The tack used in western disciplines causes a bit of confusion on occasion, so in this article we’ve highlighted some of the most important parts in the tack rules:
Rein length depends on the discipline. In Horsemanship the ideal rein length is loose, but short enough to get the horse on contact with minimal movement.
The bit should be a snaffle or curb, or a bosal hackamore. The mouthpiece of the bit does not matter!
A curb strap or chain that attaches to the same rings as the cheek pieces should be used with curb bit.
Split reins are used with a snaffle and curb bit. A bosal-bridle is used with a mecate, which is a continuous rope rein. If the mecate has a lead line, it’s tied to the horse’s stick.
Snaffle- and bosal-bridles are so-called training bridles, so they are ridden two-handed. With a snaffle bridle the reins are bridged, so they get crossed over the horse.
