Horse Show Tack

What You Need For Your English Classes

Just as you need the right horse show tack for your western classes, you also need the right set of tack for your english classes. You may be asking where the best place to start shopping is and how much you should expect to spend.

The overall amount you spend does depend on where you shop and what you buy. It also depends on the classes you plan on showing your horse in.

Below we will take a look at some of the most common classes you may enter in the english discipline at a stock breed circuit show or open show.

What Classes Do You Plan To Show In?

Deciding on the classes you need tack for and writing it down is a great way to get a list started for the horse show tack you need. There are both in-hand and under saddle classes you may enter in.

There are also different types of shows you may be heading to. You may be looking at heading to an open or all breed show with your stock breed horse or you may be looking at showing your breed circuit. The guide below is a simple overview of the most common classes you will need your english show tack for.

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English Halter or Showmanship Your in-hand horse show tack is simple for these classes. You will use your english bridle with reins when working your horse in-hand. You may also be able to use a plain leather halter, depending on your association rules.

Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation These are two of the most common classes you will encounter at both open and circuit shows. The show tack you need for these classes are typically the same.

Your first piece of horse show tack to show in these classes includes an english or hunt seat saddle. There are a couple of types of saddles that are appropriate for these classes.

An all purpose or close contact saddle are the most commonly used. You may want to avoid using other discipline specific saddles such as a dressage saddle.

You also need a saddle pad of some sort and may want to consider getting some help making sure your saddle and saddle pad provide a comfortable fit for your horse.

Your next piece of show tack includes a bridle. The bridle should be of plain leather complete with a cavesson noseband. Flash nosebands are may not be allowed, again check with your association rules.

The reins on this bridle need to be fastened or connected together and are typically braided.

Tack Care Tips

Below are a few tips to take care of your english horse show tack.

Try to find time to clean your show tack after each show to keep in top condition
Store Your tack in protective bags and covers to keep a buildup of dirt and dust
Take the time to polish your tack before each show to make sure you turn out clean in your classes