As a horse lover, you know that having well-fitting tack is important for your horse’s comfort and health. Poorly fitted saddles or incorrectly adjusted bridles can cause stress and issues that stem past behavioral. Thankfully, tack and equipment have come a long way in recent years, with a large focus on ergonomic design. But what is ergonomics and how do you choose the right pieces for your horse’s best comfort?

Equine ergonomics is taking the science of ergonomics* and applying it to the design of tack and other equipment so that it can work the most efficiently for horse and rider.

*Ergonomics: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely

At SmartPak, we’ve created and carry anatomic bridles and halters that avoid facial nerves– great for horses with sensitive ears– plus the best contoured girths and saddle pads to free up shoulders and withers for better movement. Let’s check those out!

Harwich® Ergonomic Bridle by SmartPak

The Harwich® Ergonomic Bridle takes your horse’s comfort to the next level with anatomic contouring at the crown, which works to reduce pressure on tender areas like the poll and ears. It also features an ergonomic, padded noseband (available without or with a flash) that offers a clean look and comfortable feel, making this an ideal choice for sensitive horses. The browband and monocrown are also padded for maximum comfort!

Favorite Features:
  • Anatomically contoured crown
  • Ergonomic noseband with or without flash
  • Padded noseband, browband, and monocrown
  • Stainless steel hardware 
Shop the Harwich® Ergonomic Bridle

Other Ergonomic Bridle Styles:
Harwich® Contoured Patent Leather Bridle with Easy Change Browband
Harwich® Ergonomic Crystal Dressage Bridle by SmartPak

SmartPak Deluxe Memory Foam Dressage Saddle Pad

Perfect for horses (or riders!) with sensitive backs, the SmartPak Memory Foam Dressage Pad provides impact protection and shock absorption for a more comfortable ride. Memory foam is strategically placed to fall under the saddle panels and conform to your horse’s back, evenly distributing pressure while not adding bulk under your leg. Plus, no-slip silicone patches in place of traditional hook and loop billet straps make the fit even more secure.

Favorite Features:
  • Memory foam
  • Silicone grip patches
  • Classic diamond quilting
  • Sturdy girth straps 
Shop the SmartPak Deluxe Memory Foam Dressage Saddle Pad

Also available in AP style:
SmartPak Deluxe Memory Foam AP Saddle Pad

Total Saddle Fit StretchTec Shoulder Relief Dressage Girth

The StretchTec Shoulder Relief Girth™ brings the next level of intuition to functional girths. It is hands downs the most technologically advanced girth available- with unbeatable shoulder freedom and elbow comfort PLUS one-of-a-kind (and patent pending) triangular center elastic feature for additional performance. This triangular center elastic allows the StretchTec Shoulder Relief Girth™ to expand in a more anatomically friendly way to contour better to a horse’s barrel and provide even contact through the sternum area.

Favorite Features:
  • low profile looped billet keepers
  • English leather girth body with stainless steel hardware
  • Double center D ring.
  • One-of-a-kind patent pending design
Shop the Total Saddle Fit StretchTec Shoulder Relief Dressage Girth

Also available in Monoflap and Jump styles:
Total Saddle Fit StretchTec Shoulder Relief Monoflap Girth
Total Saddle Fit Stretch Tec Shoulder Relief Jump Girth

Schockemoehle Fremont Anatomic Halter

The Schockemoehle Fremont Anatomic Halter features a pressure reducing head piece with softly padded sides to make grooming the perfect feel-good experience for your horse. Additionally, the back part can be removed completely, so that every part of the head is easily accessible. Pressure on the neck and the horse’s nose are reduced because of the anatomical shape. The halter has softly padded sides and therefore offers maximum wearing comfort for the horse.

Favorite Features:
  • Pressure reducing head piece
  • Softly padded sides
  • Back part can be removed completely
  • Crafted from 100% cow leather
Shop the Schockemoehle Fremont Anatomic Halter

Shop more ergonomic/anatomic halter styles:
Harwich® Ergonomic Halter by SmartPak
SmartPak Ergonomic Nylon Breakaway Halter w/ Memory Foam Padding

Ergonomic features can be beneficial to both horses and riders of every level! Are there certain anatomical features you want to see on bridles, halters, girths and more? Tell us your favorite comfort features in the comments!