LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Let’s get the facts about tack: “Tack is any piece of equipment that goes on a horse. Saddles, bridles, martingales, ring forks. All the accessories to complete a horse to go around the track.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Mike Weber knows his way around tack

  • Tack is every piece of equipment needed by a horse

  • Weber says it is all about safety and quality

 

That’s the explanation from Louisville native Mike Weber, who says making tack is all he’s ever done. He’s been doing it since he was 16 years old and has risen to be one of the best in the business. Last year, every Kentucky Derby horse but one used his products, and this year he expects at least 18 of the starters to do the same.

He says it’s all about safety and quality, explaining that “fit is the most important thing. The horse has to be comfortable. The rider has to be comfortable. These guys need the best there is. Any bit of neglect is too much. There’s no safety belts. They wear flak jackets but if something breaks, it could be catastrophic.”

While tack encompasses multiple elements, the saddle is the thing people think of most. Weber says these days many trainers use his “breezer” saddle, which weighs less than four pounds!

Besides safety, they know Mike for his style. He says, “these guys are getting like NASCAR and want to see their logo out there.”

Trainer Brad Cox won last year’s Derby with Mandaloun using Weber gear and says “he’s got an artistic mind. He’s very good at logos and embroidery and logos and stuff. Very talented guy.”

In a competitive world where it’s hard to get everyone to agree on anything, Mike Weber is the exception. Making a quality product and backing it up with service has made him “The Boss of the Backside.”