Horse Tack Vocabulary Terms

Breastplate - A harness piece of tack that keeps the saddle from sliding back on the horse. Usually made of leather, it attaches to the front of the saddle and around the horse's chest, and some also connect to the center of the girth. Breastplates are commonly used in jumping, eventing, and hunting. They come in various styles, such as three-point, five-point, and hunt style, each offering different levels of security.

Half Pad - A pad that is placed between the saddle and saddle pad and shaped to cover the horse's back without reaching down under the saddle flaps. It is used to provide additional comfort, shock absorption, or to aid with saddle fit. Half pads come in various materials, such as sheepskin, foam, or gel, and choosing the right half pad can make all the difference in comfort for your horse to keep them able to perform their best.

Neck Strap - A simple strap, usually leather, that encircles the horse's neck and is often used by riders when needing help with balance while preventing catching the horse in the mouth. If being used in a show, the neck strap must be attached to the front of the saddle for safety reasons.

Reins (English) - Leather straps that run from the bit to the rider's hands, allowing for communication and control of the horse. They come in various styles, such as plain, rubber, or laced, to suit different preferences and disciplines. Want to read more about English Reins? Check out our types and how to measure reins article! 

Running Martingale - A piece of equipment that helps prevent the horse from throwing or holding their head too high, promoting a more consistent head carriage. It is a Y-shaped piece that stems from the center of a breastplate on the horse's chest, and has metal rings through which the reins are fed. Because of the ring's ability to slide on the reins, the horse still has freedom to move their head and neck outward, making it popular for jumping, cross country, or endurance.

Saddle Pad (English) - A fabric layer between your saddle and your horse's back to cushion, absorb sweat, and prevent rubbing. Some pads have extra features like moisture-wicking fabric, gel, or memory foam inserts for added shock absorption or to help with saddle fit issues. Learn more in our guide to choosing the right saddle pad to see if your horse may benefit from these technologies. There are four main types of saddle pads designed to suit different saddle shapes and disciplines. All-purpose pads are the most versatile options and can be used for most short-flapped English saddles, jumping and close-contact saddle pads are designed to accommodate the more forward flap of a jump saddle, dressage pads offer extra length for the straight, long flap of a dressage saddle, and hunter pads provide a traditional contoured and clean look for the discipline. For easier shopping, we have curated a list of our top choices of English saddle pads for each discipline.

Standing Martingale - A standing martingale is composed of two elements, a strap that encircles the horse's neck and a strap that runs from the horse's noseband, at the chin, and attaches to the girth. These two straps intersect at the horse's chest and keep the martingale in place. This training piece limits how high a horse can raise its head and is also used as an aid to prevent dangerous head tossing. The name "standing" comes from the fact that it stays in place and is not movable like a running martingale, giving the horse a more limited range of motion.

Webbers - Stirrups leathers that eliminate bulk under the rider's leg by attaching to the stirrup bar by a loop instead of a buckle. It features a single strap that is adjusted in length at the bottom by a hook system.

Parts of an English Saddle

English Saddle - A lightweight saddle that provides closer contact with the horse so the rider can easily feel the horse's movements. It is used for English riding sports like dressage and jumping. English saddles have a streamlined seat with flaps that hang down and are usually padded to protect the rider's legs.

Billets - Straps that hang down from the saddle that are used to attach the saddle to the girth. Most English saddles have three billets on each side, but only two are used at a time to secure the saddle and allow the girth to be adjusted. Billets can be long (dressage and monoflap jumping saddles), which then require a short girth, or short (all-purpose or two-flap jumping saddles), which require a long girth.

Cantle - The raised back part of an English saddle that keeps the rider from slipping too far back in the saddle and provides light back support. The height and shape of the cantle vary depending on what type of saddle you have; usually, jumping saddles have a square-shaped cantle that is shorter to accommodate a jumping position, a dressage saddle is rounded and higher to support a deeper seat, while all-purpose saddles are rounded with a medium height.

Channel - The space running down the center of the underside of the saddle between the two panels that provides clearance over the horse's spine. A proper channel width will prevent uncomfortable pressure on the spine and allow the horse to move freely when being ridden.

D-Ring - A small, D-shaped metal ring attached to a saddle, used for securing accessories like breastplates, training aids, and grab straps. English saddles come standard with a D-ring in the front of the saddle, but some can have multiple D-rings positioned at various points for other gear.

Flap - Large rounded part on either side of an English saddle that hangs down and lies between the rider's leg and the horse. It protects the rider's leg from the billets of the saddle and provides a place for the rider's legs to grip. Flaps come in different lengths and shapes depending on the style of saddle. Jumping saddles have a more forward-cut flap for shorter stirrups, dressage saddles have a longer, straighter flap for a long leg position, while all-purpose saddles are a combination of the two.

