Posts Tagged ‘hunter jumper’

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
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I’m not only wondering what the difference between a hunting and jumping horse is, but also what is the difference between the type of riding? Both hunters and jumpers jump. So I don’t know the difference is… Videos would be helpful!

Thanks in advance!

Whether you are looking for a new horse or considering breeding or buying young stock, there are certain qualities of a good horse that you should be aware of and look for. Here is a list to consider in order of priority:

1) Temperament.

This is absolutely the most important quality in a good horse. Whether you are a trail rider, dressage rider, hunter/jumper, reiner, barrel racer or just a person on a horse, temperament is key. You can have all the talent in the world, all the looks, all the moves, but without a good temperament, you have nothing. When the going gets tough, the horse with the better temperament is more likely to see the job through.

2) Willingness.

Two months ago I would have put this into the same category as temperament, but recent experiences have taught me otherwise. I just had a horse in training with an amazing temperament. Nice to work around, loves to go new places and do different things, no problems there. But putting her to work was a whole other story – she just didn’t want to work. I didn’t understand it at first, and it took me awhile to figure it out. Although temperament-wise she was a solid character – no bucking, rearing, or bolting, she would have none of working. I have another horse that is hot to trot! Likes to show off and throw a little buck into the mix, just for fun. However, he loves to work! He is excited to come out everyday and try his hardest. That is what makes him a champion, willingness to do the job and work needed of him.

3) Conformation.

This ones a bit tricky and there are exceptions to the rules. Some horses are just made to do the job. They have powerful hind quarters, strong loins, sloping shoulders, straight legs and good neck sets can make a rider’s job a lot easier. Things like solid bone and good feet also help a horse stay sound. Different breeds are designed to accentuate different conformation qualities based on the discipline that breed is made to perform. For example, quarter horses are low set to the ground, are compact in the body and have very powerful hind quarters. They are built for sprinting short distances and fast turns, ideal for working cattle, running barrels and reining.

4) Bloodlines.

Tried, tested and true. For centuries bloodlines carry the genes that indicate successful show horses that go on to reproduce champion after champion. They act as a guide line for qualities you may want in a good horse and there are still risks when buying a young horse based on bloodlines alone, but your odds are considerably better when choosing a performance horse from a proven pedigree than from all the rest.

5) Health

What are the horse’s physical capabilities? Does the horse have endurance, stamina, power, longevity, soundness? There are lots of horses who possess all of the qualities above, but lack the physical soundness to perform to the highest levels of sport. Health can still deteriorate, but with proper nutrition and development your horse is more likely to stay sound and healthy. Other hereditary factors such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and navicular can stop your horse in his tracks. X-rays can determine these complications and are always recommended when doing a pre-purchase exam.

There are also others factors that make one horse better than the other, but this list is a good guideline to follow when you are looking for or breeding your next performance horse. You will often also see horses that look like camels and donkeys out performing the best of the best. This is because they have the temperament and willingness to do so. Every horse is different, but in the end, a good horse is a good horse and this list of qualities of a good horse will help you find exactly what you desire!

Terry Christoph is an author who writes about a variety of equine topics including dressage, natural horsemanship, barrel racing and the best methods to Sell Horses.

Author: Terry Christoph
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I’ve found the perfect horse and I love him, and he loves me. I am very responsible and I know that I cannot buy him, but he is fairly cheap to lease. He is a hunter/ jumper and is very good at what he does. I know how to take care of him, and how to show him. Thanks!

You may know what is best to feed your horse but that does not mean you are feeding your horse right. Sometimes we become very busy with our daily schedule and let that influence the diet we choose for our horses. The consequences of less than perfect feeding regimens are rather minor at first, maybe costing extra money but not really harming our horses. Sometimes bad choices when making feeding decisions can have serious consequences. Sometimes excesses or insufficiencies can cause health threats to our beloved animals. Some less than optimal feeding decisions may cost the horse his energy. This can result in sluggish performance when you are counting on an excellent performance from your horse.

This article will include some mistakes to avoid when feeding your horse. These are mistakes most often noted by equine nutritionists so that we can avoid them. 

