Customer Reviews

The Essential Book of Horse Tack & Equipment

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on various pieces of equipment, their use, how to fit them, when to use/not use them. Of course, as with all horsemen, there will be short sections you may disagree with. I did enjoy the section on saddles, but DO NOT buy this book if you are in need of a comprehensive overview of bits (which could fill its own book), as this is very brief in discussing the main types but does not really go into great detail.

While I didn't find this to be the "essential" be-all-end-all book of tack and equipment, it did provide a decent overview of equipment with generally clear, concise explanations occupied by illustrations and photographs interspersed with real world ancedotes. I must complain though that the some illustrations and diagrams were mislabeled (such as the diagram of the parts of a double bridle where the slip is labeled as for the curb bit but the text explains the slip is instead for the bridoon). As this book was author by an English horsewomen, some of the terminology may become confusing to American readers though she does try to address any differences in terms. The aspect I found must off putting in the book though was the authors constant references to particular brands which detracted from the purely educational and informative nature of the book making it read rather instead like an advertisement. Overall though, this book does give a decent overview of tack and equipment.

Terrific for someone just getting into riding. Very complete and will take you from beginner to expert.