Girth - A detachable belt-like piece that attaches to the saddle and wraps around the horse's belly to secure the saddle in place. Girths come in a variety of materials and can be padded for the horse's comfort. Dressage and monoflap girths are shorter in length to accommodate the longer billets of a dressage and monoflap jumping saddle, and long girths are for the short billets of a traditional jumping or all-purpose saddle.

Gullet - The area under the front of the saddle between the saddle and the horse's withers. This area must be the correct width to provide clearance for the withers and to prevent pinching, which causes painful pressure points and restricts the horse's movement. This area plays a vital role in a properly fitting saddle.

Knee Roll - A padded area on the front of each flap of an English saddle. It is designed to cushion the knees and give the rider extra grip for a secure leg and riding position.

Panels - The padded sections underneath an English saddle that rest on the horse's back. Commonly filled with wool/flocking, foam, or air, panels help distribute the rider's weight evenly and provide cushioning for the horse's comfort. Properly fitted panels are essential to avoid pressure points and ensure your saddle fits your horse properly.

Pommel - The slightly raised front part of an English saddle, located just above the withers. It helps keep the rider balanced in the center of the saddle and provides space between the horse's withers and the saddle.

Seat - The part of the saddle where the rider sits. It is shaped to provide balance and support, helping the rider maintain a secure and comfortable position. The depth and width of the seat can vary depending on the saddle style, with deeper seats offering more security and flatter seats allowing greater freedom of movement for the rider.

Skirt - The small flap that runs along each side of the saddle, protecting the rider's leg from being pinched by the stirrup bar and the buckle of the stirrup leather.

Stirrups (English) - Used to support your leg during riding, stirrups are shaped like a bell and attach to the saddle via stirrup leathers. They help you balance in the saddle and aid in mounting. English stirrups come in a variety of designs and materials and can help absorb shock, reduce joint pain during riding, and some even help your foot escape in the case of a fall. Check out our favorite English stirrups!

Stirrup Bar - A metal bar that attaches to the structural frame (tree) of the saddle and holds the stirrup leathers. It is designed to release the stirrup leather from the saddle in case of a fall.

Stirrup Leathers - Adjustable straps (usually leather) that attach the stirrups to the saddle. They allow riders to change the length of their stirrups. Stirrup length is shorter for jumping, allowing the rider to get into a two-point position over fences, while dressage and flat riding use longer stirrups to help sit deeper in the saddle, allowing for more precise seat and leg cues. Let us help you find your perfect pair of leathers!

Thigh/Knee Block - Padded structures built into or attached to the saddle via Velcro. They are designed to help the rider maintain proper positioning of the leg. Knee blocks are positioned in front of the knee and help keep the leg from sliding forward, especially during jumping. Thigh blocks are most commonly found on dressage saddles and can vary in size and angle to properly support the rider's entire thigh. They keep the leg in the correct position and help to stabilize the rider during more expressive movements.

Twist - The narrowest part of the seat of an English saddle, located between the highest point of the front of the saddle (pommel) and the lowest point of the seat. It affects how the saddle feels between the rider's upper thighs and can influence a rider's comfort in the saddle. The width of the twist comes down to personal preference and how the rider's body is shaped. A saddle with a twist that is too wide for the rider can cause pain in the hips, and a twist that is too narrow will put the rider too far forward onto their crotch and will not provide enough support for the rider's thighs. Generally, women will want a narrower twist, and men will be more comfortable in a saddle with a wider twist.

Breeching - A set of straps that run around the hindquarters of a horse/mule, commonly used with a pack saddle, during trail and endurance riding, or with a driving harness. It helps prevent the saddle from sliding forward onto the withers, especially when traveling downhill. A breeching used with a driving harness allows a horse to more easily control the weight and speed of the cart while traveling downhill.

Crupper - A padded loop that fits under the horse's tail and attaches to the back of the saddle or harness. It keeps the saddle or harness from sliding forward and is commonly used on ponies, mules, and horses with low withers, especially when riding in hilly terrain.

Halter Bridle - This piece of tack combines the functionality of a halter and bridle into one. It allows the rider to easily switch between leading their horse with the halter portion and riding their horse with the bridle portion without changing equipment. A good choice for endurance and competitive trail riders, you can conveniently lead your horse through vet checks!

Reins (Endurance) - Straps attached to the bit of the bridle that are held by the rider to communicate and control the horse. While endurance reins are based on personal preference, they are usually designed for long-distance riding, often being lightweight and durable, and featuring easy-to-clean materials like rope or biothane for all-weather performance. They are typically longer than traditional reins, allowing for relaxed contact while giving the horse more freedom to stretch over long distances and terrain. Many endurance reins also include clips for quick attachment and removal for leading out on the trail if necessary.

