Keeping Riders Safe: A Complete Tack Safety Checklist

Keeping Riders Safe: A Complete Tack Safety Checklist

Riding horses can be an extremely enjoyable activity, but it does come with potential risks. One of the best ways to mitigate these risks is by ensuring your tack is in safe, working condition before mounting up. Performing a thorough tack check before every ride should be part of every equestrian's routine.

This article will provide a comprehensive tack safety checklist covering everything from rider attire, horse grooming, bridles, saddles, and more. By methodically inspecting these key areas, you can identify issues early and prevent accidents down the road. Let's get started!

Gearing Up: Rider Safety Essentials

Before fetching your horse, take a few minutes to outfit yourself properly. While horses can be unpredictable at times, the right riding apparel can help prevent minor incidents from becoming major injuries.

Sturdy Footwear Secures Feet in Stirrups

• Riding shoes or boots should have smooth, hard soles and pronounced heels (at least 1⁄2-inch) to prevent the foot from slipping too far into the stirrup iron. The extra grip from a slight heel also helps keep the foot stable if it should come out of the stirrup.
• When choosing footwear, look for quality leather or synthetic uppers that lace snugly over the ankle. Avoid boots with long zippers which can fail and cause the boot to fly off.
• Western riders need a pronounced heel to keep the foot from slipping through the stirrup fender. A smooth sole allows for easy insertion and removal of the foot.
• For added stability, many English riders prefer paddock boots fitted with half chaps rather than tall riding boots, especially when schooling cross-country or jumping courses.

Breeches and Jodhpurs Allow Freedom of Movement

• Long pants and breeches worn while riding should allow complete freedom of movement while providing coverage and some cushioning in the seat. Avoid jeans or pants with bulky seams, as they can cause chafing and restrict motion.
• Most breeches today incorporate stretch fabrics. Side zippers, belt loops, and front pockets make them as easy to get on and off as regular pants.
• Full-seat breeches feature grippy patches on the inner knees and seat to help the rider "stick" to the saddle. These are great for jumpers and eventers who need extra security.
• Don't forget the half chaps! English riders find these essential for protecting the lower legs from stirrup leathers and brushing flora on the trail.

Proper Fit Keeps Clothing from Interfering

• Shirts and tops should be form-fitting enough not to billow up under the rider's protective vest. Choose technical, wicking fabric to stay cool and dry.
• Arm sleeves need to allow a full range of motion without pulling out of gloves or bracing.
• Vests need room for protective gear underneath but should not shift around. Check for loose hooks or dangling attachments before riding.

Helmets Protect One Vital Organ: The Brain

• Helmets must be sized to fit the individual rider’s head correctly and positioned to protect the forehead while allowing full visibility. Straps should lie flat and fasten snugly under the chin.
• Only use helmets specifically designed for horseback riding, meeting current certifications. Replace any helmet that has suffered an impact, even if no damage is visible. Don't take chances with this critical piece of safety gear.
• Helpful tip: Spray the inside padding with an anti-fog solution to keep vision clear even during active riding with a face shield.

No Loose Jewelry, Scarves or Drawstrings

• Dangling earrings, necklaces, floppy hat brims or anything that can catch on tack, brush or the horse's motions should be left behind for the ride.
• Tuck in or trim any loose drawstrings, scarves or garment ends that could get tangled or snagged accidentally.
• If needed, cover or wrap hair elastics and barrettes to keep them from pulling or falling out.
• Leave fancy jewelry, heirloom watches, or bulky rings at home. Simple stud earrings and wristwatches designed for sports are the best bets.

Brushing Off Dirt and Debris

Grooming your horse before tacking up serves multiple purposes beyond just making him look handsome. Thoroughly brushing and removing debris from areas the saddle and girth/cinch will contact ensures tack fits comfortably and performs properly.

Clean Tack Contact Areas

• Use the stiff brush first to dislodge any dried mud or dirt encrusting the horse's coat where the saddle pad, girth/cinch straps and breastplate will sit.
• Follow up with a softer brush to whisk off remaining dust. Hand pick and comb out any clumps, tangles or foreign material.
• Pay special attention to the edges of the saddle pad area and spots where buckles, straps or ties will cross. Look for burrs or stickers poking up that could cause discomfort or rubbing.

Pick Out Hooves

Before picking up any feet, first run your hand firmly down all four legs to check for heat, swelling or sensitive spots. Then:

• Clean each hoof with a hooked pick to remove packed-in dirt and rocks. Check the frog and sole for any stones or foreign matter trapped inside.
• Check horseshoes for signs of loose nails or clips. Feel carefully for uneven shoe edges or gaps that could catch and tear the hoof wall.
• Make sure no pebbles or debris are packed inside the shoes. Look closely between the bulbs of the heel and the shoe.

Evaluating Tack from Top to Bottom

Now it's time for the detailed tack inspection. Work your way systematically from the horse's head back to his sides, quarters and finally legs. Getting into a regular sequence helps ensure no buckle, strap or piece of equipment gets overlooked.

Bridling Begins at the Horse’s Mouth

• Insert the bit gently, keeping your fingers away from his teeth. Make sure the bit lays smoothly on the tongue; check it is not reversed or upside down.
• Fasten the crownpiece snugly to allow two fingers of clearance under the throatlatch. Excess room could allow the bridle to slide off.
• Buckle the throatlatch loosely enough that you can fit a fist sideways between it and the jawbone. Too tight will hinder breathing or chewing.
• Check ears tips and forelock for signs of pinching by the headstall or browband. Adjust fit if needed.
• Inspect stitching along rein ends and bit attachments for any loose threads or wear spots. Weaknesses here can break suddenly under pressure.

Sweat Marks Show Saddle Fit Problems

• Look for uneven sweat marks on the horse's coat that may indicate poor saddle fit. Dry spots likely mean too much pressure; dark streaks can signal rubbing. Address any poor fit issues promptly.
• Make sure no dirt remains under the saddle pad to create uneven pressure points.
• Check girth/cinch straps for cracks, breaks or holes, especially on the buckle end holes where stress concentrates.
• Western rigging takes particular strain on the latigo strap holes. Inspect this area frequently for tearing or ragged edges.
• Confirm all straps lie flat without twisting. Running ends should face rearward through keepers.
• Verify billets are threaded correctly through girth loops without skipping any on the saddle's left or right side.

Stirrups Must Pivot and Hang Freely

• Safety stirrup bars on English saddles should be properly locked each time the stirrup leather is replaced after cleaning. Bounce your weight in each iron to confirm they pivot freely as intended.
• While mounted, confirm stirrup leathers offer the proper adjustment range for you to find correct leg position. Think ahead to the warmest days of summer when groundwork expands the leather.
• Check stitching on stirrup leathers and fenders where they loop through the stirrup irons for signs of stress or deterioration. Weakness here makes it easy to pull or tear this vital connection.

With all these key inspection points covered, you can confidently tighten the final cinch, mount up and head out for a safe, enjoyable ride. savvy equestrians know preventing accidents relies not just on riding skill, but on properly fitted, well-maintained equipment. By adopting these comprehensive tack checks as an iron-clad habit before every ride, you've got this vital safety routine fully covered.

This article is brought to you by the United States Pony Clubs (USPC). With over 500 clubs and riding centers nationwide, the USPC develops knowledgeable, capable young horsemen and women. Join USPC to access standards, curriculum, badges and more to support your riding goals. Learn more at www.ponyclub.org.