1. H1.1 Horse Care H1.10 Horse Gear
This presentation has been produced by Ausintec Academy (Study Horses .com) for purpose of Educational Training. It is not for sale and may not be used or reproduced without prior written permission from the Director of Ausintec Academy

2. Horse Gear Overview Bits Bits- Types of Materials Bit Sizes
Fitting a Bit
Fitting a Bridle Video
Saddlecloths
Boots
Other Equipment

3. Bits (cont.) French snaffle ‘D’ ring snaffle French snaffle:-
Double jointed with a bone shaped link in the middle makes this bit milder than the eggbutt snaffle. The double-joint and link reduces the nutcracker action that the eggbutt bit has. It is also fixed ring.
‘D’ Ring snaffle:-
So named due to the ‘D’ shape of the rings. Single-jointed, fixed ring. The shape of the rings keeps the bit fixed.
‘D’ ring snaffle

4. Straight bar/Mullen mouth
Bits (cont.)
Straight bar/Mullen mouth
Straight bar/Mullen mouth snaffle:-
This bit puts even pressure on the lips and bars and is very mild. There is no joint.

5. Bits (cont.) Thin mouthpiece Thick mouthpiece
The thickness of the mouthpiece of a bit will also contribute to the severity or harshness of the action on the horses’ mouth.
Thin mouthpieces localise pressure on the bars of the mouth, making a rein aid sharper.
However thin bits also take up less room in the mouth which may suit some horses with smaller mouths.
Thick mouthpieces tend to be milder.
Thick mouthpiece

6. Bits- Types of Materials
Rubber
Rubber:-
Bits with rubber mouthpieces tend to be softer on the horses’ mouth.
Copper:-
The flavour of the copper will help to encourage the horse to salivate. Salivation is important as a moist mouth will stay softer to the bit.
Copper

7. Bits- Types of Materials
Plastic
Plastic:-
Are soft and flexible in the horses’ mouth. They are also available flavoured (i.e. apple flavoured) to encourage acceptance of the bit in young horses starting out.
Stainless steel:-
Does not rust and last a long time. It is better to use than nickel plated bits.
Stainless steel

8. Bits- Types of Materials
Nickelplated
Nickel-plated:-
These look the same to stainless steel and are cheaper however the silver coating chips off which isn’t good for the horse.
Sweet iron:-
Is a dark coloured metal which will rust. The rust gives the metal flavour which encourages salivation.
Sweet iron

9. Measurement in centimetres
Bit Sizes
Horse size
Measurement in inches
Measurement in centimetres
Clydesdale
7 in
18.0 cm
Draught Horse
6.5 in
16.5 cm
Warmblood
5.75 in
14.5 cm
Full Size (or "Horse")
5.50 in
13.5 cm
Cob
5 in
12.5 cm
Arab
4.75 in
12 cm
Pony
4.5 in
11.5 cm
Shetland
4 in
10.5 cm
Weanling
3.5 in
9 cm
Mini Pony
3 in
7.5 cm
Bits come in a range of sizes below is a table some of names of sizes and the actual size they measure you may come across.
*Note:- sizes may vary slightly between countries and brands.

10. Fitting a Bit A correctly fitted bit
A correctly fitting bit should be wide enough to allow a finger to fit between the lips and the ring of the bit. A small wrinkle should be seen in the corners of the mouth

11. Fitting a Bit (cont.) Too wide Too high
This image show a bit which is too wide. Bits which are too wide tend to pull through the horses’ mouth.
When bits are too narrow for the mouth they will tend to pinch the lips.
This bit is fitted too high in the mouth. This will cause the bit to interfere with the teeth. Bits can also be fitted too low. A good indication of a bit which is fitted too low is excessive sagging of the cheek piece when a rein is used.
Too wide
Too high

12. Fitting a Bridle
Throat latch: Once done up you should fit approximately 4 fingers between the throat and the strap.
Nose band: Depending on the horse and the style of noseband used you should fit approx. 2 fingers between the nose and the strap (cavesson). It should rest across the horses’ nose at approximately 2 fingers down from the cheek bone, but keep in mind that if it is too low it will press onto the soft nasal cavity and interfere with breathing and too high will cause rubbing on the cheek bones. The noseband should be adjusted tight enough to prevent the horse from opening its mouth widely.
Brow bands: Whilst brow bands cannot be adjusted by a buckle, if it is the correct size for the horse you should fit 2 fingers between the brow and the strap. It should be large enough to allow the headpiece to fit in the correct position and not pulling it forward into the back or sides of the ears.
Cheek pieces:- Should be of equal length.
The ends of straps should be tucked away into keepers.
Bridles can come in four different sizes pony (small), cob (medium), full (large) and warmblood (extra large). Some larger horses like the Thoroughbred breed which has a refined head may fit into cob sizes.

13. Saddlecloths Saddle blanket Saddle pad
The type of saddle you use will influence the type of saddlecloth used. Some are shaped to the saddle whilst others may be thicker to provide the horse with comfort.
Saddle pads
These are more suited to western or stock saddles, they are quite large and thick which makes them good on the horses’ back. Due to their size they can be difficult to wash.
Saddle blankets
Also suited to western and stock saddles these are large and usually doubled over when in used. They are easy to clean and when woven out of natural fibre good for the horses’ back.

