SPRING SAFETY CHECKLIST 

Here are a few tack-related things that safe riders need to check annually (or more often, depending on how tack is used and stored!) 

1. Install a new latigo. Most people say “it looks fine!”, but upon closer examination the leather is cracked, dry, ripping at the holes or worn considerably at the saddle ring! I change this YEARLY whether it looks bad or not!
2. Install a new off-billet. Same reasons as above. These two straps KEEP YOUR SADDLE ON!
3. Inspect your girth thoroughly, replace if damaged or worn.
4. Inspect the saddle, repair, replace as needed and CLEAN.
5. TIGHTEN all chicago screws and ties.
6. Inspect headstalls, reins and bits THOROUGHLY. Replace old leather. Check bits for pinching and exposure of sharp edges.

More safety tips:

1. Attach the flank cinch touching the horses belly at its center (or tighter) and connected to the front cinch. I see too many flank cinches hanging loosely…a recipe for disaster when a foot or tree branch gets stuck between it and the horses belly. If you don’t use it, take it off, but realize back cinches do perform a function on working horses!
2. Adjust the headstall so the bit fits the horse’s mouth and can be “picked up” by the horse. The “two wrinkle” rule rarely works for every horse. If unsure, get a professional to help.
3. Make sure your tack fits. This is one of the top 5 biggest problems I see with horses….ill-fitted tack. Bad tack leads to behavior problems, health issues and often an accident.
4. Get you and your horse in shape! Either one being out of condition creates a potential safety issue that is easily prevented with a regular routine of work!

*Throw old leather latigos/billets away or use for non-girth purposes only. Don’t throw them in a box and take it to the sale….some dude will re-use it and get hurt!