• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Horse Care

    Signs Your Tack Isn’t Working Properly

    Modified: Oct 3, 2020 by Wendy Sumner · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Horse owners spend a small fortune on tack and supplies for our equine partners. The options available are limitless. So how do we know which is the right choice? Read on to learn about signs you tack isn't working properly. 

    When it comes to your horse's tack not working properly, there are physical as well as behavioral signs you need to watch for.

    horse tack

    Physical Signs that Your Tack Isn't Working Properly

    Every time you finish riding, you should look over your horse for telltale signs that your tack fits properly. 

    • Dry Spots on Either Side of the Withers and Shoulders.

    Dry spots that are the size of your palm or smaller represent a pressure point caused by a saddle that is either too narrow or unbalanced. The pressure hinders the sweat glands from working correctly in that area. In addition, pressure points also cause deep muscle damage. This article has more on the Six Effects A Poorly Fitting Saddle Can Have On Your Horse.  

    • White Hairs on Either Side of the Withers or Shoulders

    White hairs result from damage done to the hair follicles caused by pressure from an ill-fitting saddle. If your horse has white hairs, you need to be checking for deep muscle damage. 

    • Ruffled Hair Along the Back of the Saddle

    An unbalanced saddle can cause ruffled hair along the back of the saddle. In this situation, the saddle is tipping forward, putting more pressure on the horse's front end. The back of the saddle is "popping" up. An unbalanced saddle can cause pressure points on the withers and shoulders and painful rubs on the horse's back.  

    • Ruffled Hair/ Swelling/ Raw Spots Along the Girth Area

    The options of girths available on the market are numerous! They can be made of all-leather, neoprene, corded mohair, or other materials. A girth positioned directly behind the front legs can cause ruffled hair or raw spots from rubbing. It is important to have a hands width between the front legs and the girth. However, some horses will have allergic reactions to certain types of materials, especially manufactured ones. Horses with allergies will usually benefit from an all leather girth because leather is a natural material. 

    • Ruffled Hairs Under the Breast Collar

    A breast collar is designed to help keep the saddle in place. You should be able to easily slide your hand between the horse's chest and the collar. But the collar should not sag. When a breast collar is too tight, it can affect the horse's forward movement, or in some cases, the horse may have difficulty breathing.

    • Corners of the Horse's Mouth

    It is crucial to check the corners of the horse's mouth. A bit that is adjusted too tight or is too narrow can cause the mouth to be tender or even raw sores. If you take your fingers and pull back on either side of your mouth, you will get an idea of what a bit feels like to a horse. 

    horse tack

    Horse Behavior Signs That Your Tack Isn't Working Properly

    Tack that is not fitted correctly or is not working properly can cause the horse to be sore and not perform at their best. A horse wearing tack that is not working properly might not want to move forward, collect under saddle, or have balance problems. 

    If the tack is causing pain, the horse may show signs of cold back. Our article on Causes of Cold Back in Horses and Ways to Help goes into details about this. There are also links to videos from professional saddle fitters on how to fit both an English saddle and a Western Saddle. 

    Tack Isn't Working Properly for the Rider

    • Stirrup Length

    The stirrups need to be adjusted correctly for the rider, saddle type, and discipline. Stirrups that are not the proper length will affect the rider's balance and communication to the horse. Read more about determining stirrup length in our article on The Proper Way to Sit on a Horse and Why it's Important.  

    • Stirrup for a Particular Riding Discipline

    Using stirrups that are not recommended for your particular discipline can result in tragedy. An example is a jumper that does not use breakaway irons or has a breakaway leather releases on their saddle. If the rider falls off when a horse refuses a jump, he can easily get hung up, and drug if his foot gets stuck in the stirrup iron. On a western saddle, the stirrup needs to be wide enough for the rider to get their foot in and out easily. My son does not like my western saddle because the stirrups are too narrow for his boots. The narrow stirrups also affect his ability to keep his feet in the proper heels down position.  

    • Using Too Harsh of a Bit

    In the right hands, a bit can be a useful tool. In the wrong hands, a bit (even a snaffle) can be a weapon. When a horse misbehaves, it is important to evaluate the rider's ability before moving on to a harsher bit.   

    • Using the Wrong Reins

    Reins are the direct communication tool from the rider’s hand to the horse's mouth. The correct reins will assist your horse in understanding the slightest cue. If the reins are too short, you will put too much pressure on the horse. If they are too long, it will be hard to cue the horse to stop in an emergency. Split reins work for trail riding and showing in different events. But continuous reins are necessary for disciplines such as barrel racing and jumping. 

    signs your horse's tack isn't working properly

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Final Thoughts

    Tack that does not work properly can affect both the horse and the rider, therefore it's essential to recognize the signs that your tack isn't fitting properly. Regardless of what your riding discipline is, tack is expensive, and most of us cannot afford to buy tack over and over. We recommend learning how to properly fit a saddle or consulting a saddle fitter before buying one.    

     

    More Horse Care

    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • lone brown horse at barn door
      10 Items Every Horse Owner Needs in Their Barn First Aid Kit
    • 6 Important Things The Horse Care Books Don't Tell You
    • White horse lounging on grass
      10 Common Reasons You Have a Tired Horse and What to Do

    Sharing is caring!

    1.1K shares
    • Share1.1K
    • Tweet

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 17 Gorgeous Equestrian Outfit Ideas for Women
    • 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding
    • 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    1.1K shares
    • 1.1K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy