Posts Tagged ‘Saddle’
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The Menomonie Saddle Club is from Menomonie, Wisconsin and this is one of our competitions that took place at the Minnesota State Fair. We also have a Square Dance team on horseback.
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View children riding little mini horses and having fun and the great photos that ponies and kids provide. Lasting memories are yours because Wild Bill and his crews provide you one free photo per child that rides his mini horse. Phone 559-974-1492 to book. More information at ponyridesblogs.com
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As a line of horseback riders move down a Texas service road, workers from area businesses wave and drivers gawk. What began with one trail ride to promote to the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show in the 1950s has grown to about 3000 people. (March 2)
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Tips on Choosing a Saddle for Your Horse
Article by James Broddy
Perhaps the most vital piece of horse riding equipment you will buy is a saddle. Choosing a saddle that suits you and your horse is an important process that will ensure a healthy and lasting relationship between yourself and your horse. You may find that different riders have varied opinions about what makes a good saddle, but ultimately all that matters is the fit and comfort between you and the horse.
Invest In the BestDo not be intimidated by the cost of a quality saddle. In the end you will get what you pay for and a high quality saddle will last for years without a problem. Take good care of this piece of equipment and you will find that the initial cost was excellent value over the long term.
Used saddles may be a possible alternative, but only if they have been properly looked after. You are likely better off to opt for a new saddle in the highest quality you can afford than scoring a deal on a used saddle that was neglected and worn past its prime. Decide based on the condition and the overall value each saddle will deliver.
Buy to Suit Your Riding StyleThink about how you will ride your horse most often. Is this purely a pleasure ride, suited for long rides through the country simply enjoying each other’s company? Or will you be jumping, barrel racing or engaging in other active training and exercise? The saddle that you use should suit the activity; even if that means you invest in more than one saddle. A high quality all purpose saddle will do if you are not sure which path of riding you and your horse will eventually take.
Size It UpYou must have a saddle that fits the rider well or it will affect the level of comfort you have while riding. Be sure to have a sit in many different sizes in order to find the one that suits best and buy a larger size for young riders as they grow up.
The size of the saddle must also fit the horse, especially where the spine or withers are concerned. Your saddle of choice should not touch that area directly or it can result in painful injuries such as rubs, pinches and blistering. Incorrect fits will cause your horse to act out in aggressive and potentially dangerous ways that could harm the rider and the animal themselves.
Choosing a saddle will involve a good amount of shopping for, sizing up and trying on of this vital horse equipment. Invest in excellent quality and be sure to buy from a retailer with a solid warranty. Once you have found the proper saddle you and your horse can get down to enjoying each other.
About the Author
Horse saddles and many other items of Horse Tack and equipment can now be browsed and bought online. Make sure to check online for the best choice and prices.
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The Importance of Measuring Your Horse for a New Saddle
Article by Josie Amani
Buying a new horse back riding saddle is an important purchase. For horse riders, the saddle is an important everyday tool that will hopefully last for many years, but poorly fitted horse back riding saddles can be detrimental to the horse and also decrease the longevity of the saddle.
Consider a pair of running shoes for an athlete. If their shoes don’t fit correctly, rubbing or pinching the feet, or moving around because they are too big then you would expect this to affect their ability to perform. In the same way, the saddle that we put on a horse’s back should fit perfectly.
If you are buying a new saddle from a qualified saddler then you would expect them to visit your horse and maybe take some measurements to ensure that the saddle they supply is a perfect fit for your horse, however, there are many other places that you can purchase horse back riding saddles from. With the increased power of the internet, there are many online equine stores supplying quality products for horse and rider and the benefits of the internet are that it allows you to shop around for the best deals with ease and at your convenience. If you are considering ordering your saddle online though, it is important that you have accurate measurements of your horse’s back and of the size and width of saddle that you require to avoid having to return the new saddle after it arrives.These measurements can be taken either from an existing saddle that fits the horse well or from the horse directly.
