In western horseback riding, a well-fitted western tack equestrian set is essential not only for appearance but also directly affects your horse's comfort, control, and overall safety. A poorly fitted tack set may cause discomfort and chaffing, or risk of soreness and accident. A perfectly fitted headstall, breast collar, and saddle will improve your riding experience and boost your performance to the next level. Also, a Well-crafted tack with the right sizing, padding, and hardware ensures better communication between horse and rider. When every piece fits correctly, it supports natural movement, enhances control, and leads to a more enjoyable and effective ride for both you and your horse. If either piece doesn’t fit correctly, it can cause rubbing, restricted movement, or even injury. A well-fitted tack not only ensures a smooth and comfortable riding experience but also enhances your control, supports your horse’s natural movement, and maximizes overall performance. It eliminates discomfort and distractions, allowing both you and your horse to ride with confidence, ease, and complete satisfaction. In this blog, we will learn how to get a perfect fit for a breast collar, headstall, and saddle properly.
Get Proper Fit for a Western Headstall
What is Western Headstall?
A headstall is the primary equestrian equipment in a horse tack set that plays the crucial role in controlling the horse's movement. The headstall, also known as headgear that fits over the horse's head behind the ears, connects to the cheekpiece on both sides, holding the bit in place. The primary function of the headstall is to hold the bit securely in place within the horse’s mouth, allowing the rider to communicate through gentle rein pressure.
Why a Headstall Fit Matters?
The headstall holds the bit in the horse's mouth and connects to the reins. A poor fit can affect control and hurt the horse’s mouth, poll, or cheeks. The bit needs to be placed correctly in your horse's mouth. Many people mistakenly think that bits can be used in either direction, but that’s not true. There is a correct orientation for the bit. To check, hold the rings of the bit and look down at it. From the top, the mouthpiece should show a gentle curve that bends outward, creating a "V" shape. This positioning ensures the bit is comfortable for the horse and works properly while riding.
How to Check Headstall Fit: Key Components Explained
1. Cheek Piece Straps:
Adjust the cheek pieces so that the bit rests comfortably at the corners of your horse’s mouth, ideally forming one or two gentle wrinkles. If the bit sits too high, it can cause pinching and discomfort. If it’s too low, the bit may hang loosely and risk slipping, reducing your control and causing confusion or irritation for the horse.
2. Browband (if present):
The browband should lie flat across the horse’s forehead, just below the ears. It must not be so tight that it pulls the headstall forward or causes pressure behind the ears. A properly fitted browband helps keep the entire bridle balanced and prevents shifting during movement.
3. Throatlatch:
Ensure the throatlatch is snug but not restrictive. You should be able to comfortably slide 3–4 fingers between the throatlatch and the horse’s throat. If it’s too tight, it may interfere with breathing and flexion; too loose, and the bridle could become unstable or even slip off during activity.
4. Ear Clearance:
For one-ear or two-ear headstalls, make sure the ear loops sit properly around or behind the ears without rubbing, pinching, or causing irritation. Every horse's ear shape and sensitivity differ, so it’s important to adjust for comfort and avoid pressure points, especially during long rides.
5. Final Check:
After saddling up, always do a full tack check to ensure the headstall hasn't shifted and all straps and buckles are secure. Movement during grooming or saddling can cause the fit to change, so a final adjustment can prevent issues once you’re in the saddle.
Get Proper Fit for a Western Breast Collar
What is Western Breast Collar?
A breast collar, also known as a breastplate or breastplate collar, is an essential piece of horse tack used primarily to keep the saddle securely in place on a horse. It is designed to lie across the horse’s chest and is connected to the saddle at multiple points. Typically, it features two straps that attach to the front D-rings of the saddle, a center strap that runs between the horse's front legs and connects to the girth or cinch, and side straps that ensure stability. Some designs also feature a wither strap that goes over the top of the shoulders to prevent the collar from slipping downward.
Why a Breast Collar Fit Matters?
The main purpose of a breast collar is to prevent the saddle from sliding backward, especially during intense riding activities or when the horse is working on uneven or steep terrain. It provides added security and ensures the saddle stays centered and balanced on the horse’s back. This is especially crucial during sports like barrel racing, roping, reining, trail riding, endurance events, or when pulling carts or working cattle. In such scenarios, the rider may shift their weight or the horse may engage in sudden movements, making it important for the tack to remain firmly in place.
