Test Your Knowledge of English Tack Parts Quiz

Answer: cantle

Depending on the type of riding a saddle is designed for, the cantle height can range from almost level with the center of the seat to several inches above the center of the seat. The higher the cantle, the deeper and more secure the seat of the saddle is.

Answer: stirrups

Stirrups were invented for rider to rest their feet in to ease the discomfort in their hips from the weight of their dangling legs. They were considered a luxury and were initially only used by royalty, knights, and the wealthy.

Answer: girth

On an English saddle, a girth buckles to the billets under the flaps to secure it. New types of buckles with rollers have made it easier for the rider to get their girth tightened appropriately. They also help extend the life of the leather billets because the rounded surface of the buckle roller does not indent or cut into the leather like the older style buckle did.

A girth can also be called a cinch.

Answer: gullet

The gullet is the area on the underside of the saddle that sits directly on the horse's back. It must fit properly, or the saddle can cause discomfort, hair to be rubbed off, or even improper muscle development. Several different companies that manufacture tack now offer many of their models with an adjustable gullet system.

This allows the saddle width to change to fit a horse as it grows and develops over the years and/or one saddle to be used on multiple horses of varying shapes and sizes.

Answer: crown piece

Trimming or shaving a small section of the the horse's mane where the crown piece sits not only gives a neater appearance, it also helps the bridle to fit properly on the horse's head. If mane is tangled up under the crown piece, it may not sit correctly or comfortably on the horse's head.

Answer: bit

Depending on which English discipline you choose to ride, be sure you know which bits you are allowed to use at horse shows. Dressage is the most limiting. You may only use snaffle type bits, with no twists. Gags are not allowed, either. Curb bits, with or without curb chains, are also prohibited at the lower levels. Hunters and jumpers allow most any type of bit, as long as it is an English bit.

They do not allow Western or Saddle Seat styles of bits.

Answer: cavesson

The cavesson is a simple band, loosely set around the face. Other types of nose bands are: a flash nose band, a drop nose band, a figure 8 nose band, to name a few.

Answer: reins and cheek pieces

Reins on an English bridle are fastened to the bit with buckles or a type of hook and slot set up. Reins on a Western bridle seldom use these types of fasteners to attach them to the bit. Instead, rivets or latigo (thin leather string threaded through holes at the ends of the reins) are typically used.

Answer: breast plate

Breast plates are designed so certain types of martingales can be attached. They are also one of the few pieces of tack (other than a saddle and bridle) that are allowed to be used in any riding discipline.

Answer: wood

Some horses cannot tolerate the feel or taste of a metal bit. Some horses prefer it. Many undesirable behaviors (sticking tongue out, grinding teeth, pulling on the bit, chewing on the bit, and more) can sometimes be stopped completely by changing the bit to one made from a different material.