Lesson #3: Tools & Tack For Riding Your Horse

Welcome To The ‘Tools & Tack For Riding Your Horse’ Course Module!

Do you know the right tools and tack for riding your horse? This course module is going to show you everything you need to know about the right equipment to train your horse.

Tool familiarity is crucial for superior horsemanship practice. Every horseperson uses tools to communicate with their equines Adjusting yourself and your response to fit the situation is all part of the individual’s imagination. Remember that the most important tool for you to master is yourself.

There are really no strict rules to what tools to use and how they should be used. The more simple, the better. However, some tack is better than others and will help you communicate more effectively. This course module will help you understand tack and why its important.

It’s important to know the basics and the underlying principles of each process. As always, a positive attitude is key to success in working with your equine. The right attitude combined with knowledge, correct tools, and techniques is the “stuff” of an effective horseperson.

There are two general classifications of horsemanship tack: natural tools and the artificial ones.

Natural horse training tools and tack include your ‘heart’, hands, arms, seat, your voice. All these tools were given us to be the best natural horseperson that we can possibly be. It has been said that you know a true horseman by the tools he uses and the tools he doesn’t.

Artificial horse training tools and tack are found to be necessary and useful by many horsepersons. In this course module, we are going to focus on western tack. So, without further ado, here are some tools to consider:

•   Curry Comb – a brush used on the horse’s body. Don’t use this brush on the horse’s face, legs, other bony areas, and spaces where it can hurt the animal since the curry comb’s surface is hard. It is best for removing dirt and debris on the horse’s body.
•   Mane Brush – used in brushing the horse’s mane and tail.
•   Soft Brush – best used when the horse’s body is fairly clean. Removes dust and loose hair.
•   Hoof Pick – every horseperson should be very familiar with this tool. An important tool for hoof care.
•   Halter – a rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading.
•   Headstall – any device used to control a horse’s head using different pressure points. (e.g. bosel, halter, and bridle).
•   Lounge Line – a long soft and flexible line used to clip onto the horse for groundwork and training.
•   Saddle - A leather seat for a rider, secured on an animal’s back by a girth.
•   Saddle Blanket – a soft blanket or a set of blankets used underneath a saddle for protection and comfort of the horse

A round pen is a training area which can also be considered as one of the tools and it is critical for horsemaanship success. It is designed for safety for you and your horse. It makes the horse engage in you effectively and there are no corners for your horse to get caught up in. It will be also easy for the trainer to get out if a situation requires him or her to do so. Ideally, you would want your round pen to be bigger for more movement and freedom but not too large that you sacrifice horse and trainer engagement.

The tack mentioned are all discussed in depth in this training module. You’ll be a master at knowing how to use each of these items and how you can communicate with your horse using all of this tools and tack.

Course Navigation & Course Following Natural Horsemanship Lesson:

Next Lesson: Lesson #4: Horse Training Ground Manners

How would you like it if someone 10 times your size was pushing you around? You wouldn’t. That’s why we always have to be sure we are the top of the herd, showing firm and loving reinforcement at all times. If Star the Wonder Horse steps on your foot…on purpose…you won’t be a happy camper. So teach your horse quality ground manners right off the bat, and those principles will follow through to all other areas of your relationship with your horse.

Previous Lesson: Lesson #2: Beginner Horse Training Basics

In our next lesson we’re going to learn all the terminology associated with hands on horsemanship. Terms you’ll need to know like the back of your hand. Remember, speaking horse CAN be as easy as it looks!

Course Homepage: ‘Fundamentals Of Horsemanship for Expert Performance’ Course Homepage

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