equine science western tack

Question 0

Tree

Answer 0

Foundation of the saddle
– Wood covered with rawhide, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or no tree at all.
Parts of the tree
Bars
• Swell/Fork • Gullet
• Horn
• Cantle

Question 1

History of western saddle

Answer 1

In 365 A.D., the saddle was invented by the Sarmations, a nomadic tribe that lived near the Black Sea. The Huns brought the saddle back to Europe. The saddle was used in war for more accuracy and because it helped the rider stay better balanced on the horse. Leather tanning became more developed, and was especially improved upon by the medieval knights in Europe. It was the medieval knights who made the saddle a common item that was used in every day riding. The pommel of the saddle was designed for protection against the lance during jousting, and the cantle kept riders in the saddle. The saddle continued to evolve, and it was the Spanish Vaquero who first started putting horns on the saddle in order to rope cows. The saddle’s expansion west also influenced new types of saddle and changes in saddles. One such change was the McClellan military saddle, which was extremely popular. The saddle continued to change and develop in order to accommodate different needs.

Question 2

Bars

Answer 2

• Part of the tree that rests on each side of the horse’s spine
• QH bars-7in
• Semi-QH bars-6 3/4in
• Shape and angle determine fit

Question 3

Swell/fork

Answer 3

Also called pommel
• Shape and definition to saddle

Question 4

Horn

Answer 4

• Intended saddle use determines horn design

Question 5

Cantle

Answer 5

Intended saddle use determines cantle design

Question 6

Rigging

Answer 6

How the cinch strap attaches to the saddle to keep the saddle in place on the horse

Question 7

Common western saddles

Answer 7

ranching saddles, barrel saddles, equitation saddles, and pleasure/trail saddles.

Question 8

• Other parts of the saddle include

Answer 8

fender, stirrup, skirt, seat, cinch, and rear jockey.

Question 9

A bit with a roller is used to…

Answer 9

keep the horse busy and happy, and it does not distract the horse from its work.

Question 10

A halfbreed

Answer 10

is a bridle that is a combination of a hackamore and a snaffle. It puts pressure on the horse’s nose.

Question 11

A hackamore

Answer 11

usually has a shank, but it attaches to a nose piece and there is no bit.

Question 12

When training a young horse and switching from a snaffle to another bit,

Answer 12

one recommendation is to switch to a shanked bit with a broken mouth and no port.

Question 13

Different bridles include

Answer 13

one eared, two eared, and ones with a brow band.

Question 14

Parts of the bridle

Answer 14

brow band, ear piece, cheek piece, reins, throatlatch, and bit

Question 15

When assessing the severity of the bit,

Answer 15

look at shanks (if there are any), shank length, ports, and curb chains, etc.

Question 16

Steering

Answer 16

Snaffle: two handed or plow rein

Shanked bit: one handed or neck rein

Question 17

Signs that your horse is unhappy with a bit

Answer 17

include chomping at the bit, tossing its head, acting uncomfortable or agitated, and if the horse is trying to escape the bit or evade commands

Question 18

Bit sizes

Answer 18

Average: 5 in
Pony: 3-4
Draft: 6

Question 19

Why is size of bit important?

Answer 19

Too small- pinch

Too big- slide and or put unintended pressure on the roof of the horse’s mouth