How do you tack up a horse for Camargue riding?
Camargue riding relies on tack designed for working around bulls. Saddle stability and clear aids guide every choice.
- Saddle tack: The Camargue saddle cover (couverton) sits under the saddle to protect the horse's back and absorb sweat. Complete it with an ACAMPADO leather Camargue girth, a leather Camargue over-girth and a traditional lined Camargue crupper from ACAMPADO.
- Steering and schooling aids: For lunge work, the Camargue cavesson in leather-covered stainless steel gives direct contact on the nose. The traditional Camargue bridle pairs with an ACAMPADO Camargue martingale in 5 mm buffalo leather to shape the horse's head carriage.
- Cattle work: To sort cattle, the rider can handle a lasso such as the Pro Camargue Lasso, or fit a cassane (coussane) rope to the saddle. This field use is distinct from the lasso handling of western cowboy disciplines.
What tack should you choose for Doma Vaquera and Iberian tradition?
Rooted in cattle work in Spain and Portuguese equestrian art, this style looks for suppleness and honest responses to the aids.
- Vaquero saddle and tack: If you are looking for a Doma Vaquera saddle, the GOMEZ "Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza" vaquera saddle offers a snug, enveloping seat. Pair it with GOMEZ vaquero spur straps, a mosquero on the browband and GOMEZ working-equitation boots or leg protection.
- Portuguese tradition: For baroque riding, the GOMES Portuguese saddle is matched with the GOMES Portuguese hunting breastplate. Baroque bridles complete the turnout.
- Groundwork and rider's kit: The GOMES leather Portuguese 3-ring cavesson allows gymnastic work without acting on the bars of the mouth. In the arena, the rider can wear Lazo y Duque Spanish riding boots and LOPEZ angled Doma Vaquera rowel spurs.
How do you select and fit a traditional bit?
The choice of mouthpiece depends on the horse's training and the rider's hands, as riding is often done one-handed.
- Camargue bits: The selection includes the LOPEZ straight Camargue bit, the LOPEZ broken Camargue bit and the ACAMPADO Camargue port bits in stainless steel and copper. The copper rollers encourage the horse to relax its mouth.
- Iberian bits: In Spanish riding, the LOPEZ traditional vaquero bit suits experienced horses. For Portuguese tradition, the GOMES straight Portuguese bit with smooth mouthpiece or the ACAMPADO Portuguese bit with ribbed mouthpiece offers suitable guidance.