How Safe Is Your Tack ?
Submitted by: Connie Warner
Phone: 804-721-0054
Email Address: warnerssporthorses(at)hotmail.com
Date Added: 5/21/2013
We never think of inspecting our equipment until something breaks!
I remember riding at a lesson barn when my stirrup leather broke. I was jumping and after landing from the last jump, my right stirrup just got longer and longer! The thread had finally given out. Since then I've checked all of my customers stirrup leathers and have found many of them giving way and in bad need of restitching.
Here's a few common stressed places to check for wear and tear. If you found something that needs to be repaired; either have it restitched at a saddlers or replace it.
1. Back of your english stirrup leathers
2. Saddle billets (give each a hard tug when cleaning your saddle)
3. Girth elastic (elastic can stretch out and weaken, also tear)
4. The leather tabs that connect your girth buckles to the elastic inserts
5. Check all fixed and sliding keepers on your bridle, (these can pull apart)
6. Bridle hooks are still present at the bit and at the reins (sometimes these break!)
7. Reins haven't been nearly chewed through by a hungry horse!
8. Anything made of rubber, Rubber gets brittle when old.
Some rubber parts to consider: rubber band from peacock safety stirrups, martingale stops, bit guards
These are the most common repair spots. Always look over your tack when cleaning.
For more articles, check out our website WarnersSporthorses.com
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