Saddle Bags - Storage pouches designed to attach securely to a saddle, allowing riders to carry extra gear, first-aid items, or food and water during long-distance rides. Made from lightweight, durable materials, they are typically placed behind the cantle or on the pommel for easy access while riding. Some also feature insulated compartments to keep your food and other essentials cool. Let us help you learn everything there is to know about saddlebags and how to pack like an expert.

Saddle (Endurance) - A specialized piece of gear designed for long-distance riding. Endurance saddles come in western, English, and Australian styles and are typically lightweight, durable, and built to provide both horse and rider with comfort over extended periods and rough terrain. Features often include a deeper seat, a design that allows for optimal weight distribution, and a saddle that can accommodate a longer stirrup. It usually has added padding, adjustable components to ensure proper fit for horse and rider, and plenty of places to connect saddlebags for storage.

Saddle Pad (Endurance) - An essential piece of gear that is a specially-designed cushion placed between the horse's back and the saddle to provide comfort, protection, and support during long-distance riding. Usually made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials, these specialty pads help reduce pressure points, prevent chafing, and enhance airflow to keep the horse comfortable over extended ride times. Many endurance pads feature extra cushioning, shock absorption, and contoured designs specifically tailored to the needs of an endurance horse. Looking for the best endurance saddle pad for you and your horse? Let our experts guide you in the right direction.

Scabbard - A protective sheath and holder to securely carry your pruner, saw, or similar tool while on the trail. It attaches to the saddle for easy access and protects you and your horse from the tool's sharp edges. These tools are used to clear branches and obstacles on long rides to maintain path safety.

Seat Saver/Cushion - A cushioned cover designed to fit over the seat of the saddle. Typically made from materials like memory foam, sheepskin, or gel, seat savers help reduce soreness and fatigue, absorb shock, and prevent chafing for riders who spend extended periods riding over varied terrain.

Stirrup Cage - A protective device that surrounds the front of the stirrup to prevent the rider's foot from sliding too far forward and getting caught in the event of a fall.

Stirrup (Endurance) - Supports for the rider's feet on either side of the saddle to help maintain balance. Endurance stirrups are typically lightweight and durable, and often feature designs that reduce fatigue or pain, have safety features, and provide extra grip. We have compiled a list of our favorite endurance stirrups to help you find the perfect pair for your long-distance rides.

Cavesson - The western term for a "noseband," a cavesson is an optional piece of a western headstall that helps keep a horse's mouth closed and prevents them from evading the bit. It is commonly made of rope but can also be made of leather and is used in training to encourage responsiveness and discourage bad habits like opening the mouth or crossing the jaw. It encircles the nose and has a strap that runs up the horse's cheeks and behind the ears.

Headstall - The western term for a "bridle," a headstall is the piece of tack that attaches to the bit and secures it to the horse's head. The main difference between an English and a western bridle is that the standard western headstall excludes a noseband. Western headstalls can be single-ear, double-ear, or browband styles, depending on preference and function. Often made of leather, they can be adorned with silver accents, tooling, or tassels for style. Want a deeper dive into choosing the right headstall for your horse? Check out our Western Headstall Guide for a full breakdown of styles!

Over and Under Whip - Commonly used in barrel racing and other western speed events, the over and under whip is a leather strap with a loop at the end that attaches to the saddle horn. It is designed to be able to be grabbed quickly by the rider with one hand while keeping the reins in the other. It is most commonly used to encourage the horse to maintain or increase speed after the last barrel on the final sprint home.

Reins (Western) - The straps attached to a horse's bit or hackamore, allowing the rider to communicate cues for steering, stopping, and speed control. They come in various styles, including split reins (two separate reins), romal reins (single-loop rein with a long quirt/portion), and barrel/roping reins (single-loop). Western reins are designed to be used with one-handed or two-handed riding techniques, depending on the discipline and bit used.

Ropes - Also called a lariat or lasso, a rope is a tool used for catching cattle during ranch work, and also in several rodeo events for sport and entertainment. Made from super-tough material like nylon or poly blends, the length, weight, and stiffness (or "lay") of a rope can vary depending on whether you are team roping, breakaway roping, or just learning the basics. If you are interested in learning more about what rope is right for you, check out our Rope Buying Guide to find the perfect one for your needs!

Tie-Down - A strap that connects from the center of the cinch to the noseband. Adjustable in length, it keeps a horse from raising its head too high.

Saddle Pad (Western) - A thick cushion that sits between the saddle and the horse's back. It helps absorb shock, distributes pressure evenly, and prevents friction from the saddle. Made from materials like wool, felt, or foam, and comes in different shapes, thicknesses, and styles to suit every discipline. For more information, read our how to choose a western saddle pad article! 

Parts of a Western Saddle

Western Saddle - A sturdy saddle developed by cowboys in the American West, made to meet the demands of cattle herding and rugged terrain. It is designed for long hours of riding, featuring a deep seat, a horn at the front, and wide stirrups. We have put together a complete guide for western saddles if you are looking for more in-depth information.

