Hack a Tack:
The Best Tack for Trail Riding

My husband maintains that if you ask seven horsey people a question about horses, you'll get seven different answers, and that's certainly true when it comes to the best tack for trail riding.

While some people swear by Western saddles for long distances, others prefer a dressage saddle on a lightweight treeless one. Over the past 21 years, we've tried almost every saddle imaginable. Some make the horses sore, others put a strain on the rider, and still others (yes, treeless saddle I'm talking about you) spin around the moment you shift your weight, dumping you unceremoniously into the nearest puddle!

Bridles are arguably not quite so critical, although the long hours, harsh conditions, and endless salt from the sea put considerable pressure on any equipment, causing it to crack and break far faster than it would under normal circumstances. But even here, choosing the right type can make the difference between a comfortable ride and a potentially disastrous one!

So, without further ado, let's open up the tack room and discover Wild Coast Horse's secret to the perfect tack and what we use to ensure our horses and riders remain comfortable over long distances, regardless of the weather.

Leon Liversage: Tried and Tested Saddles for Every Terrain

The late Leon Liversage was not only a South African saddler, but was also something of a legend in the world of long-distance riding. One of the first people to explore the possibility of offering commercialised trail rides and horse safaris in Southern Africa, Leon started developing his own saddles in 1979. 

Leon’s aim was to create a saddle that moved with the horse and adjusted to the shape of his back, rather than trying to force the horse to fit an immovable tree. As a result, Leon created the Trail Rider saddle, complete with two flexible panels that replace the more traditional “skirt” of a Western or English saddle. These panels sit between the horse’s back and the tree, absorbing the movement of the latter and preventing friction on the horse’s back.

With a wider weight-bearing surface than a traditional English saddle, Liversage saddles distribute the rider's weight over a greater surface area, reducing pressure points and helping to prevent soreness on long rides.

To create more stability, particularly over steep inclines and declines, Leon introduced a double girth system similar to that used on a Western saddle. Rather than having two straps together towards the front of the saddle, our trail saddles have one girth strap behind the horse’s elbow and the other located at the back of the saddle. This secures the back of the saddle to the horse, making it and the rider more secure over technical terrain.  

Although Leon is no longer with us, his son Kylon has followed in his footsteps and used the experience he acquired at a saddlery in Germany to create lightweight carbon-fibre saddles for endurance riders. 

We have a range of Liversage saddles in our tack room, including some of the original saddles purchased 21 years ago — a testament to their durability. We find Liversage’s Enduro saddles provide a better fit for our wider horses, while the Bushwacker and Trail Saddles are more versatile, fitting a broader range of horses from narrower Anglo-Arabs to stockier crossbreeds.

Bumnahs and Stirrups Give Comfort and Security in the Saddle

To make our riders even more comfortable and secure, we use fitted bumnahs on all our saddles. These specially designed pads are crafted to provide an extra layer of cushioning, ensuring that those pesky seat bones are well-supported throughout your ride. 

By evenly distributing pressure, bumnahs reduce the risk of discomfort and pressure points, allowing you to focus fully on the joy of riding. Additionally, they minimise the chance of chafing, even during longer treks, enhancing your overall experience. Beyond comfort, bumnahs also improve stability in the saddle, giving you greater confidence and a secure, balanced seat as you navigate the scenic trails.

You’d be surprised how much a stirrup can change your experience in the saddle. Too narrow and they’ll squeeze your foot, leaving your little toe gasping for breath. Too wide and your foot has too much room to move and could potentially slip into the stirrup, creating a safety hazard that could lead to entanglement in the event of a fall. The right stirrup provides the perfect balance, offering enough support for your foot while ensuring a secure grip and optimal comfort, allowing you to focus on the ride rather than your footing.

Our wider trail stirrups are heavier than the standard stirrups found on an English saddle, making them easier to retrieve if your foot slips out during the ride. The broader design provides superior support for your foot, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort on long rides. This combination of stability and comfort ensures a more enjoyable and secure riding experience, especially over the longer days when you’re spending up to six hours in the saddle.

Our Unique Reins Give You Grip without Gloves

You’ll probably find Liversage saddles and Wintec bridles on other South Africa horse-riding holidays, but one thing you’ll only find on the Wild Coast are our unique, customised reins. Adapted from soft, cotton lead-reins, our reins are gentle on your hands but incredibly strong and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of coastal riding. 

Their lightweight, flexible nature ensures a comfortable grip, even during long hours in the saddle or in wet conditions. Unlike traditional reins, these custom creations are crafted with the rider’s comfort in mind, meaning you can ride our strongest horses without having to wear gloves, making it easier to take photos, drink water, and perform all those other little tasks that make your ride more enjoyable. 

Whether you’re adjusting your hat, grabbing a snack, or capturing the perfect shot of the breathtaking scenery, these reins allow for effortless multitasking without compromising control or comfort. They’re a small but significant touch that enhances your overall riding experience on the Wild Coast.