14 Must Have Horse Racing Tack and Equipment

Trainers have access to various tools to help their horses perform as well as they can. With varied equipment, different horses run better, yet each piece has a specific function. Some horses are even remembered for their equipment. They know why particular tools are used, and their many applications can sometimes be challenging. Here is a summary of the most famous horse racing tack and equipment.

What Is Horse Tack?

The phrase is typically used to describe riding gear (hence the term “tacking up,” which means fitting a horse with all the necessary items to ride it). “tack” refers to a group of tools rather than a single piece of equipment. For example, your instructor may urge you to tack up to prepare your horse for riding. This is why shops that offer horse equipment are known as “tack shops” or “tack stores.”

1. Saddle: A leather seat that provides support for the rider.
2. Saddle blanket: A padded fabric is placed beneath the saddle for the horse’s comfort. This is referred to as “saddle cloth” in English riding.
3. Bridle: A bridle is a set of accessories that consists of a bit, reins, and a headpiece. Together, these tools enable you to speak with your horse. They are made of several substances.
4. Rein: Reins are the straps you use to lead your horse and attach to your harness. You don’t need to purchase reins separately because Western bridles already include them.
5. Martingales: Martingales come in two varieties: running (rings) and standing. When jumping or riding cross-country, a running martingale is helpful to stop a horse from swerving away from the rider’s reins. Standing martingales are helpful for horses with anxiety.
6. Rubber Bits: Rubber bits are frequently utilized when a horse’s mouth is delicate or when the jockey’s contact is excruciating. They typically function without a noseband and are made out of, unsurprisingly, a rubber bit.
7. Ring Bits: Strong pulling horses frequently utilize ring bits because they increase the jockey’s manoeuvrability and steering control. They typically consist of a standard bit and a metal ring used in tandem.
8. Blinkers: Full-cup blinkers are used on horses who are easily distracted to help them focus on the race in front of them rather than what is happening behind them. Additionally, they light up sluggish horses so they cannot hear the noises behind them. They are made from various-sized plastic cups affixed to a hood.
9. Cinch: A large strap of material that fits over a horse’s barrel to secure the saddle is known as a girth or cinch.
10. Breastplate: A harness-like device with straps that wrap around the sternum and forelegs that aids in stabilizing the saddle. He was also known as a “breast collar” or “breast strap.”
11. Halters: Halters are produced from rope, leather, or nylon. It has a metal ring to which the lead rope is attached. The most fundamental headgear a horse can wear is a halter. They are employed to lead and train horses.
12. Safety Vest: Another essential item of safety gear for riders, especially novice ones, is a safety vest. Safety vests shield the torso and lessen damage to the spine, ribs, and essential organs. In addition, these vests have thick padding to keep riders safe in the fall.
13. Helmet: A helmet is required even for the most seasoned riders. A head injury almost always results from falling off a horse because it is far from the ground. Regarding impact absorption and penetration defence, riding helmets provide additional head protection.
14. Riding Boots: Riding boots have an extensive heel to help riders maintain their feet firmly in the stirrups for added stability and to protect the rider’s legs from being pinched by the saddle.

Where To Buy Top-Quality Horse Racing Tack and Equipment

We put everything we make or buy to the test before selling it to our consumers, and the top people in the business are always giving us comments on how we can make our designs better. Our bespoke shop was born out of the local demand for high-quality sales tracking halters and trustworthy, cost-effective tack repair. Many of the top trainers and consignors in the region turn to Gaited Horse for all their racing needs, whether they need a high-quality nylon bridle or a custom leather harness that is padded or laced in farm colours.