Posts Tagged ‘horse saddles’

Understanding the saddle?

The structure that you put on an animal’s back to support the rider or other types of load is called a saddle. When one speaks of saddles, it is commonly associated with horses. But any kind of animal that could be ridden on its back has its own corresponding type of saddle. Horse saddles are a crucial piece of equipment for anyone serious about horse training.

There are two main types of saddles – the English saddle and Western saddle. These are the two types of saddle primarily used in the equestrian world, although there are many types of horse saddles used worldwide. In other nations, saddles of different designs exist. Saddles differ greatly among various ethnic groups and nationalities. It can be fun to learn about how each one is utilized.

Ordinarily, choosing what saddle to use should depend on the kind of riding you intend to do with your horse. Even narrowing it down to English or Western riding, saddles can still be broken up in many categories such as for dressage and show, endurance, pleasure or general purpose. Some common horse saddle terms you should familiarize yourself with are pommel, cantle, horn and cinch.

The English Horse Saddle

In Olympic equestrian events, the English saddle is the main type of saddle used. As the name suggests, this is the favored type among the majority of English riders. However, the English saddle can still be categorized into several more specific styles depending on the kind of event that is involved. Whether it is for show jumping, hunter jumper, eventing, dressage, horse racing, saddle seat, or polo, an appropriate type of saddle is consequently used.

The Western Horse Saddle

The Stock saddle or Western saddle is the most commonly used variety in the United States. This is the type of saddle you will see used by cowboys on cattle ranches. Today, it is used in a variety of western riding activities. Distinctively, western saddles don’t have as much padding underneath and must be used with saddle blankets or pads so that they can be comfortable for the horse. They do provide much more support for the rider.

Western saddles have stirrups that are sturdier and can utilize numerous cinches depending on what they are being used for. The horn present on the front is one major factor that distinguishes this type of saddle from its English counterpart. The horn is originally used to tie a lariat when roping cattle.

Finding the Right Size

The tree of the saddle, is the frame on which the saddle is constructed. It is usually made of wood or sometimes fiberglass and then covered with leather. The frame is made to fit both the rider and the horse.

Finding the saddle that fits may require more work than you may think. An ill-fitting saddle can cause injuries to both the horse and rider. Bruising and sores may result on your horse’s back muscles if you do not choose a saddle that fits properly. It is important to have a trial period before actually buying your saddle. Think of it as a piece of sports equipment for a human, it varies greatly from each individual horse. Be sure to always keep your tack clean and well oiled to prevent breakage or unnecessary discomfort to your horse.

Tips for an English Saddle

-Without a pad, put the saddle on the horse and tighten the girth
-Have a person sit in the saddle. Their feet should be in the stirrups
-Slide your fingers underneath the pommel. Make sure that you can comfortably get three fingers in between the arch below the pommel and the horse’s withers.
-The saddle should not get in the way of the horse’s shoulder movement by having someone lift the horse’s foreleg and pull it to the front. While doing this, your fingers should be between the top of the horse’s shoulder blade and the pommel. This must be done on both sides.
-Standing behind the horse and looking under the saddle, some light should be seen when the horse’s head is down.
-Make sure the saddle isn’t too long. It shouldn’t reach back onto the horse’s loins

Tips for a Western Saddle

-At least an inch thick of pad should be underneath the saddle
-The stock saddle should be placed on the horse’s back and the cinch tightened so a set of fingers can be placed comfortably between the girth and the animal.
-With someone on the saddle, make sure you can fit three fingers between the arch of the pommel and the horse’s withers
-Make sure that the width of the saddle tree is fitting for the horse. Put three fingers with a flat hand sideways between the saddle and the top of the horse’s withers. If the fit is loose, the tree is too narrow, if it is too tight and you have to squeeze in your fingers, then the tree is too wide

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Author: Annabelle Cabella
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera News

If you are new to horse ownership, or are looking to purchase new clothing or accessories for your horse, then you need not fear. There are many different accessories and horse wear to choose from, and many different types of each too, after reading about them you will definitely know what you need!

The most common horse clothing purchased is horse rugs, horse bridles, and horse saddles. Of course, there are a lot more to buy, but these are a few of the main pieces. There are different types of each of these, which means you should read about what each one is used for before getting them, because you may end up with the wrong one!

Horse rugs are named so because they are just like rugs, but they are for the horse to wear. Horse rugs, depending on which you use, can benefit either (or both) the horse, and the rider. There are 4 main types of Horse rugs, and some similar to these types, but they are anti-sweat rugs, fly rugs, stable rugs, and turnout rugs.