The size of the new horse back riding saddle required depends on the size of the rider and the length of the horses back and is measured on the saddle from the button on the side of the pommel to the middle of the cantle. The saddle should never extend beyond the 18th thoracic vertebrae which is the region of the last rib. If the saddle sits on the lumbar region then this can cause discomfort, pain and movement problems for your horse. It is also important that the new saddle is the right size for the rider. If it is too small then this will be uncomfortable and the rider won’t be able to sit down correctly in the saddle, too big and they may slide around in the saddle and find themselves tipping forwards or back.
The width of the saddle is most important for the horse, and there are many problems that can be caused by a saddle too narrow or too wide. These can range from discomfort caused by pinching or bruising through to muscle and nerve damage from poorly distributed pressure from the saddle and rider. It is for this reason that you must know the correct width measurement required for the new horse riding saddle. The simple task of measuring your horse for a new saddle before buying it can save you a lot of time, money and problems later on and ultimately is much better for your horse. So before you order your new horse back riding saddle, ensure that you have some accurate measurements of the saddle that you need.
About the Author
The Equine Store is packed full of quality equestrian products, including made to measure or standard width horse back riding saddles. Visit the shop at http://www.equine-store.com to check out our handy guide on measuring for a saddle.
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Choosing the right Saddle for your Horse
Article by Cole Rees
If you already own a horse then you already know that they require a lot of different items in order for you to be able to ride them. One of the most important accessories that you must have to ride your horse is a saddle. It is very difficult and almost impossible to ride a horse without one. There are various different saddles to choose from. The most popular type of saddle that most people enjoy buying is the western saddle. They like this type because it is comfortable and there is a horn on the front of it as an optional hold for when horse riding gets a bit rough.
Depending on how you will be riding your horse will determine which saddles would be best for your riding experience. For those of you who are unaware of different ways to ride a horse, yes there are different ways that you can ride a horse. If you need help or advice on which saddle would be best to buy, just ask the salesman at where ever you go to buy a saddle and they will most likely ask you how you will ride your horse. They can better assist you in choosing the right saddle once they know your style of riding.
As mentioned before, the Western saddles are the most popular saddles which are preferred the most by people, but you can also choose from the English saddle as well. These two saddles are created to where they are seated a bit differently on the horse. The Western saddles are bigger and heavier compared to the English saddles. The English saddle is lighter in weight and they feature stirrups that are made of metal. Most people don’t really care too much about the fact that the English saddles have no fenders on them which keep your legs from getting pinched by the straps, but there are fenders on the Western saddles.
Besides having the right saddle, a horse tack might be necessary as well if you have a stubborn horse. They are not recommended for beginner riders because most beginners don’t know how to use them properly and if you’re not careful it can be considered abusing or hurting your horse. So those that are experienced should buy them and if you’re not experienced you can learn from an expert on how to use the tacks correctly.
The internet is the perfect place to seek horse saddles for your horse as well as many important and comfortable equestrian clothing items.
About the Author
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT HORSE SADDLE PADS
Article by Darren Pace
Shopping for a saddle pad for your mounted steed can quickly turn into a confusing experience. The right horse saddle pads might not be as easy to find as you first thought. There are several things to consider when picking the right saddle pad. Once you make it through the basics, you can shop for a special cushion that will make riding a pleasure for you and your horse.
RIDING STYLE
You want a saddle pad that will fit your saddle. This means you need horse saddle pads appropriate to your discipline. Using a large Western pad under a small all purpose saddle is not going to be comfortable for you or the horse, while one that is too small will allow the saddle to slide up and rub against your horse.
FUNCTION
Horse saddle pads are used to reduce the pressure of the saddle, and it lifts the gullet off the horse’s back. This is one of the main features you need to think about when purchasing any horse riding cushion or blanket. You will also want to make sure that it will absorb pressure to eliminate back pain for the horse from a poorly fit saddle or pad.
FEATURES
Any of the horse saddle blankets or cushions you decide on should be non-slip, easy to clean and store, and be a weight you can handle. There are large variations in the weight of saddle pads, depending on the material they are made of. Price is also a big determiner for many of us; you can find a high quality pad without the ultra high price tag. Don’t skimp and buy the least expensive, but shop and get one that will last.
