Posts Tagged ‘hunt seat’

Some casual English riders today often wear breeches and a t-shirt. The dress of most English riders, however, has changed very little over the past 100 years Although a careful observer might notice subtle differences in color and styling, the name of the game in English apparel is still conservative, especially in the show ring. Let me introduce you to the basics of English schooling and show clothes.

English Schooling and Trail Clothes

English riders who are schooling their horses or riding out on the trail dress much more casually than when they are in the show ring. Schooling apparel for English riders includes the following:

Helmets: English riders who are schooling their horses usually wear lightweight schooling helmets that come in a variety of colors.

Shirts: Today everything from long-sleeve shirts to t-shirts to tank tops are a go for schooling in English apparel.

Breeches or tights: Breeches are the traditional riding pants of the English discipline. They need to be stretchy and sometimes have a padded seat and knee patches. Some riders prefer riding tights to breeches for schooling, however. Riding tights are usually less expensive and more comfortable. The tights usually have pads on the insides of the knees.

Boots and chaps: English riders who are schooling wear tall boots or paddock boots (boots that come just above the ankle). If they wear paddock boots, they will also need something to protect their legs from rubbing on the stirrup leathers, which is the strap that attaches the stirrup to the saddle. This protection comes in the style of full chaps, which cover the leg from the hip to the ankle, or half chaps, which cover the leg from just below the knee to the ankle. The preferred and longer lasting chaps are made of premium split suede or cowhide.

English Show Clothes

English show apparel is much more formal than schooling apparel. Although elements such as the color and style of the helmet in hunt seat and lower-level dressage may change slightly, the basics always remain the same.

Head wear: Hunt seat and lower-level dressage riders wear black velvet-covered helmets. Upper-level dressage riders wear a derby.

Shirts: English riders wear show shirts under a jacket. These tailored shirts are designed to allow extra motion needed in the shoulders for jumping. They button down the front, have a collar, and are usually white or, if colored, are a very light pink or blue. Some shirts are short sleeved while others are sleeveless.

Jackets: All English show riders wear jackets. Hunt seat and lower-level dressage riders wear tailored jackets in solids or pinstripes. Upper-level dressage riders wear a black shadbelly which is a tailored, short-waisted jacket, often double-breasted, with tails. These days, however, the cheat is that it is often made in 100% polyester.

Breeches: All English riders wear breeches for the show ring. These breeches, too, are form-fitting, and they extend just below the calf. In hunt seat and lower-level dressage, the color is admittedly prone to trends, including everything from rust to hunter green. Tan is usually a staple, although some among the rather self-conscious believe it’s a good idea to go to a show and scope it out to see what’s fashionable in their region. Upper-level dressage riders, however, reliably wear white breeches.

Boots: Hunt seat and dressage riders will always wear tall, black boots for shows.

Gloves: In the show ring, English riders usually wear black gloves, although upper-level dressage riders wear white gloves.

English horse schooling and show clothes don’t change much through the years. That may account for the abiding place they hold in the popular imagination of the sport of English hunting and formal dressage.

Tanya Vorgan believes in the easiest way to learn — to teach others as she is learning. Her many interests have lead her to many exciting experiences, but sometimes nothing compares to the richness of quiet moments in which to reflect and grow. Tanya is also among those committed to the never-ending quest for the perfect cup of coffee, which for her begins with the best bar none Bunn coffee makers.

She recommends going for the richest black gold possible with a Bunn coffee grinder and your choice of coffee bean. You won’t believe the difference fresh ground coffee in your kitchen will make.

Author: Tanya Vorgan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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English saddles differ among themselves in several distinct ways. Primarily, the differences lay in the seat location and the flap shape and flap length. In disciplines like jumping where the rider needs shorter stirrups for extra support, the flap is more forward and shorter to accommodate the bend of the knee. For the same reason, the seat is positioned further back so that the rider is not pushed ahead of the saddle when jumping a fence. Additionally, padding in the seat and knee rolls of a saddle will assist the hunt seat rider, but is not necessary in other English saddles.

Within the discipline of Dressage, the rider sits more upright and with a longer stirrup length than a hunt seat rider because Dressage riders do not jump obstacles. Therefore, the saddle flap is longer and straighter down behind the horse’s shoulder than a hunt saddle. The seat is closer to the horse’s withers which helps keep the rider’s center of gravity in the proper place. The pommel is a bit higher and the deepest point of the seat is more forward as it allows for a longer leg position.

The seat is usually much deeper in a Dressage saddle than a jumping saddle, and allows the rider to comfortably sit up in the saddle yet in a relaxed position to influence the horse. The padding of the panels is usually less than in a hunt saddle to permit a closer feel to the horse. It often has a wider bearing surface than a jumping saddle as well.

Some designs feature more padding in front of the knee, much more than in a jumping saddle, said to assist the rider in keeping the knee down and thigh back. However, there is usually little padding behind the calf, as the rider needs to be able to freely move the lower leg around to give aids to the horse.

The billets of most dressage saddles are very long, to allow the girth to be buckled near the horse’s elbow rather than underneath the rider’s leg (which would get in the way of giving effective leg aids).

It is important that your saddle fit both you and your horse. When you decide to select a Dressage saddle be sure you measure your horse from his hoof to his withers and then from his withers to his croup. You will need these measurements when you select your saddle to be sure it fits. However, if you ride more than one horse, it is not that practical to buy a different saddle for each one! You can try gel pads that will conform to your horse’s shape to help your one saddle fit. Try to fit the saddle such that there is sufficient room between the gullet and the horse’s withers and spaced over the spine evenly.

