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If you've ever tacked up and felt something pinch, slip, or rub, you know how quickly a ride can go from peaceful to frustrating. The right tack—saddles, bridles, girths, pads, and more—does more than look good; it keeps your horse comfortable, improves performance, and helps prevent injury. Think of tack like shoes: a good pair supports every step, while the wrong pair ruins the day. Investing in quality tack accessories is one of the smartest moves any rider can make.
Shopping for tack can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are reliable stores across the US that specialize in equestrian gear. Below I highlight trusted retailers where you can find everything from budget-friendly basics to premium leather pieces. Each store has its own strengths, so read on to pick the one that fits you and your horse.
Dover Saddlery has been a go-to for riders for decades, offering a wide selection of saddles, bridles, boots, and show apparel. If you're a serious rider hunting specialty items—like a dressage girth in a rare size or a specific saddle tree width—Dover usually has it. Their product descriptions are detailed, which helps when choosing items measured in inches, such as saddle tree widths or girth lengths.
SmartPak stands out for its focus on fit and horse health supplies. They make it easy to find the right girth length in inches and offer packages like supplement subscriptions and tack accessories tailored to disciplines. If you like helpful fit guides and repeat-order convenience, SmartPak is hard to beat.
State Line Tack provides a big catalog of budget and mid-range products. Whether you need a basic nylon halter or a thicker felt pad around 1/2 inch to 1 inch in thickness, State Line often has economical options. It's a good place to compare styles and prices across many brands.
Schneiders (Schneider’s Saddlery) has a long history in the equestrian market, and riders praise their blend of traditional leather goods and modern synthetics. If you're after a classic leather bridle or a synthetic saddle that stays light in the rain, Schneiders has solid choices and practical accessories like stirrup leathers measured in inches to ensure proper rider leg length.
Jeffers Pet supplies equestrian basics with an emphasis on value. From hay nets and lead ropes to more technical items like therapeutic saddle pads, Jeffers is a reliable online option for barns that need many pieces without breaking the bank. You can often buy lead ropes in lengths like 6 feet and halters adjustable to fit most horses.
Not a traditional tack shop, Tractor Supply fills a unique niche: convenient, local availability of practical equine gear. If you need a quick replacement halter, grooming kit, or turnout sheet rated for light rains, TSC stores across rural America make it easy to get back in the saddle fast.
Riding Warehouse and Horze offer modern, performance-oriented tack and apparel. Expect to find high-tech saddle pads with memory foam layers measured in fractions of an inch and breathable synthetic bridles designed for hot climates. These retailers are great for riders who want the latest materials and aerodynamic designs.
Whether you're a weekend trail rider or aiming for the show ring, certain accessories are essential. Below, I list the staples and explain why each one matters.
Your saddle is the centerpiece of comfort and control. While brands matter, fit wins every time. Measure seat size in inches—common sizes run from 15 to 18 inches—and match the saddle tree to your horse’s back shape. A well-fitted saddle keeps weight distributed evenly and reduces pressure points.
Bridles and bits are your horse’s primary communication gear. Leather bridles break in and conform to the horse over time, while synthetic bridles require minimal maintenance and withstand wet weather. Reins should be the right length for your riding discipline—English reins often work best around 54 to 60 inches measured end-to-end, while Western reins may run longer.
A girth that pinches or slips ruins a ride. Girth lengths typically range from 30 to 60 inches, depending on the saddle and horse. Look for materials with padding to protect the sternum and elastic ends for a snug but gentle fit. Some girths feature anatomically shaped padding to prevent rubbing behind the elbows.
Saddle pads come in different thicknesses—thin show pads may be around 1/4 inch while comfort pads can be 1/2 inch or more. The right pad absorbs shock, wicks sweat, and helps fine-tune saddle fit. Consider wool or memory foam layers for pressure relief when your horse has a prominent wither or a sensitive back.