Too much grain can be harmful to your horses’ health. This mistake can lead to obesity and contribute to colic and laminitis. When feeding your horse right, less grain is usually better unless your horse is working extremely hard such as a competing hunter/jumper or race horse.

If your horse does need concentrated feeds it is best if the portions are broke up into small meals. Four or more small meals per day will be better than feeding the ration once or twice per day. If you want to feed your horse right, avoid feeding a meal of more than 0.5 percent of your horse’s weight per meal. Horses’ have a very small stomach in comparison to their size. Frequent small meals are much better for them.

Feeding a horse by volume rather than weight is a common mistake. If you are feeding your horse right you must feed by weight not volume. It is easier to just scoop out the usual feed ration and feed it to the horse. When it comes to nutrition weight is what matters not volume. If you happen to change feeds the same volume in one brand may not be the same amount of nutrition in another brand. Be sure to read the feed label to understand the nutritional content per pound of ration. A kitchen scale is convenient tool for measuring the ration.

Another common mistake that is made when we feed our horses is giving the wrong feed to the wrong horse.  There are a wide variety of feeds available for many specific equine needs. There are feeds specially designed for broodmares, foals, adults, seniors and the list goes on. All are formulated for very specific nutritional needs. Giving the wrong feed to the wrong horse can cause harmful imbalances in horses. So does feeding a horse a formulated feed when none is needed. The nutritional needs of a yearling still developing are very different from the needs of an adult horse. Improper feeding in a yearling can cause abnormal growth. You must make sure you feed your horse the ration designed for his specific time in life if you are going to feed him correctly. 

Sometimes we kill our horses with kindness. We must find the balance between the horse’s natural eating needs and the demands domesticated life places on them. Feeding your horse right will help him stay healthy for many years to come.

For additional information about practical horse management please go to http://wcf-ltd.com/horse/ to learn more about how to care for your horse.

Author: Fran Mullens
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I’m looking for good horse magazines out there that aren’t really focusing on western or dressage but more on jumping and tips and health care tips. Any good ones out there? Thankx.

I just got a new horse and I’m trying to figure out what I want to do in the shows. Many people say hunter, but some say both.

Many a novice rider has argued the superiority of their chosen horseback discipline. While there are equestrians that prefer the excitement of the hunter-jumper courses, others are addicted to the thrill of barrel racing. Cowboys may opt for cutting while ladies across the planet can be found singing the praises of dressage.

Despite the discrepancies in attire, you may be surprised to learn that there are distinct similarities in the basic premises that comprise the foundation of most, if not all, equestrian disciplines.

Listen to the directives and basic philosophies espoused by DVM Gerd Heuschman, the dressage master Walter Zettl, reining’s Joe Ruiz and renowned western horseman Craig Cameron and you will find that all these accomplished trainers focus first on respect for the horse.

The riders whom they instruct learn that relaxation, rhythm and understanding of the equine – in body, mind, spirit and nature – are paramount.

True horsemen (and women) know that horses do not have a time table. They learn according to their own abilities, on their own schedule, with the gentle and patient assistance of a calm, confident and clearly communicative handler.

Whether you choose to put on jeans or tight fitting breeches, whether your saddle is western or English, your most successful riding education begins with elementary lessons that impart a lasting appreciation for the horse’s movement, strength, speed and power.

Over time you learn to sit on your horse with steady confidence, using your body and legs rather than your hands for balance. You come to understand the importance of giving clear, simple directives to your mount. Patience for your equine partner, and for yourself, develop exponentially.

Riding regularly with any seasoned expert, in any discipline, will eventually provide you with a strong and reliable basis for your ongoing equestrian career. No matter which arena you decide to compete in, or even if your horsemanship goals lead to long trails rather than a show ring, you will enjoy enduring benefits when you make a point of training with a masterful horseman.

Classic techniques and traditional philosophies will be effective in any and all equestrian sports. You can’t go wrong when you learn with the masters who abide by proven, age-old expertise.

Equestrian S. L. Robertson has published hundreds of articles on various horsemanship topics. Her writing can be enjoyed on both Ezine as well as the http://Examiner.com site, for which she is the Salt Lake equestrian examiner. She has also written for the AQHA magazine and is the proud owner of a beautiful QH mare and one wonderful APHA gelding.

Author: S. L. Robertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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