The anti-sweat rug is made of cotton mesh, and is used to help the process of the horse cooling down, after an event of some sort such as a competition. An anti-sweat rug is also sometimes used to protect he horse from insect irritation. The fly rug is made of fine mesh, and it is very light in weight. Fly rugs are often used for preventing fly irritation, as they are designed for, but also sometimes used to prevent sun burns, bleaching of the fur, and similar threats. The fly rug may also include a flap to protect the horses stomach area.

The stable rug is a non-outdoor rug, primarily used to keep the horse clean. Stable rugs are made with a padded synthetic material, thus meaning that they are not waterproof. This rug allows the horse to move around freely and is breathable. The last common rug mentioned, the turnout rug, is made with material which means that it is waterproof as long as you reproof it occasionally. The turnout rug is designed to keep the horse warm in the winter, and to also keep the horse clean. Although it is very lightweight, it is also very feeble, this means if the horse is in an environment with sharp objects, or a lot of branches etc., the rug may easily be ripped.

The horse bridle is a leather tack to keep the accessories on the horse, and to keep the rider in control. The two common bridles for horses are English bridles and Western bridles.

The English bridle is commonly a more stylish bridle used mostly for shows, competitions, etc. The Western bridle is usually used for training or general use. Which bridle used is up to the rider; however, the type of bridle you use should depend on what accessories you are going to use/attach.

When it comes to riding your horse, you are not going to want to sit on the horses bare back, unless you are a fool! This is why you need a saddle, or more than one saddle for that matter. Having the right saddle for your event will enable you the best assurance that you are secure sitting on the horse. Every saddle has a different purpose, which is why when you get a saddle, you may not want to use it for everything you do with the horse.

The Australian stock saddle is a saddle that specializes in comfort for both the rider and the horse. A reining saddle would be a light alternative if you do not want to put much pressure on you or your horse. For a wider-back horse you may want the treeless saddle, or if you want a deep saddle to be securely seated on the horse you may want the dressage saddle. If you have a racing bred horse then you may want a racing saddle, or if you are taking your horse for jumps, on a training session or competition, then you could need an all-purpose English saddle. However, if you just need a saddle for general purpose, or to bond the horse and rider with each other, etc., then you probably want a Western saddle.

After reading this entire article, you should have a general idea on what horse wear (rugs, saddles and bridles) you are going to want or require. Having the right gear can benefit both you and your horse, help keep your horse healthy or improve the horses performance in a race, or competition.

If you are involved with the equine world, chances are you’re familiar with most of the horse wear that is needed to make your horse look well-dressed. You can also find a wide variety of riding wear for yourself.

Author: Karlo Quiambao
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Get my ex back

Saddles are usually made of wood, with the majority of saddles based around a structure called the tree, and the tree must fit the horse. Forget about cheap saddles. Why?

Because quite literally, you DO get what you pay for if you buy a cheap saddle. And it’s not just that you will be uncomfortable, but it will not make your horse all that happy either, and may actually do him harm. Ok you’ve tried cheap and figured out that isn’t the way to go. You’ve tried expensive and, well, that worked, but holy smokes are the prices ever high. So here are some tips on how to shop for your next saddle.

Saddles can be priced from several hundred dollars to more than $8,500 – specialty or antique saddles can easily range into the tens of thousands. You’re not going to be spending that kind of money, but you DO want to spend enough to get something decent and something that properly fits your horse. You will want to look for value, fit, fit and fit. Yes that’s right, the most important thing about your saddle is that it fits right. Look at it this way, if you had something that was too tight or too big, you would feel very uncomfortable.

Why would you want to saddle your horse with something that doesn’t fit? Before you go hunting, know the kind of saddle you want. Don’t just have a vague idea of what might work, – have in mind a picture of precisely what you want. Then hit the road and start looking for the right fit. The saddle must fit you, the rider. English or western, jumping or cutting, pleasure or gaming, you must be comfortable in the saddle all the time. You don’t want to be thinking about your saddle when you are riding. The right fit makes your saddle seem like a natural extension of your butt. If the saddle doesn’t fit your horse, no matter how great the price, it was too much to pay.

If you’re looking at ready-made saddles, then make sure you have the try it before you buy it option. If they won’t let you try it, don’t bother – after all you don’t need to ride the horse more than a few minutes to determine fit. And if you put a pad under it and handle it carefully, you won’t damage it. If the saddle is custom built, the saddle maker will want measurements of your horse in order to determine the proper tree, skirt lengths, gullet, etc. This is where you will be paying out good money.

Emphasize the good, because what you get will be precisely what you need, and what your horse needs. Having said that, the price must fit your budget. And just because your budget is low does not mean you can’t find a saddle that has a proper fit. It just means spending the time to find it. Try this: if you are ordering a custom built saddle, tell the saddle maker the highest amount you’ll pay, and then let him design to fit the budget.

