are many types, and each benefits different horses. Full guide: Horse Bridles guide by CriTERION.
Why Bridle Fit Matters
A bridle that’s too tight causes pinching and discomfort. One that’s too loose reduces your control. Proper fit ensures gentle communication and keeps your horse responsive.
Halters — Control From the Ground
Halters are used for leading, tying, groundwork, and grooming. Rope halters are great for groundwork because they offer clearer communication. Learn how to use one: How to use Rope Halter?
Harnesses — Essential for Driving Horses
If you plan to drive a horse with a cart or carriage, you’ll need a harness. It allows the horse to pull weight safely while staying comfortable. Beginner guide: How to harness a horse?
Learn more about: Harness horse speed
Horse Rugs — Protection and Warmth
Horse rugs protect your horse from rain, flies, cold, mud, and wind. Measuring correctly is crucial to avoid rubbing and slipping. Rug measurement guide: Click here
Types of Rugs
- Turnout rugs — outdoor protection
- Stable rugs — inside the stable
- Cooler rugs — drying after exercise
- Fly rugs — fly protection in summer
Headcollars — Travelling Safely
Leather headcollars are recommended for travelling because they break under extreme pressure, keeping your horse safe. Learn more: Why leather headcollars for travelling?
Cleaning and Maintaining Tack
Good tack care increases tack lifespan, prevents injury, keeps horses comfortable, and saves money. Leather should be cleaned weekly; synthetic tack can be hosed off easily.
Steps to Clean Leather Tack
- Unbuckle all pieces
- Wipe off dirt and sweat
- Apply leather cleaner
- Use conditioner to keep leather supple
- Dry naturally
How to Choose the Right Tack as a Beginner
- Fit comes before style
- Comfort equals better behaviour
- Measure your horse for rugs and saddles using Criterion-UK’s guides
- Ask professionals when unsure
Common Beginner Tack Mistakes
- Buying tack before measuring
- Choosing rugs that don’t fit
- Using a bridle that pinches
- Forgetting to clean tack
- Ignoring changes in your horse’s shape
Rug measurement guide: How to measure your horse for a Rug?
Beginner Tack Cost Guide
| Item | Average UK Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle | £200–£1,200 | Fit is key |
| Bridle | £30–£150 | Leather lasts longer |
| Rug | £40–£200 | Choose correct weight |
| Saddle Pad | £15–£80 | Many shapes |
| Halter | £10–£25 | Rope halters for groundwork |
| Harness | £200–£500 | Needed for driving |
Safe Tack Routine for Beginners
Before riding:
- Smooth the saddle pad
- Check saddle balance
- Tighten girth gradually
- Ensure bridle fit
- Remove rug safely
After riding:
- Loosen girth slowly
- Remove saddle from back first
- Check sweat patterns
- Remove bridle gently
- Rug your horse appropriately
Weekly:
- Clean all tack
- Inspect stitching
- Replace worn parts
- Wash rugs as needed
Final Thoughts
Learning horse tack is an important step in becoming a confident rider. When you understand saddles, harnesses, rugs, bridles, halters, and pads — and how to measure, fit, and maintain them your horse becomes happier, healthier, and easier to ride.
FAQs
How many rugs does a horse need?
Most horses need a turnout rug, stable rug, and cooler rug. Climate and clipping affect the number.
Are fly rugs waterproof?
No, fly rugs are not waterproof. More details: Rugs waterproof guide.
What’s the most important tack for beginners?
A properly fitted saddle.
Should beginners use rope halters?
Yes, for groundwork. Just avoid tying solidly because rope halters don’t release under pressure.
How do I measure a rug correctly?
Use this guide: How to measure Horse Rug