How to Check Breast Collar Fit: Key Components Explained
1. Shoulder Positioning:
The breast collar straps should lie above the point of the horse’s shoulder, resting flat without cutting into the muscles. Proper positioning is essential to avoid restricting your horse’s natural front leg movement. A collar that sits too low can interfere with stride and cause discomfort, while one that’s too high can chafe or pinch sensitive areas.
2. Center Ring or Decorative Concho:
The center ring (or concho, if decorative) should be aligned in the middle of the horse’s chest, just above where the hair starts to separate on the sternum. This ensures even pressure distribution and maintains the aesthetic symmetry of the tack. Misalignment can lead to uneven tension and discomfort.
3. Tug Straps (Side Straps):
These connect the breast collar to the saddle’s D-rings. Adjust them so they are snug—firm enough to hold the breast collar in place, but not tight enough to restrict your horse’s movement. They should allow natural motion without pulling the saddle or digging into the sides. A good rule of thumb: you should be able to fit a couple of fingers between the strap and the horse’s body.
4. Wither Strap (Optional but Recommended):
The wither strap connects the left and right sides of the breast collar and helps keep it from slipping down. It should sit comfortably just in front of the withers, not too high, which could press on the neck, and not too loose, which would make it ineffective. This strap is especially helpful for horses with low shoulders or when riding over rough terrain.
5. Function Over Force:
The breast collar is designed to stabilize the saddle during motion, especially in activities like roping, trail riding, or barrel racing, but it should never pull the saddle forward. If it’s overly tight, it can create unnecessary strain on the shoulders and chest and negatively impact your horse’s performance.
Get Proper Fit Western Saddle
What is a Western Saddle?
A Western saddle is a type of horse saddle. This is the main part of the saddle designed to sit securely on the horse's back. It provides comfort, durability, and functionality for both the rider and the horse during long hours of riding and demanding tasks such as roping, herding, and trail riding. One of its most distinctive features is the horn at the front, which is used to wrap a rope when roping livestock. The deep seat, high cantle, and wide stirrups provide stability and support, making it ideal for rough terrain and active riding. Unlike English saddles, the Western saddle has a larger surface area to distribute the rider's weight more evenly, helping to prevent soreness on the horse's back. It is commonly used in rodeos, Western pleasure riding, and ranch work, and often features decorative tooling and leatherwork that reflect cowboy culture and tradition.
Why a Saddle Fit Matters?
A well-fitted saddle provides the stability and directly impacts your horse’s comfort, movement, and performance. A poorly fitting saddle can cause pressure points, soreness, pinching at the withers or shoulders, and long-term back problems. It can also lead to resistance, misbehavior, or a lack of responsiveness from your horse—all signs of discomfort. For the rider, an ill-fitting saddle can affect your balance, posture, and ability to communicate clearly with your horse. It may shift during the ride, making it harder to stay secure in the seat, especially during turns, stops, or fast movements. A well-fitted saddle distributes your weight evenly across the horse’s back, allowing for better freedom of movement and reducing the risk of injury or fatigue. It supports a smoother, more connected ride, helping both horse and rider perform at their best.
How to Check Western Saddle Fit: Key Components Explained
1. Saddle Tree Base
This is the "skeleton" inside the saddle. It shapes the saddle and helps spread your weight evenly so the horse doesn’t feel pressure in just one spot. If the tree is too narrow, it pinches your horse’s back. If it’s too wide, the saddle may sink down and press on the spine. A well-fitting tree is the foundation of saddle comfort.
2. Rigging Placement
This is where the cinch (belly strap) connects to the saddle. If this connection is too far forward or back, it can pull the saddle out of position, either sliding it forward onto the shoulders or back toward the loin. Good rigging helps keep the saddle stable during riding.
3. Gullet
The gullet is the tunnel-like space that sits over your horse’s withers (the top of the shoulders). There should be a clear space between the gullet and the horse’s spine—about 2 to 3 fingers wide. If there’s not enough space, the saddle can press on bones and nerves. If it’s too wide, the saddle may drop down too far and sit on the spine.
4. Fleece Underside
This is the soft, wool material under the saddle that touches the horse’s back. It adds cushioning and helps prevent rubbing. If the fleece is old, flat, or missing in spots, it won’t protect the horse well and can cause sore spots or uneven pressure.