Saddle makers can be very creative and stay within the budget. Or try buying a used saddle that FITS, and is eye-catching. That is often a better value than a new saddle. Are you into silver? Then only go with sterling because the silver-plated doodads and other imitations fade like crazy and are a waste of money. Just remember the saddle you want needs to FIT. That’s what you need and that’s what you want!

Sonia is a book reviewer, coach and author. Go to: http://dressage.ebooksgain.com for more exciting and interesting information on your passion!

Author: Sonia Dixon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
DIY Wind Power

Whether it is for vitamins, minerals, fats or protein, horse supplements are very common. Requiring only water, a salt or mineral lick and quality forage, a healthy horse usually does not need supplements. Work, athletic or breeding horses, as well as aged or infirm horses may require supplements to give their bodies the proper nutrition. Otherwise supplements should not be used as a substitute for proper nutrition.

There are a plethora of commercially available horse supplements. dressage bridles Digestive aids, colic prevention, electrolytes, hoof supplements, growth development, energy supplements, blood building and vitamins and mineral supplements are just a few of the options. Also common are added fat and protein supplements. The most common type of protein added is soybean meal, although cottonseed, peanut and linseed meals are also given to horses. A good fat source given to sources is vegetable oil of varying types, corn oil being the most popular. Rice bran, too, is used as a fat supplement, for it contains 20% fat in addition to fiber. Provided it’s ground up, flaxseed offers beneficial fat to horses as well.

The average horse in good health will not need supplements. Access to water, forage and minerals is really all they need. Horses that engage in work, athletics or breeding may need something extra in terms of nutrition. treeless saddles Aged or infirm horses may also need something extra that normal nutrition cannot provide. As with horse feed, the use of supplements is dependent on the horse’s size.

Horse owners must have a thorough understanding of equine nutrition. Horses have particular eating habits and their digestion is suited to feeding in certain ways. For proper horse health, supplements may or may not be necessary. Supplemental forms of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins are all available for horse, although they are not a substitute for a healthy, natural diet. Given constant access to fresh water, minerals and good forage like grass or hay, horses in good health need nothing else. Work, athletic or stud horses, however, may need supplements to fuel depleted bodies.

Horse Bridles

To reduce the potential risk associated with equestrian stirrups, safety stirrups offer an alternative. Whether attached to western or English saddles, stirrups can be dangerous for a couple of reasons. Horse Saddles A rider’s feet is able to slip through should the stirrups be too wide. On the other hand, the feet could get stuck between the irons if they are too narrow. Either way, should the rider fall off the mount, the danger of being dragged increases.

Safety stirrups are partially unattached at the top rather than completely enclosing the foot within the irons and the tread. They are designed to break away and release the foot in any direction should the rider fall. equine supplements They are meant to be comfortable for both horse and rider, with wide tread and an ergonomic design.

Some designs are such that the stirrups break away if there is too much lateral movement or if the rider’s toes point upwards. If this happens, the stirrups release the feet so the dismounted rider is not dragged.

Some stirrups are fitted with tapaderos, a different type of safety device. These are leather cups, also called toe stoppers, that close the front end of each stirrup and prevent the feet from slipping through. comfort bridle

Because of the moving parts on some safety stirrups, they may wear down more quickly. Stirrups that require replacement parts are less desirable for horseback riders. Other safety stirrup designs require too much force to release the stirrups, making them ineffective should a rider fall. If a rider’s legs to do not move in a particular direction, their feet may still become hung up. Another problem involves safety stirrups not breaking away when a rider’s toes point upwards at too great a degree. Should the rider’s toes turn to the side of the stirrup, it fails to release. Many different designs have been experimented with in order to offer a safety stirrup that is always effective.

Saddlery is a precise craft, for there is a saddle to suit every need, whether for work, recreation or exhibition. Horse Bridles Of the varieties that are found within equestrian circles are dressage saddles, treeless saddles, English saddles and the Western saddle. double bridle With each serving a specific purpose, they can be seen wherever horses are present.

The type traditionally used by the constantly working cattle rancher is the western saddle, the kind made legendary by its association with the American cowboy. It comes from the saddle of the Spanish vaqueros, early horse trainers and cattle ranchers. The western saddle is set apart from others by its high arching pommel and cantle, its fixed stirrups, and its horn, a feature that historically was used to hold the end of a rope, the other end of which was around the neck of a member of the herd. dressage bridles The western saddle is used today in all manner of rodeo competitions such as roping and barrel racing.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the English saddle. Used in the English riding style, this saddle is found in most Olympic and equestrian competitions, although it is not limited to England. The English saddle is lighter than the western version with no horn and detachable stirrups should the rider fall. Allowing the horse the most movement and freedom to jump and run, this saddle was used historically during fox hunting. Today, English saddles are used variously in show jumping, polo, horseracing, and dressage.

