Q: I recently purchased a new pair of field boots. I’ve been wearing them around the house and at the barn to break them in, but they still feel really stiff, and I have some shows coming up. Is...
A curb chain on a kimberwick bit (top) and weymouth curb bit (bottom)The curb chain is an integral part of nearly every type of leverage
bit, whether it’s being used for English or western riding. When the reins are
pulled back,...
During the last decade a revolution of sorts has occurred in the design of English stirrups. Riders are no longer restricted to the rigid stainless steel “fillis” style of irons. Many of today’s English riders, especially those who ride...
Occasionally it’s necessary to use a specific type of pad to augment the fit of an English saddle. A riser pad (sometimes also called a lift-back or wedge pad) may be necessary if a horse, due to age or...
The hinged port curb is popular among riders and trainers of western pleasure horses. The additional joint in the center of the bit, usually hidden under a sleeve or roller, provides a great deal of flexibility in the mouthpiece....
Similar in function to the English standing martingale, the western tie-down prevents a horse from raising its head above a pre-determined level. When adjusted properly, the tie-down allows a horse to carry its head freely in a natural position....
If a trip to the tack shop makes your head spin, or flipping through equestrian catalogs feels like information overload, you've come to the right place. Here is horseillustrated.com's dictionary of tack and horse equipment. Bookmark this page...
Polo Wraps: As the name suggests, polo wraps originated on the polo field, where they were used as protective covering for the horses’ legs with the bonus of being available in the teams’ colors. Polo wraps stand up to...
Peacock Stirrups: Young English riders are encouraged to use peacock stirrups. Because of their design, a little rider is less likely to get a foot stuck in a stirrup in case of a fall or accident. A large, thick...
Running Martingale: The English running martingale is similar in form and function to the training fork popular with western riding. The running martingale attaches to the girth and then runs up between the horse’s front legs, where it splits...
