As a quick review, last month the challenge was to log your riding. If you missed that post, you can read more about why and how to log your training here. Already logging your training? Don’t stop now, keep it up! If you didn’t get onboard yet you can still start now! – And moving on, there are two parts to the May Challenge; the tack inspection and tack evaluation.
Part 1 – Tack Inspection:
Most of us have good intentions about keeping our tack clean but in actuality, if it gets done properly once or twice per year we are lucky. Before the busiest riding season really gets into full swing this is a great time to give everything a thorough look over, cleaning and conditioning. After all, your tack needs to be dependable. No one wants their bridle to break in the middle of doing something super cool and exciting – but when you most need brakes that’s exactly when it will happen. So, take everything apart, disassemble your bridles, take the stirrups off your saddle, clean and put everything back together. Likewise, clean your saddle pads and girths and any other accessories. Not only will you gain a good working knowledge of your tack, but you will see if there is damage, dry rot or excessive wear.
Part 2 – Tack Evaluation:
Evaluation is the same as inspection right? Nope! Once your proper maintenance and inspection is done you can feel pretty confident that your tack should hold up for a while. Now think about your tack. Does your saddle fit both you and your horse well? Does it suit your riding pursuits? Are you ready for any upgrades? Similarly check your saddle pad. Is it still supporting your saddle, or is it worn out and letting the saddle press into your horse’s back. Has your horse’s body shape changed over time to where you need more or less padding?
Another item to consider – your bit.
Does your horse still respond well to the bit? I like to have two to three bits that I rotate between for any given horse depending on what is the most recent challenge or what my intended activity is. For example, I always keep a plain snaffle bit and a shanked training bit of my preference, as well as whatever bit I would actually expect to compete in or otherwise engage in the horse’s intended job. This may not hold true for many horses but it’s surely worth thinking about. It’s a common mistake to believe that a horse will ride perfectly in the same bit for his whole life. As a horse’s body changes or his training progresses, the bit that best supports and communicates with him will also likely shift.
A commonly overlooked item – your helmet.
Helmets have an expiration date placed on them by manufacturers to tell us when the internal material of the helmet will degrade. Additionally, helmets that have taken an impact may have internal damage that you cannot see. In short, if you have had your helmet for three years it’s generally recommended to replace it.
On a side note, for adults riding their own horses, wearing a helmet is often a personal choice. I typically do wear a helmet, though I do not fall often. In twenty-three years of riding regularly, fifteen of which professionally, I have had only three serious riding wrecks. However, I could not have foreseen any of them and there is no saying that some of my less significant falls would not have been more serious if not wearing a helmet at the time. The reality of being laid up hurt, and possible life-long consequences following is far too serious to bypass for an “I don’t feel like it” or “I look like a dork”. Especially for us ladies as we are statistically more likely to get head injuries in riding accidents than male riders.
Decisions, Decisions
Now getting back on track; in your tack evaluation, ANY riding gear that you find in questionable condition or no longer works for you should be replaced. But notice I have not mentioned anything about fashion or appearances. Dressing up your horse is fun but don’t sacrifice quality for style. Tack choices should always be based on function first and appearance second. In the end, quality, well-fit tack always looks the sharpest anyway.
It would be easy to go off course here and get into some creative things to do with used tack, but I think we will save that for another post. Now, go order a pizza and sit down to your own tack cleaning party!
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