Horse Tack Accessories: Ensuring the Safety of Riders and Horse

Horse needs pampering as humans.  Good horse- riding accessories can not only add up to the comfort, security and luxury of a rider but act as protective gears for horse too. The two most important accessories- Horse bits and boots are discussed here in detail to enlighten the significance of good horse riding aids. Bits are mouthpiece for the horse used to control the horse. 

While looking for horse accessories, there are few critical points which should be addressed such as fitting, fabric/material, weight and height. An accessory should be durable and comfortable both for the horse and rider.  Such an accessory is horse boots which are again, a protective gear for horse. These boots are made up of aluminum and steel. The grooves in the boots make them light weight and provide a better hold.  Balance, shape, extension and support of the boot is very critical to understand. For a safe and joyous ride, the quality and fitting of horse tack accessories should be at par.  You should also see to it that horse is comfortable with them. Too tight or too loose mouthpiece is of no use but can put rider’s life at stake.

These above mentioned key points can be understood after the shoeing is done for one week or two.  Though, it is very difficult to evaluate the factors with a pen and on a ground, yet critical. You can remove horse boots in winters or whenever you are not riding it. Though, most of the riding experts recommended putting the boots on in winter to prevent any adverse effect on hooves.  For an added comfort, you can put in some pads underneath. They also prevent bruises on the sole of horses. However, before you decided to purchase horse tack equipments, consult a professional farrier.

Similarly, the mouthpiece should be fitted really well in horse’s mouth. No bar should remain outside the mouth. Also, see if the mouthpiece has not restricted the saliva secretion of horse and it should not make it dry or painful.   Horse bits are equally important for rider’s safety. If it is not fitted well, rider won’t be able to control it properly.