The Tack Room, bridle; bits; nosebands; saddle; rugs; boots; martingales; schooling aids; training gadgets; tack room security; master saddler; saddle fitting; correctly fitting tack; stirrups; girths; lunge; headcollar; reins; saddle pad, tack cleaning

Correctly fitting tack is a must for your horse’s comfort, safety and your horse’s way of going. The purchase of tack for horses can be very expensive therefore it is essential that you know as much as possible before making your investment. It can be confusing selecting tack so below is some information that will help you to make informed choices. Please be aware there is no magical gadget that will replace good schooling. Therefore please check out the Training Methods section on the Rider Page for more information.

The Saddle There are so many saddles available to choose from, there are: treeless saddles, synthetic saddles, traditional leather saddles, saddles for different disciplines: general purpose saddles, showing saddles, dressage saddles, eventing saddles, jumping saddles etc in a wide range of styles and prices. The fit of the saddle is essential and here you will find information on Master Saddlers and how to find a local Master Saddler. Saddle Accessories There are many designs and innovations for girths, stirrup leathers, stirrup irons saddle cloths, numnahs, back protection pads, etc here you will find useful information.

The Bridle Choosing a bridle that is a good fit, suits your horse and is appropriate for the disciplines you want to compete in is important. The information here will help you to understanding how different nosebands and bits apply pressure to the horse and which combinations are not advised. There is information on bit families: The Snaffle, The Gag, The Pelham and The Double. Along with information on Bitless Bridles.

Rugs There are a wide range of rugs for horses. There are winter turn out rugs, stable rugs, day rugs, traveling rugs, sweat / wicking rugs, summer fly rugs, exercise sheets etc….It can be a bit confusing as to which rugs you need for your horse. Here you will find information to help you decide.

Boots have become very popular and they are used during every day riding activities, schooling, competing and turn out. Here is information on Brushing Boots, Speedicut Boots, Tendon Boots, Sports Boots, Exercise Wraps, Fetlock Boots, Over-reach Boots, Knee Boots, Hock Boots, Pastern Wraps, Turn Out Chaps / Wraps, Stable Chaps / Wraps, Hoof Boots and Travel Boots.

Tack Room Security here you will find information to help prevent your saddle / tack being stolen.

The Tack Room Directory Here you will find information from companies showcasing their latest designs and innovations for riders and horses.

There are a wide range of rugs available for horses. There are winter turn out rugs, stable rugs, day rugs, traveling rugs, sweat / wicking rugs, summer fly rugs, exercise sheets etc….It can be a bit confusing as to which rugs you need for your horse.

Is your horse clipped? If yes how much of his coat has been removed? This will influence the choice of the weight of the filling in the rug.
The type / build of horse you own.
The age and the body condition of your horse.
Weather conditions.
How you manage your horse.
Take care not to over heat your horse.
Learn how to put a rug on and take off a rug correctly (your local riding school can teach you how).

As with all rugs it is important that the rug fits correctly and is comfortable for your horse. The rug should fit snugly around the horse’s neck so it does not slip back onto the withers or rub the shoulders. The length of the rug should finish at the tail with the tail flap covering the top part of the tail. Most rugs have adjustable fittings and it is important these are adjusted correctly following the manufactures instructions. Rugs are manufactured in a range of sizes and usually sold in length in 3 inch increments. To work out your horse’s size - measure your horse in a straight line from the centre of his chest to the furthest point on his hind quarters.

A turn out rug is designed for your horse to wear when turned out in the paddock. They are used to keep your horse clean, dry and warm. Turn out rugs are available in light weight (with no filling), Medium light weight (approx 100 gram filling) Medium weight (approx 200 - 250 gram filling), Heavy weight (approx 300 – 400 gram filling). A horse that lives out will need to have his rug checked twice daily as a rug that has slipped can cause injury. A minimum number of turn out rugs required is at least two as wet rugs need to be removed to be dried and replaced with a dry rug.

These are used to keep your horse warm and clean in his stable. Stable rugs are available as summer sheets / day rug / light weight (with no filling), Medium light weight (approx 100 gram filling) Medium weight (approx 200 - 250 gram filling), Heavy weight (approx 300 – 400 gram filling).

These rugs are used to cool off and dry horses after exercise. They range from a the sweat rug string vest type design that works by trapping pockets of air to wicking rugs made with fabrics that draw moisture from the horse’s body through the rug to condense on the top surface of the rug.

Traveling rugs offer your horse protection during transporting. They are available in a wide range of styles, designs and colours. They should be breathable and many wicking rugs make execellent traveling rugs.

These are designed to been worn while the horse is in his paddock, they protect the horse from the nuisance of flies, and some also offer protection for the horse’s coat from fading from exposure to the sun.

An exercise rug is used when riding, they are available in a range of designs, colours (including high visibility) and in waterproof and non waterproof materials. To measure your horse for an exercise sheet take the measurements from the withers to the top of the tail.

