Archive for April, 2010
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.
Most gaited horse owners know that their horse is built different than other breeds. Because of it’s higher withers and the need for greater shoulder mobility these breeds require 
to have a special fitting saddle.
Gaited saddles have a special shaped tree and fork that are specifically designed for the gaited horse. This type tree can also be used for other high withered breeds but as a rule the gaited breeds need this special designed gaited horse saddle tree in order to preform their special gait in comfort. In return these horses provide comfort for their rider, giving the rider more hours of enjoyment in their gaited Western saddle.
An A-fork saddle is another type of working saddle designed as a cowboy saddle for sitting and riding in for long hour days. Similar to a Wade saddle in design but slightly different with a different horn and larger pommel.
This saddle is sometimes referred to as a slick seat saddle. A Wade and an A-fork saddle can either one be a slick seat saddle which is referring to the large single piece of slick leather that is placed on the seat. The Wade, slick seat and A-fork saddle can be confused and depending on who you talk to and what part of the country your in, these Western saddles can be described differently.
The Wade saddle dates back to the turn of the century when Clifford Wade first introduced this working mans saddle. It was different than other saddles of it time. Designed for roping with a 4″ horn, a deep seat with a high cantle and stirrups under the rider for a more balanced ride.
It wasn’t until the 1960’s when the Wade saddle really gained in popularity. It is considered to be a working saddle or cowboy saddle but is used today more and more for comfort and balance. A Western saddle designed for sitting in for long hours and working hard on the ranch.
People call their bridles, reins and other horse equipment horse tack but is the saddle a part of tack also? How about halters and lead ropes, is that also part of your horses tack?
According to the definition of “horse tack” it is everything that goes on a horse. So halters, lead ropes, harnesses, cruppers, britchens, breast collars and even saddles are all items that go on a horse and all are considered to be horse tack.
A mule is a cross between a donkey stallion and a horse mare. Male mules are often called “Johns” and female mules are called “Mollies”. Mules look different from both horse and donkeys. Mules’ ears are usually smaller than a donkeys and longer than a horse, but in the same general shape as the horse. These animals usually have course mane hair and their tails are more similar to their horse parents. Mules make noises that can only be described as a mix between a donkey’s bray and a horse’s whinny. Each mule has a unique sound.
Many people use mules for hiking into canyons and on wilderness trails. But before getting out your mule saddles, it’s important to understand that the mule’s reputation for being stubborn really isn’t true. Mules just have a keen sense of danger and refuse to put themselves in harms way.
Your draft horse is not just for pulling.Your draft horse is very capable of taking you for miles of trail rides and is what I would call a “Cadillac ride”, smooth and gliding with the drafts long strides.
The biggest challenge is finding a saddle that truly fits a draft size horse. In order to get a draft horse saddle that truly fits a draft you need to purchase a special saddle specific designed for this large breed.
Part of saddle fitting is saddling your horse properly. Position and placement, saddle pad application and proper cinching all are items to know and consider when learning how to saddle a horse.
Your horse and you will both ride balanced when your saddle is in the correct position. Know for certain your saddle fits correctly and your horse is saddled properly for a great ride!
When I was young, my family used to take yearly trips to a rural ranch in the middle of Montana. Being like most young boys, I was entrenched in my video games and TV shows, so being isolated in the wilderness for a few days was probably a good thing. Some of my most vivid memories of these family vacations are the daylong horse trips that we would take through the majestic Midwest countryside.
Although I enjoyed the ride, like most city kids I was ill prepared to face the realities of the wild. During most of our trips, I lacked the proper horse riding equipment and apparel and was subjected to several chafes and blisters. I also have nightmares about the large horse flies that were so strong that they could bite you through the denim of your jeans. Despite these painful events, I still cherish my Montana memories.
Getting the best fit possible for your horse comes from fitting your saddle properly. The best way to do this is where the manufacturer fits their custom Western saddles to your horse. A bare tree fit will give your horse the best fit possible and is then built to the customer’s specificaiton.
Most people think that they will pay a lot for a custom made saddle that is custom fit to their horse. This is not the case. If shopping for a saddle look for a saddle maker that fits the bare tree to your horse first.