5. Swell
The swell is the raised part at the front of the saddle, where the horn is attached. It helps keep the saddle in place and provides support, especially during fast or rough movements. It should not press into the horse’s shoulders—if it does, the tree is likely too narrow or placed wrong.
6. Skirt
The skirt is the big, flat piece of leather under the saddle. It spreads out the pressure and keeps the saddle from digging into the horse’s back. But if the skirt is too long—especially on horses with short backs—it can hit the hips and cause rubbing or restrict movement.
7. Cinches and Latigos
These are the straps and belts that hold the saddle on. The front cinch should be snug but not tight, and it should lie flat against the horse’s belly. The latigo (the long strap used to tighten the cinch) should be secure. If these are crooked, too loose, or too tight, they can make the saddle shift or create painful pressure points.
8. Seat
This is where the rider sits. While it doesn’t touch the horse directly, it affects how your weight is spread across the saddle. If the seat isn’t level or balanced, it can cause you to sit unevenly, putting more pressure on one side of the horse’s back than the other.
9. Saddle Pad
The saddle pad sits between the saddle and the horse. It provides extra cushion, helps keep sweat off the saddle, and can help with minor pressure issues. But it can’t fix a saddle that doesn’t fit right. If your saddle needs a thick or shaped pad to avoid hurting your horse, the saddle itself probably isn’t a good fit.
Final Check Before Riding
Once all your tack is in place, the saddle, breast collar, and headstall, it’s important not to just mount up and go. A final fit check ensures everything is sitting correctly after the horse has moved, which helps prevent discomfort, injuries, or performance issues during the ride.
1. Walk and Trot the Horse Before Mounting
After tacking up, lead your horse at a walk and then trot for a minute or two in-hand or on a lunge line. This helps you observe:
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How the tack settles as the horse moves
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Whether the saddle slips forward, backward, or side to side
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If the breast collar restricts shoulder movement
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Any signs of bit resistance or head shaking that may point to bridle issues
Movement often shifts the tack slightly. This early walk/trot lets you catch and correct problems before they become more serious during your ride.
2. Check for Rubbing, Pinching, or Pressure Points
Once the horse has moved a bit:
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Look under the saddle and pad: Run your hand along the edges to check for uneven pressure or hot spots.
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Inspect breast collar contact points: The straps should lie flat and smooth, no bunching, twisting, or rubbing into the chest or shoulders.
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Check the headstall fit again: If your horse is chewing excessively or tossing its head, the bit may need adjusting.
Signs to watch for:
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Ruffled or raised hair
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Uneven sweat marks
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Flinching when touched in certain areas
These can all be early signs of a poor fit.
3. Adjust Tack as Needed
After observing your horse’s movement and checking for discomfort, take time to adjust the fit:
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Recheck the cinch: Movement often causes the cinch to loosen slightly. Retighten it enough to keep the saddle secure but not restrict the horse’s breathing.
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Reposition the saddle: Make sure it hasn’t slid forward onto the withers or backward onto the loins.
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Recenter the breast collar: Ensure it sits flat and isn't pulling unevenly to one side or downward.
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Make small headstall tweaks: Raise or lower the cheekpieces slightly if the bit isn’t sitting properly.
A few small changes can make a big difference in comfort and performance.
4. Observe Your Horse’s Behavior
Your horse’s body language can tell you a lot. After tacking up and walking a bit, watch for:
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Pinned ears, tail swishing, or fidgeting: Could signal discomfort or irritation
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Refusal to move forward, bucking, or hollowing the back: Might point to saddle or girth fit issues
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Frequent head tossing or gaping mouth: Often related to bridle or bit discomfort
A horse that is relaxed, alert, and moving freely usually indicates that everything fits well. If your horse acts unusually tense or resistant, it's worth stopping to investigate and adjust the tack.
A Proper saddling of the horse with a headstall and breast collar is important for safety and performance; without it, you may not get a perfect fit if your horse may lack these essentials. Each piece plays a critical role in ensuring balance, control, and safety while horseback riding. Consistent fit checks, especially before and after each ride, help prevent soreness, rubbing, and behavioral issues. Adjustments may be small, but they can make a big difference over time. A well-fitted tack setup protects both horse and rider, allowing for better communication, greater freedom of movement, and a more enjoyable ride for both partners.