Other saddle types include dressage saddles and treeless saddles. Translated as “training”, dressage is a discipline that demonstrates the efficient yet seemingly effortless movement of the horse through exercises. Lightweight and simple, dressage saddles have straight cut side flaps and a deep seat. Riders thus have very close contact with the horse and are able to cue its movements exactly. Another type, treeless saddles have a fiberglass pommel and cantle and come with a foam-padded leather seat. Also called a bareback pad, they are suited for horses with wide backs and also provide for close contact with the horse.

After the horse itself, the most expensive equipment you’ll buy are horse saddles There are many styles of saddles, but you should choose the one that you’re comfortable with, fits the horse properly and suits the kind of riding you will do.
Choose a saddle that suits the activity you and your horse participates the most
There are three main types of saddles for serious riders: English, Western and Australian. There are other variations within these three main types
English saddles are used by Olympians in equestrian events, designed to give the horse freedom of movement. This saddle is known to be the most comfortable for both the rider and the horse The Hunt Seat saddle and Cutback saddle are example of this type. Hunt seat saddles are med for jumping while Cutback saddles allows greater movement of the front legs and shoulders
Western saddles are known as the cowboy saddle, designed to keep a rider secure on an uneven ground. This type of saddle is often put on working horses, as it provides the most security for its riders The Ranch saddle is known as the most versatile of this type.
Australian saddles are made for the rider’s comfort, usually used by people who are confident of their riding abilities They are originally English saddles, of which the most dramatic change was having the addition of poleys, or kneepads in front of the saddle.
The saddle’s fit on the horse is crucial, whatever the type of saddle you choose Ill-fitting saddles can result to both health and training problems, and can even make your horse behave badly. Factors such as breed, overall size and unique physical features must be considered The main feature of the saddle which dictates whether it will fit your horse or not, is the width of the gullet. A saddle that is too wide will press down on the withers, while a narrow gullet will pinch It should comfortably clear a horse’s withers, allow for free movement of the shoulders, be the proper length and shape for its back, and be well balanced to provide good weight distribution.
Try on as many saddles as possible Choose a saddle that feels comfortable to you and allows the proper riding position. Comfort can be determined by size and angle of the seat, stirrup position, cantle height, fork height and angle, and weight of the saddle Too small can make you bump against the pommel at every stride, while too large can make it difficult for you to maintain your position.
Determine your budget A new saddle can be custom-made for you to fit your horse with the maximum comfort possible, but can fetch a hefty price. Used saddles can be much cheaper. Spend as much as you could, if possible Better trust a branded yet trusted product than a cheap unnamed one. Saddles are crucial to a safe and enjoyable riding, so never settle for an inferior product

Bridleways Saddlery supplies all types of saddles as well as wintec saddles , dog rugs and cortaflex for horses .

For those new to riding, the wide variety of saddle types available in both English and western riding can be a bit confusing. First you’ll want to consider the type of riding that you’ll be doing and which types of events you might like to participate in. For many English equestrians the English saddle type is going to be an essential component to the tack and while there is some overlap in saddle usage there are essential elements each saddle must have. Understanding the features of each of the saddle types will help you understand why each is suited to a particular activity or riding style.

Jumping saddles are designed to provide the rider with a moderately deep seat and a forward leg position for maximum control of the horse over jumps and obstacles. Without this type of saddle adjusting balance would be extremely difficult for the rider as the horse’s body changes positions very dramatically through the jumping motion. Because of the more extreme movement involved, a jumping saddle will have a larger kneepad and thigh roll than you’ll find on the more general use, all-purpose saddle. The jumping saddle will have a lot of support and cushion for the rider to support them through this arduous activity.

A very versatile saddle type of a variety of English events from hunt seat to moderate jumping is the English close contact saddle. These saddles have a very flat overall seat and cantle but they do have the slightly forward flaps and stirrup bars to allow the rider to keep the knees slightly bend for posting and jumping. The close contact saddle is a very popular English saddle type as it provides the rider with a lot of “feel” of the horse by eliminating most of the knee and thigh roll.

The dressage saddle has been specifically designed for the art of dressage and will have long, straight flaps and less forward strirup bars that positions the rider deep in the saddles with the legs hanging below them. The kneepads and thick rolls are low on the saddle and the seat tends to be deeper than that of a more all-purpose saddle. Dressage saddles can be used for any type of groundwork but are not designed for jumping or hunt type events.