You should also sit in several Dressage saddles to find one that is most comfortable for you. Most often you can visit tack shops and sit in the Dressage saddle you may buy while it is on a saddle stand. Brands and styles vary, so become familiar with them all before spending a lot of money!

Author: Lisa Blackstone
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Attending equestrian summer camp is a dream come true for most children. Summer is a time made even more special with the addition of snapping on riding helmets before mounting a thoroughbred in a new pair of children’s riding breeches and paddock boots. It just makes a child feel like they can accomplish anything. This magical experience can also teach many important life skills in addition to providing a great way to get in shape.

It is important to make sure your child has high quality riding equipment to ensure a positive and safe experience at riding camp. Although a cowboy hat and jeans may work just fine for a simple trail ride, children attending equestrian summer riding camps will need riding helmets specifically designed for English riding along with children’s riding breeches and paddock boots for hunt seat and dressage.

What You’ll Need

After enrolling your child in an equestrian summer riding camp, you should receive a list of required standard equipment along with suggested equipment recommendations. You’ll usually find children’s riding breeches, paddock boots, and a riding helmet on the list of required items. By sticking with dependable name brands like Equine Couture and Tuffrider for apparel and LAS and International Riding Helmet for helmets, you are sure to purchase safer, high quality products at affordable prices.

Children’s riding breeches offer a classic, tailored appearance while allowing your child freedom of movement so they have the feel needed to ride well. Good breeches will protect your child’s legs, but they also work to help your child maintain contact with the saddle and the horse. By seeking a well-known brand, you will find the quality needed for safety and performance. Riding helmets made from new lightweight materials with sun visors are popular for equestrian summer camps. Seek a retailer that offers plenty of resources for making the best choice in addition to clear sizing information by manufacturer, as fit can often differ between manufacturers.

Extra Details To Consider

Extra details can make your child’s equestrian summer camp experience even better than just basic equipment. Just imagine your child arriving at camp with a professional looking riding shirt, pair of riding gloves, a crop, and an equipment bag. While one pair of paddock boots and one riding helmet will do, you should consider purchasing an extra pair of children’s riding breeches. You never know when your child might spill on them, tear them, or even lose them. In addition, horses are messy and providing your child with a second pair of children’s riding breeches just makes good sense.

Other extra details to consider include a water bottle, towel, and horse grooming equipment. This will make your child feel more professional and he or she may enjoy the grooming process even more when they have their own equipment. Since most equestrian riding summer camps end with a show, you might also consider purchasing a show coat for your child. Just imagine how great your child will feel and look in the ring with well-tailored children’s riding breeches, polished paddock boots, a professional riding shirt, and a show coat along with riding gloves and a nice riding helmet. Not only will your child enjoy the show even more, but he or she will also look the part and will ride better and safer as they show off their new equestrian skills in the ring.

Size Is Important

When you’re new to horseback riding, you won’t usually have the expertise to know what details to look out for when fitting your child for apparel and equipment. The most important aspect is sizing. Don’t buy riding apparel and equipment too large for your child thinking he or she will grow into it. Loose fitting products are dangerous. Always invest in safety by purchasing children’s riding breeches, paddock boots, and riding helmets that fit well.

Children’s riding breeches should fit snugly and feature soft, breathable fabric, knee and seat grips, a full seat, and a wide, low-rise waistband. Riding helmets are not only a part of your child’s riding attire, they are a piece of safety equipment that should fit properly and be ASTM approved. In fact, wearing riding helmets that don’t fit is worse than not wearing a riding helmet at all. Remember that paddock boots protect your child’s feet from 1,000 pound horses, so make sure they fit well and aren’t too big so your child’s foot flops around inside.

Your child will learn much more than how to ride a horse at equestrian summer camp. Physical fitness, alertness, cool-headedness, leadership, attention skills, responsibility, compassion, and more are all parts of the equestrian summer camp experience. The right equipment will keep your child safe and will offer them the most positive riding experience possible.

Author: Anne Coyle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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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 .

Learning how to ride is a very rewarding experience, but it can often be a bit confusing as to which type of riding is most suited to your goals with regards to what you want to do with your horse. A good place to start is by talking to experienced riders. Find out what they like about each style and see which fits you the best. You’ll find that whichever style you choose, you’ll have to comit a good amount of time to learning the basics, and even more if you want to be a competitive rider.

If you are going to compete, knowing what you want to do in the competition is essential before choosing a riding style. If you like the more formal style of dressage, hunt seat and saddle seat, than your choice will be the English riding style. On the other hand if you want to compete in less formal events where jeans and western style shirts are the trend then rodeos or trail riding, endurance events, cross country rides, gymkhana, western pleasure riding or any type of working cow horse event then your only option is to learn to ride western style. You can ride for pleasure on the trails with either style of riding.

Besides just what events you can compete in there are also differences to the actual riding styles. Western riding tends to be more casual with the rider somewhat relaxed on the back of the horse, longer stirrups with less posting during riding and more firmly affixed to the back of the horse to maintain balance. Western riding also has the reins held in one hand, leaving the other hand free for using a rope. With English riding the rider has shorter stirrups that keep the rider erect and forward in the saddle with reins in both hands. Some English riding will require double reins, one set to direct the motion of the horse and one set to control the head position. English riding also has several different styles including hunt seat, dressage, saddleseat, and endurance. Each of these disciplines has their own style of tack – a dressage saddle, jumping saddle, all purpose saddle, and so on.

Whichever style you choose, proper safety equipment, especially a helmet should be part of your routine. Proper safety equipment is a must for all junior and novice riders. When you select a style you can always decide to learn the other style at a later date, after all your horse can certainly learn another style, but learning both at the same time is overwhelming and can lead to confusion.