14. Saddlecloths (cont.) Numnah Saddlecloth Saddle cloths
These can come in a dressage cut and an all purpose cut to accommodate the shape and length of the saddle flap. They can come in quilted designs, are often padded with foam and usually cheap to buy.
They usually come with attachments for the girth to pass under and a strap at the front to attach to a girth point to keep the cloth in place.
Numnahs
A numnah is shaped to that of the saddle. They can be made of sheepskin and cotton. When using them they should fit the same shape of the saddle with the fleece side against the horse. They usually come with attachments for the girth to pass under and a strap at the front to attach to a girth point to keep the cloth in place.
Saddlecloth

15. A well fitted saddlecloth
Saddlecloths (cont.)
It is important to remember when fitting a saddle cloth or whatever type you are using to ensure the saddle cloth is big enough for the saddle.
Once the saddle is placed on top of the cloth about one inch of the cloth should protrude around the edge of the saddle. A saddle which is too big for the cloth will overlap and create a pressure point.
There should be no wrinkles or folds in the saddle cloth as this will also create pressure points on the horses’ back.
A poorly fitted numnah. In the image you can see the rear of the saddle is overlapping the dark blue numnah. This will cause a pressure point and the horse can develop a sore back.
Some people prefer to use 2 cloths on a horse however care needs to be taken to ensure both cloths are even and flat under the saddle.
Here is an example of a good fitting cloth. There is about an inch of cloth around the edge of the saddle and the cloth has been pulled up into the pommel of the saddle.
Before putting the saddle on make sure the saddle cloth is positioned so there is an even amount of both sides of the horse. Ensure the cloth is lifted up into the pommel of the saddle before adjusting the girth. This will remove unnecessary pressure on the wither.
And finally saddle cloths should be kept clean. Dirty cloths will rub and cause the horse discomfort.
A poorly fitted numnah
A well fitted saddlecloth

16. Boots Neoprene Bell Boots Rubber Bell Boots
These can be made from either rubber or neoprene and protect the coronet and heel from the other hooves. They either attach with Velcro or pull on over the hoof.
Rubber Bell Boots

17. Open Front Jumping Boots
Boots (cont.)
Open Front Jumping Boots
Made with a hard plastic or leather exterior these boots protect the tendons on the front legs from the hooves of the hind legs when jumping.

18. Boots (cont.) Brushing Boots
Usually made from neoprene these protect the inside of the leg if knocked or brushed by the opposite leg
Brushing Boots

19. Boots (cont.) Knee Boots
Protect the knee from jumps and falls. These boots can have a neoprene or hard plastic exterior.

20. Boots (cont.) Fetlock Boots
Simular structure to brushing boots but only protect the fetlock
Fetlock Boots

21. Boots (cont.) Hock Boots
Simular structure to brushing boots but only protect the hock. Can be used during travel

22. Boots (cont.) Tendon Support Boots
Made from neoprene these wrap around the cannon and fetlock to support the tendons.

23. Other Saddlery (cont.) Running Martingale Standing Martingale
Restrict the upwards movement of the horses head. The horse will still be able to move its head up and down but won’t be able to lift it so high that it can avoid the rein action on the bit
Running Martingale: Like the standing martingale one end attaches to the girth between the horses front legs, the other end splits into 2 pieces of leather with a ring on each end. The reins pass thru these rings, so that when the horse lifts its head up too high, the rings put downward pressure on the reins. This also has an attachment around the neck.
Standing Martingale:One end attaches to the girth and the other to the noseband, a strap around the horses neck helps keep it close to the horse so if the horse brings its head down it cant stand on it.
Standing Martingale

24. Other Saddlery (cont.) Irish Martingale Bib or ‘Y’ Shaped
There are 2 variations of this martingale. The first is a strap of leather with rings at either end.
The second is in the shape of a ‘Y’. Both act in the same fashion, when the head comes up the piece comes against the neck, putting downwards pressure on the reins.
Bib or
‘Y’ Shaped

25. Other Saddlery (cont.) Racing Breastplate
Breastplates:-
This item of gear attaches to the saddle around the shoulders and neck of the horse and helps prevent the saddle sliding backwards. Often used when riding on undulating country, jumping or on racehorses. They can be made out of leather, elastic or pvc.
Racing Breastplate: Attaches to the girth on either side of the saddle, just below the saddle flap and fits around the chest. A strap over the neck/wither prevents the breastplate from sliding down towards the legs.
Stockmans/Hunting Breastplate: Attaches to ‘D’ rings on either side of the saddle, comes around the neck and between the front legs attaching to the girth.
Racing Breastplate
Stockmans/Hunting Breastplate

26. Other Saddlery (cont.) Crupper Jumping Breastplate
Jumping Breastplate:A strap that attaches to either side of the pommel of the saddle under the neck
Crupper:-
This equipment helps prevent the saddle sliding too far forward. Cruppers involves a strap that attaches to the back of the saddle which then loops around the dock (top of the tail).
Jumping Breastplate

27. After the Video Tutorial
View the Power Point Presentation and see if you can discuss each slide
View the Video Tutorial again, if necessary
Read the Workbook
Do the Homework/Extension Lesson
Complete the Online Quizzes
Complete the Practical Assessments
Join Phone Tutorials if available
Listen to Phone Tutorial Recordings

28. References Publication:- Author:- Webpages:-
Foot Steps Sally Hinton & Joan Eccleshare
Webpages:-

29. References (cont.) Images:-

30. References (cont.) Images:-

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