Tack
Horse Tack for Riding, Training & Everyday Use
Good horse tack should feel broke in on the first ride and still hold together years later. That's the standard we use when we stock headstalls, reins, and breast collars. Valley Vet Supply was founded by veterinarians in 1985, and our team lives the same farming and ranching life our customers do. You'll find harness leather pieces for ranch work alongside everyday tack for the arena and trail. We spell out the leather, hardware, and sizing on every piece, so you know exactly what you're buying.
Essential Tack for Ranch and Arena Work
Weaver's Working Cowboy line and the Professional's Choice Ranch Hand reins share one idea: heavy harness leather, oiled so it's supple from day one. These pieces are built for long days of ranch work, roping, and trail riding, where stiff new leather can rub a horse and wear out your hands. Both are made in the USA.
- Working Cowboy Split Ear 3/4-in Horse Headstall: Extra heavy, weighted harness leather that's dipped in oil, dressed with saddle butter, and hand rubbed to a golden chestnut color. Rust-free stainless steel hardware and a sleek, single-ply split ear.
- Ranch Hand Heavy Oil Harness Leather Split Horse Reins: Top-grain harness leather with a heavy oil dressing for a good feel from the first ride. Extra weight in the tails gives the reins good balance and drape.
- Working Cowboy Roper Horse Breast Collar: Heavy harness leather with the same oil and saddle butter finish, so it matches the headstall. Non-rust stainless steel hardware and breast pieces that taper from 2-3/4 in to 2 in.
Fitting and Choosing Horse Tack
Signs of Poor Fit
Watch for rubbed hair, white hairs, sore spots at the poll or girth, and head tossing. Too tight pinches. Too loose, and the bit hangs low. A snaffle is usually adjusted so it leaves one or two small wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. With a breast collar, you should be able to slide a flat hand between the collar and your horse's chest.
Leather, Nylon, or Synthetic
Harness leather molds to your horse but needs regular oiling. Nylon washes easily and costs less, which makes it handy for training. Synthetic and coated materials shrug off water and sweat and wipe clean, though they don't break in the way leather does. Finish your setup with Halters & Leads and Saddle Pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size halter my horse needs?
Horse halters are usually sized by build, from foal and yearling up through average horse and oversize. Measure around the nose and from the cheek over the poll, then compare against the maker's size chart. If your horse falls between sizes, an adjustable crown gives you room to fine-tune the fit.
How often should I replace tack?
There's no set calendar. Replace a piece when stitching lets go, leather cracks near the buckles, or holes stretch and tear. Check your horse bridles and reins every time you clean them, because a failure at a lope is a lot worse than one in the barn aisle.
What is the difference between a bit and a bitless bridle?
A bit sits in the horse's mouth and puts pressure on the bars, tongue, and lips through the reins. A bitless bridle works off pressure on the nose, chin, and poll instead. Which one suits your horse depends on training, discipline rules, and how your horse responds.
