Have you ever worn a pair of shoes that’s a little too big or small for your feet? You either end up with blisters and calluses or walking awkwardly when you wear something that does not fit. The same thing goes with your saddles–using the wrong type and buying one in the wrong size can affect not just your horse’s performance, it can also cause spine damage which will result in an uncomfortable riding experience. Show The saddle is more than just something you fasten to your horse’s back so you can sit properly during a ride. It’s an important piece of tack that ensures comfort and security while protecting your riding partner. In the early days,saddles used to be simple saddle pads held in place with a wide strap orcloths thrown over the back of the horse which then evolved into tree and leather saddles. While it’s easy to buy or order a saddle you can use, keep in mind that you need to take into consideration your riding style, the activities you will do, and how it fits you and your equine. Choosing a saddle sounds like a tall order, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you make the right choice. In this article, we will talk about:
English or Western Saddle–is there a difference? The saddles available in the market today can be divided into two main categories–English andWestern. At first glance, you’ll think that these saddles look alike and while they do have similar parts, there are differences in terms of weight, size, and where best to use each. Developed with theneeds of cowboys in mind, Western saddles are heavier and made to distribute weight evenly on the horse’s back. It also has a deeper seat, making it ideal for long rides and easier for the rider to relax his legs. One of the western saddle’s defining features is called ahorn, which is used to secure a rope when working with cattle or to give the riding something to hold on to when doing fast turns. Meanwhile, English saddles aresmaller, lighter, and designed to allow horse movement while giving a safe and secure seat to the rider. Both saddles help protect your horse’s back during riding and choosing one over the other will depend on your riding style plus the activities you intend to do with your horse. What are the different types of saddles and when is the best time to use each? With so many saddles to choose from, which do you pick? Do you simply go for an all-around saddle you can use for any activity? Taking into account your safety and the well-being of your riding partner, you need to choose a saddle that will provide utmost comfort while ensuring optimum performance. Let the comprehensive list below guide you: English saddles are known toprovide closer contact to the horse’s back. Available in varying designs, there are English saddles perfect for specific activities and are usually made from leather or synthetic materials.
If you’re doing Western riding, determining the type of riding you’ll do will make it easier for you to choose a Western saddle as it’s categorized by intended use. Before shopping, review the list below:
How do you make the right saddle choice? Once you’ve identified the type of saddle you need, the next step involves making sure it’s the right fit for you and your horse. To do this, you need to check how it suits your horse’s back, ensuring measurements, and making sure you’re comfortable using it. Here are some tips to try:
You can make this step easier if you’re familiar with the types of horse withers. After all, the correct tack can benefit your riding pal in the long run.
In addition to these things, it’s also important that you take into consideration your own comfort as a rider. Depending on your riding discipline, you have the option to choose a bigger or smaller seat. Keep in mind that there needs to be a four-inch space between the front of your body and the swell of the saddle and that your backside is resting at the base of the cantle. How can you solve poor saddle fit? We cannot stress it enough – a well-fitting saddle is important because it affects your overall riding performance. Not only will the right saddle encourage your equine’snatural freedom of movement, it also helps you find an effective riding position. Let’s be honest, though, curveballs happen and you might end up with an ill-fitting saddle. How do you know when you have the wrong saddle?
Behavioral changes may mean that your riding partner is not comfortable with the saddle and is experiencing pain due to saddle fit. While there are different factors that cause changes in behavior, it’s important that you rule out the saddle as the cause.
Hard nodules are results of too muchpressure and friction. Commonly seen under the spot where you sit or on the side of the withers, these nodules can be painful. To solve this, you can use a pad that distributes pressure evenly. Aquality gel saddle pad that keeps your saddle in place while protecting your horse’s back may come in handy. Amiddle riser anti-slip gel pad is the ideal choice for equines with spots and rubs at the middle region of their back as it provides cushioning and protects against soreness.
Do you notice a raised area on either side of your horse’s withers? This swelling can also appear along the edges of a horse’s spine because of poor saddle fit. Remedy the situation by checking the tree size and gullet width then choosing a saddle pad to go with it.
How do you keep your saddle looking brand-new? Any tack is an investment and your saddle needs proper care and maintenance so you can make the most of your purchase. Every time you go on rides with your equine, your saddle is exposed to the elements, sweat, and dirt so it’s a must that you clean it after every use. To do this, you would need:
Clean your saddle with the steps below as guide:
When cleaning your saddle, be on the lookout for signs of wear and tear like loose seams, wear on the seat, lumpy foam, and a squeaking saddle tree. Depending on the damage, it might be more pocket-friendly to buy a new one than having it repaired. Your saddle plays a big role in making sure you have pleasurable and optimum rides with your equine. It’s recommended that you have it checked every year to ensure proper fit. Since your horse’s body changes over time – because of age, weight gain or loss, and exercise–it’s important to have the fit evaluated regularly to avoid injuries and problems. Is a Western saddle better for the horse?The Western saddle was designed for cowboys who spent long days riding the range, driving and working cattle. Leather Western saddles are much heavier than English saddles but the weight of both saddle and rider is spread over a larger area of the horse's back, which makes it less tiring for the horse.
Is it easier to ride in a Western saddle?Why? English riding involves a bit more balance and coordination of the reins and legs, so riders may not feel immediately secure in the saddle. The larger Western saddle makes it easier for the beginner to sit comfortably and feel more secure.
Why do cowboys wear saddles?Saddles serve an essential purpose for cowboys. They provide comfort and security through all types of weather, day in and day out, for people herding cattle, feeding animals and building fences, among the other dozens of tasks on a ranch.
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