Stirrups affect your balance and leg position. Many riders prefer ergonomic stirrups that reduce joint strain, and leathers measured in inches should be adjustable enough to accommodate your leg length. For jumping, slightly shorter adjustments (a few inches shorter than flatwork) are common to give better lift and safety.
Halters are the everyday wrap-around for handling your horse. Nylon halters are durable and easy to clean, while leather halters break in nicely and look traditional. Lead ropes in 6 to 10 feet lengths are common; choose a thickness that fits your hand and handling needs.
Good grooming gear keeps tack and horse healthy. Brushes, hoof picks, sweat scrapers, and leather cleaners protect the investment you’ve made in tack. A small kit in your tack trunk saves time—imagine getting to the barn with a horse covered in burrs and having everything ready to go.
Your discipline—trail, dressage, jumping, Western, or endurance—should guide your choices. Each discipline demands specific tack features that support performance and safety.
Trail tack should prioritize durability and weather resistance. Look for synthetic saddles and waterproof saddle pads, breathable bridles, and stirrups that shed mud easily. Lightweight options that reduce strain over miles are ideal—if you plan rides in the 20 to 50 mile range, comfort should be your primary filter.
Dressage riders need close-contact saddles, snug girths, and dressage-specific bridles for precise communication. Dressage pads are usually thinner—around 1/4 to 1/2 inch—while still offering shock absorption and a clean silhouette for the show ring.
Jumping saddles have forward-cut flaps and shorter stirrup lengths for two-point positions. Look for secure stirrups, anti-slip girths, and pads that protect your horse over dynamic movements. Materials that maintain grip under stress are essential for both horse and rider safety.
Western tack is built for long days and heavy use. Western saddles distribute rider weight across a larger area, so choose wide skirts and sturdy cinches. Look for saddle strings and gear loops that hold essentials for ranch work or trail runs.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get reliable tack. Here are practical ways to stack the deck in your favor when shopping.
Retailers often discount seasonal items—buy winter turnout sheets in late spring, or pick up stocking fillers in off months. Many stores bundle essentials like halter-and-lead-rope sets, which can lower the per-item cost.
Choose items that work across disciplines. A good leather halter, a simple wool blend pad (about 1/2 inch for general comfort), and a durable girth can serve for lessons, trail rides, and shows in many cases.
Some tack—especially saddles and bridles—can be bought used if inspected carefully. Look for even wear, no cracked leather, and intact stitching. Buying used often gets you higher-end brands at a fraction of the price, but always try before you commit.
Both options have perks. Online stores offer variety and convenient comparison shopping, while local tack shops let you feel leather, test fit bridles, and often have staff with hands-on fitting experience. If you're uncertain about saddle fit, visit a local pro to test sit, then order accessories online if prices are better.
Tack maintenance is like oil changes for a car—regular care keeps performance high and replacement costs low. Wipe leather after every ride, deep-clean with leather soaps monthly, and apply conditioner to keep the leather supple. For synthetic gear, rinse off sweat and dirt and let it air dry; synthetic materials typically resist mildew better than leather.
Buying horse tack accessories is a mix of practicality, personal preference, and a little gut instinct. Measure carefully in inches, consider your horse’s conformation, and choose retailers that match your budget and service needs. Whether you shop at a specialist like Dover, a fit-focused site like SmartPak, or a budget-friendly catalog like State Line Tack, you can find gear that makes your rides more comfortable, safer, and a lot more fun.
Ready to upgrade your tack trunk? Start with a checklist: saddle fit, a comfortable pad, a secure girth, and a dependable bridle. From there, add discipline-specific pieces and a grooming kit to keep everything in top shape. Your horse will thank you—with smoother gaits and fewer rubs—and you'll enjoy riding more, too.
Happy riding, and remember: good tack takes care of your horse, and a little research goes a long way.
| Horse Tack Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Essex Silver Line 1218thkw White Thick Nylon Pad - 12 X 8 Each | $ 20,15 | |
| Southwestern Equine Orthoride Elite Saddle Pad Premium Tan Topper With Fleece Bottom 1 | $ 219,99 |
