Archive for the ‘Saddles’ Category
If you’ve been riding horses for any length of time, you’ve inevitably been subjected to a ride on a saddle that didn’t fit properly. This is bound to be an uncomfortable trip, as saddles already aren’t the most comfortable means of transportation. And not only do you need to consider the saddle’s fit for yourself, there’s the horse to think about as well.
The best way to ensure both you and the animal are safe and comfortable on your rides is with a custom saddle. Having a saddle crafted to your specifications will equate to the absolute highest level of comfort and the best performance. When a saddle fits correctly, the horse is able to perform to the best of their ability and you won’t have to be constantly adjusting yourself, combating aches and pains.
I’ve always fancied myself a bit of a cowboy enthusiast. I enjoy rodeos, horseback riding, and the great outdoors of the Southwest. When I told my wife that I wanted a room dedicated to cowboy paraphernalia, with authentic Western horse tack adorning the walls, she laughed at first. It took a while, but she started to understand that I was serious. The problem is, we only have three rooms in our house, one is the master bedroom, one is my son’s, and the other is the guest room. I wanted somewhere to display all my cowboy wall art and collectibles, but it wasn’t practical to use one of the main rooms of the house.
We ended up compromising; my wife told me I could use our dining room for all my cowboy art. We seldom used the dining room, but I was happy enough with the fact that I could make it into my own Southwest haven. I put lassoes on the walls, added some rustic dining chairs, and displayed all my cowboy wall art and collectibles on shelves. By the time I was done, even my wife liked how the room turned out!
Saddling a horse can be a difficult tak, with the huge number of options available. It’s definitely something I couldn’t have done without help. Whether you need an A fork saddle or some other type, just the saddle tree alone can be enough to confuse just about anyone. Apparently you can’t just get a saddle the keeps you comfortable, you need to find a good balance to share with the horse.
That is to say, you have to keep the horse comfortable as well. Apparently a lot of problems can be caused by not having the ideal match saddle and saddle tree. You need to support your own spine as well as the animal’s. This wasn’t a purchase I could have made without a lot of help and advice from knowledgeable, experienced professionals.
Back when I first started riding horses over 20 years ago, I would spend months researching horse tack and seeking out the best deals. I would call all of the local retailers I could find, put up ads at the stable and ask friends to keep an eye peeled. Looking back on it now, I can’t believe how much time and effort this seemingly mundane task required.
Now when I need affordable horse saddles I simply go online, and within a few minutes I’ve found the exact model I was searching for at a discount price. The one drawback, of course, is that you don’t have an opportunity to examine the saddle closely before making your purchase. But when you’ve been riding as long as I have, that point is moot.
Ever since my son has been old enough to distinguish between different animals, he has been infatuated with horses. So for his fifth birthday this year my husband and I decided to have a cowboy themed party. Since he is an only child, we tend to go a bit over the top, and this party was no different.
We had everything you would imagine for a cowboy-themed party—from decorations with hats, spurs and lassos, to a cowboy cake and party favors. The finishing touch, however, was the fact that we rented a pony for all of the children to ride. We even had the company bring along some authentic cowboy saddles and tack.
When I bought my first horse over a decade ago, I knew little about the various aspects of horse training. Over the years, my knowledge has expanded exponentially, but I am always learning new things and endeavoring to increase my understanding. One area of horse training that I always overlooked was the importance of the equestrian horse tack.
Admittedly, I was quite selfish the first time I invested in a set of tack. After ensuring the saddle and accessories were comfortable for me, I quickly made the purchase without stopping to consider the needs of the horse. After a couple of rides, it became apparent that the equipment didn’t fit the horse adequately, and I had to sell the set to another riser at my stable. As I’ve come to find, the comfort of the horse is important than that of the rider
When it comes to horseback riding, there are two main classifications: Western and English. Generally, stereotyping is counterproductive, but in this case, it is helpful in creating a basic idea of each style. Western saddles and tack are typically associated with the Wild West and cowboys riding horses through open plains. This style of tack tends to be heavier and larger, making it ideal for longer rides.
English tack is smaller and more lightweight. This style of riding equipment is used in jumping competitions and other applications where speed and agility are at a premium. One of the main discrepancies between the two styles is that English riders typically have contact with the horse’s mouth via reigns, whereas Western riders use body movements and the horse’s neck to dictate direction.
As any horse rider will attest, the saddle is one of the most imperative pieces of horse tack. Not only will the saddle have a major impact on your comfort during the ride, but it will also dictate how relaxed your equine is as well. To that end, it is crucial to determine not only the style of saddle you want, but also to customize the fit to cater to your horse.
A poor fitting saddle will not only cause discomfort for you and the horse, but it will increase the risk of injury for both of you as well. If you are unsure if your saddle is fitting correctly, don’t leave it to chance. Saddle makers can be found throughout the country, and for people who are inexperience with sizing a saddles, it is wise to employ the assistance of a professional.
The Friesian is a great riding horse and is handsomely flashy. One strong characteristic is a broad back like the draft breeds but with a slightly different 
angle. They have a steeper shoulder and higher wither which requires a special Friesian saddle.
In order for the Friesian horse to also enjoy being ridden the saddle needs to fit. The saddle tree needs to be specially designed to fit the special shape of the Friesian horse. Consider a special saddle if you have this breed of horse.
Buying a horse is a huge step, and I shouldn’t have to tell you about the huge burden of responsibility you accept when making such an equine purchase. The cost of the horse itself needs to be budgeted, of course, but one must also think of all the feed, grooming equipment and the horse saddle and tack. Also be sure to factor in whether or not you have the time and experience to handle a new horse. Training and riding sessions take time, so you’ll need an abundance of it.
Horse classified ads are a great place to start once you’ve determined that you can handle a horse of your own. If you don’t have the land or the barn space to accommodate a new equestrian pet, you might look into choosing a livery yard. These are places where owners can go to visit and ride their horses, then leave them behind to be fed and sheltered by a professional.