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tack you didn't know you couldn't live without until you got it?

9K views 57 replies 38 participants last post by  Roxiandsplotch 
#1 ·
i am still learning about tack.
There are hundreds of items that i have no clue about what they are used for, much less why they are an important part of a tack collection


so ... what are some tack items that you did not know you couldn't live without until you actually had them, and said "i don't know how i lived without this item before"
 
#38 ·
I also love my pulling collar. I just leave the straps on my saddle and hook it up each time we tack up- it is pretty plain jane but it works! I have two that are the exact same:
 
#39 ·
A particular set of reins. They were long straps, part of a tump line. "What is a tump line?". When a moose is shot where quads can't go, the animal is quartered and carried out on someone's back. A wide strap is set on the forehead while the long straps secure the load. I found this in an old cabin all rolled up and as hard as a hockey puck. I soaked it until it would gradually uncoil then gave it a good cleaning. I had me a pair of reins. They are 7' long, and inch wide and about 1/2 as thick as most reins which means they sit nicely between the fingers and are now flexible enough that I can slip my hands in my pockets while holding a rein in each hand. They are so nice to hold.
 
#40 ·
other then the basic English tack I can NOT live without my Ariat Performer Pro with the Cobalt technology Paddock Shoes. Words cant express how comfortable and supportive they are! and how amazing quality they are. I have had mine for 10 YEARS. with endless amount of HARD use. I have tried other shoes time to time. tried friends shoes, tried ones in stores because I was curious...I cant ware any other shoe. after riding and using these ariats, all others have not even gotten close. tthese ariats are just perfect! (at least for me) yeah they are expensive, but really in long run, they the cheapest shoes I have because of how much use I had from them. I actually, just ordered new ones 2 days ago! Probably will get here tomorrow. excited!

Ariat International | Performer Pro Vx
 
#41 ·
Trigger snaps... what would I do without them? I don't own a single pair of western reins that don't have trigger snaps (or some other sort) on the ends of them. It's an absolute pain when you change your bit 60 million times...

My breastplates. I didn't realize how much I needed one until my saddle slipped, almost dumping myself, at a XC clinic. Since then I made it a point to buy a thicker one for english & jumping as well as one for western. After smrobs posted about their pulling collars... I was in love. With a tight budget though I just got a plain jane breastplate at a small local tack store. *sigh* Some day, some day. What I also didn't realize would change my life? The connector strap to run over the withers to hold the sides of my breastplate above my girl's shoulders, what a difference.



And yes... those reins now have snaps on them because lordy... I hated changing bits with them...

Once upon a time I'd say half chaps, but I've gotten out of wearing them unless also sporting breeches...

And not really a specific thing I suppose, but a large bit collection. I always thought I had a fairly good "collection" until I came on here & read about all the different types of bits. I've learned a lot about bits I've never even heard of before. Now I swear I've got a little bit of everything... & I'm sure my big gal is getting quite sick of trying them all. I've at least limited myself to things I think my mare would go well in, but once the youngster starts to be rideable - I can't imagine what the collection will look like then.
 
#45 ·
Mohair cinch, for sure. Rope halter, breast collar and every set of reins has to come apart in some way, either snaps attached to the bit, spit reins or a buckle. I love my parachute braided one piece reins. Durable, comfortable on bare hands and non slippery when they get wet.
 
#46 ·
Love love love my easy girth, makes it a lot easier to tighten!

In regards to the snaps some people put on their reins, I have been told that you shouldn't use them to attach reins to bit because the vibration from the metal snaps moving/clanking on the metal bit cause discomfort to the horses mouth. Don't know how true it is, I have quick change reins, just thought I'd pass it along:)
 
#48 ·
...I have been told that you shouldn't use them to attach reins to bit because the vibration from the metal snaps moving/clanking on the metal bit cause discomfort to the horses mouth...
Don't tell mine. If my horses ever get the Internet in their corral, I'm going to be in sooooooo much trouble! Until then, what they don't know won't bother them. :wink:
 
#53 ·
I bought a Smart Cinch a few months ago and I know I won't ever have a cinch without a roller bar now. It makes cinching up so much easier on me and the horse.

I have also grown very accustomed to the larger endurance style stirrups. I don't know what they are actually called. But my saddle came with them and I didn't realize how comfortable they were until I tried to ride in a western saddle with typical stirrups. Definitely going to keep the larger ones!
 
#54 ·
Oh oh, me with too many saddles may have just bo't another. It's an old JC Higgins that needs new fleece and TLC, right up my alley. It has a hard seat. I rode in one for 5 hrs and was game for more. It places the rider a little more over their legs which helps prevent the aching bum.
 
#55 ·
I've decided that this is my favorite item:
The Jelly Scrubber
https://images.search.yahoo.com/sea...yoA?p=jelly+scrubber&fr=yfp-t-901&fr2=piv-web

It has a million and one uses, and it only costs about 3 bucks (comes in fun colors, too).

Obviously, I use it to groom my horse - it has a side with big nubs and a side with tiny soft bristles, and since it's rubber it's flexible. The big nub side is for general currying or mud removal. I actually use the small bristle side almost always though. Stick your hand inside and use the small bristle side and you can cup your hand right around your horse's leg and get the mud off without hurting him in no time. For shedding season, give the brush a quick shake and the hair falls right off of it so you can keep brushing. I use it for baths, too - great for working the shampoo down into fur. You can use it on faces, tails, whatever. Flip from the small nub to big nub side as you go to do the whole horse.

I also use the tiny bristle side to brush off the hair that accumulates on the under side of saddle pads or blankets before washing them - hair rolls right off with this thing - so you don't have gobs of hair in your washing machine. I also use it to brush shavings off of things, like fleece coolers, jackets, breeches, etc. When it's dirty, just hose it off and it's dry in no time.

I take mine home a lot (I should probably buy one to keep at home) to get cat hair off of sofas too ;)
 
#56 ·
I agree with Acco, I love the jelly scrubber too, especially when they're shedding. It helps them shed faster and gives the coat a really nice polish. And they seem to like it, probably feels a bit like a massage. I also use detangler a lot because I have Morgans with thick, curly manes and tails. It is wonderful stuff!
 
#58 ·
I can't live without my SMB boots! I seem to use them on every horse I ride. And the expensive ones last a long time. Loooooovvveeeeee the professionals choice elite ones. Definitely worth the money.

And trigger snaps! So so so helpful! I find myself buying 6 at a time and after about a week, they're all gone because I didn't realize how many things need them. Definitely a must have for me.
 
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