Horse equipment is also known as tack. Depending on what style you ride determines what type of tack you have. There is tons of equipment. I chose to explain  the equipment that I use on my horse.

Tack
Bridle	Bridles are generally made out of leather but, sometimes there are nylon ones as well. Bridles go on the horse's head. Usually they come with reins but every once in a while you have to buy them separately.  There are different parts to bridles and you always want to make sure that each part properly fits the horse's head.
Bit	There are tons of bits. I use a double twisted wire full cheek snaffle.  The smaller the width of the bit is the more power and control you have.  Make sure you always use the appropriate type of bit. If you have a horse with a dead mouth (a mouth that has little nerves therefore you have to use a more powerful bit) then you would want a very thin bit. If you are riding a horse with a very sensitive mouth you wouldn't want a  powerful  bit because it could make them crazy or hurt them.
Standing Martingale	This is the most basic of all the martingales. Some other martingales are a running martingale and a German martingale. Martingales keep the horse's head down so they don't look like a giraffe when you ride.
English Saddle	There are many different types of saddles. What type of saddle you use with depends on what discipline ride. You always want to make sure that the saddle fits properly because if it does  then it will be uncomfortable and may effect your position as you ride.
Girth	A girth is a long piece of leather with two buckles on each end of it. This piece of equipment keeps the saddle in place as you ride. You cannot ride with a saddle if you do not have a girth on.  Girths come in many different sizes. You always want to be sure that it properly fits your horse. If it is too tight or too loose it could cause girth sores.  These are very painful for your horse.
Schooling Pad	When you ride you have to use a saddle pad. A schooling pad is made for English riding. It is a square or rectangle, thick piece of cloth. It is important to use one because if you don't it could hurt your horse's back. Schooling pads come in many different colors and designers.
Show Pad	When you are in shows you are usually not allowed to use schooling pads. You have to use show pads. These are the shape of English saddles. They are usually made of white fleece.
Halter	A halter is an essential piece of equipment. Every horse owner has one. It is made out of nylon or leather. it is made to go over the horse's head. this gives the owner control when walking their horse. It is different from a bridle because there in no piece that goes in their mouth. You can sometimes have your horse's name monogrammed on the halter. It is good to have an extra halter just in case your horse spooks and breaks it.
Lead Rope	A lead rope is just as important as a halter. It is just a long rope that attaches to the halter so you can lead your horse. It is basically like a leash, but for horses.
Side Reins	Not everyone uses side reins. I use them because my horse sticks his nose out very far (as if he is grabbing for something) when I ride him. Side reins tuck their nose in. They are usually made out of  nylon but you can buy  leather ones as well. The side reins attach to both sides of the horse, near the top of the girth. they go through the bit and to the rider's hands. The rider controls how far the horse puts his head down by the amount of reins they take. When used properly (and the horse is doing his job) your horse will give you a very nice head set.
Gel Pad	Gel pad are great for horses with high withers. Withers are the highest part of the back. Horses with flat withers do not need this. My horse has very high withers, and if I don't use a gel pad the front of the saddle will rub them to the point that they bleed and cause him a great deal of pain. Gel pads are about one and a half feet long. They are shaped like a tongue. You put the gel pad under the saddle.

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Equestrian Sports