One piece of equipment is a bit.  It is the part of the bridle that goes in the horse’s mouth over the tongue.  Most bits are made of stainless steel metal, but there are other types, as well.  The main job of the bit is to regulate the position of the head and control the direction of the horse’s traveling.

     To help with keeping the horse under control, a bridle is used.  Some types of bridles are double bridles and snaffle bridles, as shown in the pictures above.  Bridles consist of headstalls and reins that attach to the bit.

     For a working horse to pull a load, a harness is needed.  The three parts of a harness are the bridle, collar, and breeching.  The bridle goes over the horse’s head and attaches to the reins, which the driver holds.  The reins allow the driver to control the horse.  The collar goes around the neck and chest and attaches to the load.

     An extremely important piece of equipment is the horseshoe.  The horseshoe prevents injuries to the horse’s hooves.  Without horseshoes, the hooves will wear down and may result in lameness and very sore feet.  Horseshoes can be fitted by a farrier.  Farriers custom make horseshoes and fit them for certain functions.

     Saddles make riding comfortable for both the rider and the horse.  They protect the horses’ backs and allow the rider to sit securely on the horse.  The saddle is kept in place with a strap that keeps the saddle on the back of the horse.  The rider holds his or her balance by placing their feet in the stirrups on both sides of the saddle.  There are many types of saddles; each for a separate type of riding.

     To make the saddle even more comfortable for the horse, a saddlepad is placed under the saddle.  It prevents harsh pressure to the horse’s back.  Also, rubbing and chafing are prevented with us of a saddlepad.