Tack

After years of training, Wes Wetherell has collected hundreds of bits, including a couple of bits he will never part ways with.

Draw reins—and rein setups that provide similar action—are useful in schooling a horse, as long as he’s familiar with them and you’re educated on how to use them.

Debbie Cooper’s West Coast tack collection.

All of your trail tack, including your trail saddle must fit your horse well and allow him to do his job. It also needs to complement your trail-riding needs.

Precise application of standing leg wraps ensures the protection of your horse’s soft tissues for healing an injury or sweating inflammation

Read about my MVBs—most valuable bits—and why I wouldn’t walk into a tack room that didn’t have these options.

Robin Frid's collection of colorful show pads.

Learn how minor adjustments to your tack can help you see major results at your next barrel race.

The hackamore plays a pivotal role in traditional training for reined cow horses, following the snaffle bit. It allows you to use direct-rein cues, just like a snaffle, but begins to introduce the concept of neck reining. That concept is further honed with the two-rein setup and then eventually the bridle. But the hackamore isn’t exclusive to reined cow horses. You can incorporate it into your training program, no matter your area of interest.

An integral part of the hackamore, the mecate tie rope served a historic function for vaqueros that lives on today.

Follow these expert trail-tack guidelines for optimal safety, fit, comfort, and control.

Performance horse trainer Steve Metcalf's collection of hackamores, which he uses to train working cow horses and reiners, as well as Western pleasure horses.

Julie Goodnight explains how to use a rope halter on the trail.

Are you selecting reins for a child to use? Here are a few pointers.

Choose the right bit for optimal on-trail communication and control with this expert guide.