Posts Tagged ‘western saddle’

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.

I’ve been riding all my life and have always ridden the western style with a western saddle. Just last week I got the opportunity to try out an English saddle. Boy what an experience. It was so different from what I’m used to. Your body postion is totally different with a much more forward angle. For a short ride it was fun, but I can’t imagine riding the long miles of a working cowboy in an english saddle. It’s a lot harder on your body, and a lot harder to accomplish a task from the saddle. It was fun to try it out, but I think I’ll stick to my western saddle.

At first, tacking up can seem daunting, but if you have a set routine, you’ll quickly get the hang of it and your horse will to. Having your horse secured with a set of crossties that fasten to the halter from opposite sides at about normal head height is really helpful as this leaves the rider with both hands to work with the tack.

Don’t be in rush to tack up. Take the time to check your horse over first to make sure he hasn’t incurred any injuries or other problems. Slide your hand down each of the legs, pick up the hooves and be sure to pick out all the dirt, mud or debris using a hoof pick. This will give you a chance to check over your horse’s foot for any problems that could cause lameness under saddle. After checking the legs and hooves it is time to brush the back and sides. Give your horse a good scrub with a stiff brush to get rid of all of the built up hair and dirt, especially around the saddle area where it can cause particular irritation.

Since the halter is securing the horse to the crossties, you may want to start with the saddle. Place the saddle pad or blanket straight down on the horses back, just on the highest point of the withers and slide it straight back a fraction of an inch to position it. This ensures that the hair is all flat, if you have to reposition the blanket lift it off the horse, smooth down the hair again with a brush or your hand, then start over.

With the saddle pad or blanket in place, pick up the saddle with your left hand on the horn or pommel and the left hand under the back skirt or the cantle, depending on the saddle type. After securing the stirrups (you don’t want to get clunked in the head), place the saddle in onto the saddle pad just behind the withers. The saddle should be placed in the natural depression that occurs on a horse’s back. If you have a western style saddle, reach under the horse’s belly and grasp the cinch, make sure it is straight and tighten the saddle from the left side. With an English saddle you may need to walk around to the right side and affix the cinch, then move back around to the left to tighten it.

Most find bridling a horse the most challenging as many horses have learned to evade and throw their heads to avoid the bit. This can be corrected by slow and gentle movements, so always move with a purpose and don’t become excited or angry with the horse. Unbuckle the throatlatch and noseband if there is one, then standing in the same direction as the horse on the left side, hold the bit in your left hand and the top of the bridle in your right. Bring the browband of the bridle above your horse’s head with your right hand, thereby positioning the bit below the lips. Gently insert the bit by raising the top up and over the ears. Position both the bit and the headstall in the right place, then latch the throatlatch and noseband. Banging your horse’s teeth with the bit is no way to create a willingness to be bridled.

Mounting the horse is the opposite of dismounting and should be done in one fluid movement. With the reins in your left hand, grasp your horse’s mane in your right hand. Using the right hand to hold the stirrup, place your left foot in the stirrup, swing your body up and your right leg up and over the back of the horse, gentle sitting down into the saddle. Put the right foot in the right stirrup and you are all ready to go.