TYPES OF PADS
Horse saddle pads can be made from a variety of materials. Depending on how often you ride, or the special needs of your horse, you can find the right pads. Synthetic fleece pads are one of the most common ones. While these might be good for occasional riding, over time, the pad stops wicking moisture away from your horse. It also holds heat more, and dirt builds up quickly on these pads. Gel pads are the newest horse saddle pads on the market. While these pads are a top choice if using one saddle on different horses (the pads mold well to different conformation), this pad seems to be a pad with a short life. Some people have complained that with heavy use, it can actually cause soreness to a horse over time. Foam pads are both good for moisture control, as well as resisting impact. For extensive riding on the trail or in the show ring, these pads are a good recommendation for riders.No horse pad can correct a poorly fitted saddle. No matter what horse saddle pads you own, make sure your horse has a saddle that is wide enough and sits comfortably. If your horse is performing well after a long ride, you probably have a good saddle – the saddle cushion will be an enhancement for the riding experience. Your horse is an athlete. Make sure you take care of him with the right equipment – and always keep it clean to avoid developing sores.
About the Author
http://www.saddledomain.com/
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Horse Riding Lessons – How To Sit In A Saddle
Article by Shane Walker
Whatever the discipline of horse sports you are into, the basic seat makes up the foundation for all styles of riding. The basic seat is the style of seat that is best suited for all types of flat work or for the educating of both the horse and the rider.
It is important to understand that the correct way to sit in a saddle will be slightly different from person to person because no two horses or riders are the same height or width.
In the basic seat the rider sits upright in the saddle and should be in a position where a vertical line can be drawn through the rider’s ear, shoulder, the point of the hip and the ankle joint. The bottom should rest in the lowest part of the saddle. The weight of the rider should be placed equally over both sides of the saddle as well as the inner thighs. The legs should be relaxed as any tension or tightening in the inner thighs will lever the rider out of the deepest part of the seat and cause the rider to become unbalanced.
The rider’s seat should be comfortable and free from strain and the thighs should be slightly rolled inward to make the riders knees rest flat against the saddle. This makes sure that the rider adopts a “deep knee” position which is important for a deep seat and correct leg positioning which allows the rider the maximum application of the riding aids.
A fork seat may result if the stirrups are too long. With a forked seat, the legs have to stretch too far and this causes the riders weight to be taken on the thighs which in turn decreases the ability to correctly apply the leg aids.
Riding with the stirrups too short will result in a chair seat, thus named because the rider’s legs rest in the same position as they would in a chair. This position will also affect the use of the leg aids and cause the rider to sit in a shallow seat.
The lower legs should slope backwards from the knee, with the inside of the calf maintaining a soft contact with the horse’s body. This angle will place the lower leg just behind the girth, completing the vertical line that runs from the ear to heel.
The feet should naturally rest on the stirrup tread, almost parallel to the horse’s side and with the tread just behind the widest part of the foot. Whilst moving the foot should be allowed to flex and the heel should sink slightly lower than the rest of the foot.
The rider should be sitting in the deepest part of the saddle and the upper body should be vertical and free from tension. The rider should sit tall in the saddle but not in a forced or unnatural way. The muscles of the upper body should be strong enough to maintain the upright position but no so tight as to prevent the body from going with the movement of the horse.
The head should be freely carried in a natural position without tension in the neck muscles and the eyes should look straight out over the horse’s ears.
The shoulders should be in a natural position without tension and should be drawn slightly back so as to extend the chest forward. The upper arms should hang down freely from the shoulders slightly in front of the vertical with the forearms pointing in a direct line to the horses bit.
About the Author
For more horse riding tips and for all your saddlery requirements visit kwsaddlery.com.au
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www.thinklikeahorse.org By doing good ground work and teaching consistent cues your horse can trot, jog and canter with simple body and voice cues. Rick Gore rides Buddy. Buddy is a young 4 year old and give a little buck on the first canter.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
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Judging how well your Western Saddle fits your horse. Rhonda Martin of Equine Performance Therapy explains how to judge your saddle’s fit to your horse by feel and appearance.
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