There are many designs, styles and colours available and coming soon to the site will be links to other websites for you to check out the latest designs and styles.

Horses have evolved to survive without the need to wear protective boots. However due to the demands we place on our horses the use of boots can be a benefit to protect the horse’s legs from injury. Boots have become very popular and they are used during every day riding activities, schooling, competing and turn out. Modern boots for horses have had extensive research undertaken. Many boots use innovative materials, with properties such as high impact absorption, extra stretch, breathable, mould-ability etc… It is important that boots are fitted correctly, too tight and they will cause pressure injuries and too lose they will slip or rub. As boots vary from each manufacturer it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when fitting. There are many designs and styles of boots available and the choice of the correct boots for your horse will depend on several factors:-

Below is some basic information on the types of boots commonly available to help you decide which ones would be appropriate for your horse. If you are in doubt about which types of boots your horse may need, please get professional advice.

The brushing boot is one of the most popular boots used today. They are designed to protect the inside of the leg from knocking from the opposite leg. Brushing boots are designed to have a protective shield for the inside of the leg. When fitted correctly they should sit just below the fetlock joint on the inside of the leg. They are useful for every day riding and lunging.

Speedicut boots are similar to brushing boots except they extend further up the leg. They are useful for horses that brush badly.

Tendon boots are designed to protect the horse’s tendons on the front legs from injury. They are often used for fast work and jumping. Some designs are open fronted.

These boots give support and protection to the lower leg’s ligaments and to the fetlock joint. They are useful for horses that require more protection or to be used when horses are in intensive training.

Exercise wraps are designed as an alternative to exercise bandages. They provide gentle support and protection.

Over-reach boots are designed to protect the heel and coronet. They are bell shaped and fit over the horse’s hoof. The old fashioned design was a rubber pull on bell boot - there are now a range of designs with easy fastenings in a range of materials. When selecting over-reach boots make sure it is not too long as the horse could tread on it.

Knee boots are used to protect the horse’s knees from injury while being exercised on hard surfaces. They fasten above the knee with the buckle to the outside and this strap must be fitted securely to prevent the boot from slipping. The lower strap is then fastened very loosely to allow the joint to freely flex. There are also brushing boots designed with knee pads incorporated into the design.

These are used to protect the horse during transit and have largely been replaced with traveling boots.

There is a range of designs available offering protection from injuries and to help prevent mud fever.

These are designed to keep horses legs warm, dry and protected while in the stable. Some designs help to dry wet legs and others claim to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

There are a range of boots available for horse’s hooves. Some are designed to be used when the horse is ridden and can be used as a replacement to having metal shoes fitted. Other hoof boot designs are suitable for treating hoof complaints (e.g. holding a hoof police in place).

Travel boots are designed to be worn by horses during transportation. They provide horse’s with maximum protection for their legs from just above the knee and hocks down to the coronet. Travel boots provide a quick and easy alternative to travel bandages and travel bandage pads.

There is a fantastic range of horse boots available in many designs, styles and colours. Coming soon to the site will be links to other websites for you to check out the latest innovations, designs and styles.

You can take steps to help prevent your belongings from being stolen. On this page we will highlight a few simple steps you or livery yard can take. It will also be useful for you to check these out when selecting a livery yard to keep your horse.

The first line of defense is the gate to the property. A strong well secured gate will act as a deterrent. The gate should be secured at the opening side with a strong lock and chain. The hinge side needs securing as gates can be lifted off their hinges and opened. It is good practice to take the same security measures the yard gate.

The tack room is often a target for thieves. Therefore the tack room needs to be strongly constructed and the access door needs to be strong and secured with a study lock. There are many products on the market to improve the security of the tack room these include door grills, intruder alarms, security lighting, security cameras etc… The yard needs to adopt a security code of practice of locking the door when not in use. In side the tack room you can secure your belongings inside locked tack boxes / tack safes that are bolted to the walls, there are several designs on the market. There are cheaper alternatives e.g. saddle racks with built in locks. There are security identification kits available for marking your property. Keep an inventory of your equipment and keep it at home. The display of signs advising that security measures are in place can also act as deterrent. Tools and equipment should be stored where they cannot be used to force entry.

Sygma Security Systems Ltd has been established since 2002. Sygma specialise in the design and installation of bespoke security systems and they understand the security of both your horse and property is paramount to you.

Sygma are a national company that prides itself on great customer service. They have clients ranging from small domestic installations to several multi-sited national companies. Sygma offer FREE no obligation site surveys to help you secure your stables and livery yards so contact Sygma now on 0800 043 6728 to book yours.

Whatever your security requirement, Sygma can deliver.

The Tack Room Directory is currently under development new information is being added each week. Here you will find information from companies showcasing their latest designs and innovations for riders and horses. Here you can also check out the professional services for horse and rider.