Back Cinch: A strap that attaches to the rear of a western saddle and around the horse's belly. It helps prevent the back of the saddle from lifting up, keeps the saddle from slipping forward, and helps to distribute weight evenly.

Back Housing - Similar to the skirt, it is a flap behind the seat of the saddle that helps to distribute pressure and weight comfortably on the horse's back and keep the saddle in place. This section of the saddle is a common place for decorative tooling.

Bars - The two long, flat sections of the tree that run parallel to the horse's spine on either side. They distribute the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back and protect the spine from pressure points.

Billet Strap - A strap that connects the back cinch to the saddle and allows the length of the back cinch to be adjusted.

Breast Collar - the western term for "breastplate," the breast collar straps around the horse's chest and attaches to the front of the saddle to keep it from sliding back, especially during roping or riding up steep terrain. Breast collars come in different styles and materials, designed for various needs.

Cantle - The curved, raised back of a saddle that cradles the seat of the rider and provides support.

Cinch Hobble - A small strap that connects the front and back cinches on a western saddle, keeping the back cinch in place and preventing it from sliding back.

Cinch Strap - Also called a "cinch tug," this is a strap that connects to the middle part of the breast collar, goes between the horse's front legs, and clips to the cinch. It helps the breast collar to stay in place and keep the saddle from slipping back.

Concho - A decorative, round metal piece, usually with intricate engravings, often used to secure saddle strings and add style to a western saddle.

Fender - The wide, vertical piece that connects the stirrup to a western saddle and protects the rider's leg. The length can be adjusted as necessary.

Front Cinch - Attached to the front of a western saddle by adjustable straps, the cinch secures the saddle around the horse's girth area to keep the saddle in place. A cinch is typically made of leather, nylon, or mohair, and can be lined with neoprene or wool for added comfort for the horse.

Front Rigging Dee - A metal ring located near the front of a western saddle. Used for attaching the strap (latigo) that connects the cinch to the saddle and allows it to be adjusted to provide a secure fit.

Gullet - The curved channel beneath the front of the saddle (pommel) that takes pressure off the horse's withers. The gullet of a saddle comes in different widths to accommodate different-sized horses:

• Semi-Quarter Horse Bars: A phrase used to describe the width of an average gullet. This is the standard width of a western saddle and is designed to fit most of today's average-built western horses who have more pronounced withers.

• Quarter Horse Bars: The width of a gullet designed to fit a horse that is slightly wider with flatter withers.

• Full-Quarter Horse Bars: Meant to accommodate wider-bodied horses and horses with flatter withers.

Hobble Strap/Stirrup Hobble - A strap that keeps the stirrup leathers together with the fender of a western saddle. It prevents a gap between the stirrup leathers and the fender and keeps the stirrup from flipping or riding up the fender. It is used for safety and aesthetics.

Horn - Located in front of the rider, the horn was designed to attach a rope when working livestock and is also used as a handle for the rider. The size and shape of the horn can vary depending on the specific use of the saddle.

Latigo - A long, durable strap, usually made of leather or synthetic material, found on the left side of a western saddle. It is used to secure the girth around the horse's belly by threading through the cinch ring and tightening it to hold the saddle in place.

Latigo Keeper - A small piece of leather or synthetic material attached to the front of a western saddle. It has a slot designed to hold the excess length of the latigo (strap used to secure the cinch) and keeps it neatly in place and out of the way to prevent tangling and flapping.

Off Side Billet - A doubled piece of leather or nylon strap on the right side (off side) of a western saddle that attaches to the cinch. The length can be adjusted to keep the cinch in the center of your horse's barrel when tightened.

Pommel/Swell - The pommel, also known as the swell or fork, is the raised front part of the western saddle that provides a base for the horn. It prevents the rider from sliding forward, keeping them more secure in the saddle.

Rear Rigging Dee - A metal D-shaped ring, located toward the back of a western saddle, used for securing the back cinch.

Seat Rise - The portion of the seat directly behind the pommel. It is inclined slightly to help keep the rider in the back of the saddle in the working position.

Skirt - A flap that hangs down from the seat of the saddle. Practically, the skirt provides stability for the saddle to stay in the middle of the horse's back and helps distribute pressure evenly. Stylistically, the skirt can feature intricate tooling and designs to give the saddle a stunning appearance and show off some personal style.

Stirrups (Western) - A place for the rider to rest their feet while riding, giving them support and helping them to balance in the saddle. These are attached to the saddle by the fenders with the ability to adjust their length for proper position and comfort. Western stirrups are generally larger and wider than English stirrups to provide ample room for a traditional cowboy boot. Western stirrups come in various shapes and materials, from traditional wood and leather to lightweight aluminum and plastics. Use our list of the best western stirrups to find your next pair!