A matching tack set is more than just a fashion statement—it reflects your style, creates a polished look in the show ring, and helps keep everything coordinated on your horse. A typical Western set might include a headstall, breast collar, wither strap, reins, and spur straps, all designed to complement each other in color, tooling, and hardware.
Buying a matching set is exciting, but many riders unintentionally make a few key mistakes that can lead to discomfort, wasted money, or even safety risks. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid—and how to make sure you get it right.
Mistake 1: Picking Cheap Material
Many rider's picking the cheap and low-cost material while buying the new western horse tack set, but when it comes to tack, cheaper isn't always better. Decorative or low-cost sets often use synthetic or bonded leather that doesn’t last, and worse, can break under pressure. Stitching may come loose, hardware may rust or snap, and poor-quality leather may crack or stretch.
What to do instead:
Always pick the right material, like genuine leather, which is durable and long-lasting, and easy to use, especially for everyday or working tack. Check for strong stitching, solid hardware, and reputable craftsmanship. If you're buying synthetic for budget or weather reasons, look for well-reviewed, high-grade materials designed for durability.
Mistake 2: Choosing Style Over Fit and Function
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautifully blinged-out set. But if it doesn’t fit your horse correctly, that style can quickly lead to discomfort or even injury. A headstall that’s too tight can pinch behind the ears or rub at the browband. A breast collar that’s too small or too high can restrict your horse’s shoulder movement, affecting their stride and performance.
What to do instead:
Always prioritize fit first, especially with headstalls and breast collars. Know your horse’s measurements or try the tack on before purchasing if possible. Then, once you’ve found the right size, choose the color and design that suits your style.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Compatibility Between Pieces
Just because a tack set looks like it matches doesn’t mean all the parts actually work well together. Sometimes the pieces look good together, but don’t actually work together. Common issues include:
- Buckles that don’t match in size or style
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Reins that are too short or too thick
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Wither straps or breast collars that won’t attach properly to your saddle
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Spur straps that don’t fit your boots
What to do instead:
Double-check measurements and attachment types. If buying a pre-assembled set, make sure it lists all included pieces and their specs. When building your own set from separate pieces, be mindful of size and buckle style to ensure everything connects properly.
Mistake 4: Not Considering the Riding Discipline
A gorgeous rhinestone set might shine in the show ring, but it probably isn’t what you want for a long trail ride or working cattle. Riders sometimes choose based on looks without thinking about whether the tack suits their riding activity.
Different disciplines demand different features. For example:
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Barrel racers need lightweight tack that won’t restrict movement.
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Ranch riders need durable gear that can handle hours of wear.
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Show riders can afford to prioritize style, but still need a solid fit.
What to do instead:
Ask yourself: Where and how will I use this tack? Match your purchase to your discipline. It’s okay to have a “show set” and a “work set”—just make sure each one is up to the task.
Mistake 5: Forgetting Horse’s Fit and Conformation
Just like riders, horses come in all shapes and sizes. From narrow-muzzled Arabians to broad-shouldered Quarter Horses, fit matters more than you might think.
A “standard” headstall might gape on a refined face, or a breast collar might not clear a deep chest properly. One-size-fits-all usually means “fits few well.”
What to do instead:
Take the time to measure your horse or try on different sets. Look for adjustable features, or consider custom or semi-custom tack if your horse has unique conformation.
Buying a matching tack set is an exciting investment—but it’s also one that deserves careful thought. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll not only end up with tack that looks fantastic, but also performs beautifully and keeps your horse comfortable.
