becca114
Well-Known Member
For my BHS exam I have to be able to recognise worn or damaged tack. What should I be looking out for? Which areas are most common to be worn and what exactly might worn or cracked tack look like?
bhs exam- recognising worn or damaged tack
- Thread starter becca114
- Start date
Marnie
Well-Known Member
Others can probably give you more, but I would suggest looking anywhere where the leather folds, for example where the reins bend round the bit ring - look for cracks, wearing at the sides etc. Look anywhere where there are holes for buckles, particularly where they are used - e.g. where the cheekpiecets buckle on to the headpiece - make sure the holes are not ripped. Look where buckles sit - check that the indentation isn't too much that it has weakened the leather e.g. where the stirrup leather buckle sits, if it stays on the same hole too long can become really 'squashed' and weak, or similar on the girth straps. Check the same thing where the actually stirrup sits on the leather. Look at stitching, make sure that the stitching isn't rotted or coming undone - again, stirrup leather stitching by the buckle should always be checked for example. Keepers and runners are present and not broken. The leather should be soft and supple as it will be stronger then, rather than if it is dry - more likely to snap. Check bits and stirrups for any corrosion, bits may become rough, especially happy mouth or rubber where they have been chewed.
I'm sure there are other things, just can't think at the moment, hope that helps!
I'm sure there are other things, just can't think at the moment, hope that helps!
becca114
Well-Known Member
Thanks very much-thats brilliant!!!
Maesfen
Extremely Old Nag!
As Marnie says but also watch your buckles too. Make sure the prongs aren't bendy or snapped/cracked. Old leather could have a ridged effect and if you bend it it will crack. Also check rubber reins, that they have no cracks anywhere and if you're asked, you should only have them recovered once at the most because of the stitch holes weakening the leather!
Marnie
Well-Known Member
Good thoughts!
Don't know if this is also covered, but make sure that girths are clean, buckles are not rusty, if they are leather or PVC that they are not brittle or cracked, and fabric ones are not worn or rotted (e.g. threadbare). Also, numnahs should be clean and not be worn on the underside where they may cause rubbing.
You may also want to think about things like brushing boots, where the same principles apply - clean, no cracking, stitching coming underdone, worn etc.
Good luck!
Don't know if this is also covered, but make sure that girths are clean, buckles are not rusty, if they are leather or PVC that they are not brittle or cracked, and fabric ones are not worn or rotted (e.g. threadbare). Also, numnahs should be clean and not be worn on the underside where they may cause rubbing.
You may also want to think about things like brushing boots, where the same principles apply - clean, no cracking, stitching coming underdone, worn etc.
Good luck!
YorkshireLass
Well-Known Member
You can test to see if a saddle tree is broken or damaged by squeezingthe two sides of the saddle together. Squeeks, creaks or groans and excessive movement mean the tree is broken or likely to go. Same for driving collars, any lupms and bumps or saggyness and they need attention.
Yuo can tell that a saddle needs re-flocking when it is saggy, lumpy or bumpy.
Rotted stitching can look like it is coming slightly loose. Any snapped or loose stitches are a give away.
Also, smell the tack, if it smellf fusty and bitter it is more likely to be rotted and weak.
You can also tell if stifrrup leathers or traces are weak and worn out because they stretch so that one is a different length to the other.
You should also inspect bits and other lorinery (metal work) such as buckles and stirrup irons. Look for faults in the casting and cracks. You should pay special attention to any moving parts of a bit, especialy on nickle or rubber ones. The joints wear to the point that they are so thin they are in danger of breaking. Also inspect the rings or cheek pieces, again hey can wear to the point of breaking. A worn bit can also pinch the horses lips.
Yuo can tell that a saddle needs re-flocking when it is saggy, lumpy or bumpy.
Rotted stitching can look like it is coming slightly loose. Any snapped or loose stitches are a give away.
Also, smell the tack, if it smellf fusty and bitter it is more likely to be rotted and weak.
You can also tell if stifrrup leathers or traces are weak and worn out because they stretch so that one is a different length to the other.
You should also inspect bits and other lorinery (metal work) such as buckles and stirrup irons. Look for faults in the casting and cracks. You should pay special attention to any moving parts of a bit, especialy on nickle or rubber ones. The joints wear to the point that they are so thin they are in danger of breaking. Also inspect the rings or cheek pieces, again hey can wear to the point of breaking. A worn bit can also pinch the horses lips.