The Horseman's Guide to Tack and Equipment: Form, Fit and Function Paperback – August 6, 2013

I was excited to have this book on my shelf. It has been a disappointment. Many pretty pictures, many anecdotes; little systematic information. Each and every time I reach for it with a question on tack; no useful answer is forthcoming.Here are some examples.Breast collars: Two experts (p. 170) say that there should always be a cinch strap to keep the collar from riding up. But two pages later we see two collars without a cinch strap. Now of course these have two tug straps on straight collars. Ok, straight collars, two lugs. Flip back all the way to page 163 and read that straight collars might have two tug straps. Not exactly clear for the rider trying to learn about tack. Fine for the expert, but then why would an expert be buying this book?Back cinches: P. 74 (only 8! away from the section on back cinches): No daylight between back cinch and belly. Great. Now play the game of looking for all the loose back cinches in the book (not counting the one illustrating a too loose back cinch).Get-down rope: A reader would get the impression that a get-down rope can only be used with either a hackamore or snaffle bit.The sad part is that I'm not aware of another book to serve in its place.

This is a great book for folks who want to have a real understanding of the equipment they are using with their horses. This book really teaches you the in’s and out’s of each piece of tack you’ll come across and the different styles of such that you can choose from i.e. rope, nylon, leather halters; etc.

I learned so much from the book, from tying a halter correctly to saddle choices. A must read, even if a person has ridden horses for years!

GREAT INFORMATION

I really wish I had this book when I first started buying my equipment and tack. Comprehensive without being overwhelming.

Excellent book. Thorough and comprehensive. Very well written and researched.

very useful

Lots of good information