Category: General Resources

When horse-riding, the saddle is an essential piece of gear, and yet many are not aware of how much of a powerful tool it can be. An accurately fitted horseback riding saddle can make a big difference to the horse when it is hidden; it will provide you with comfort, safety, and efficiency while on an outdoor adventure riding the back of the horse. Here are some popular styles of the best horse saddles:

The English saddle

It comes with short billet straps and makes it easy for horses to jump over a fence, even with a rider on its back. A piece of equipment known as a girth is used to keep the saddle in place on a horse. The girth passes under the barrel of the equine, normally attached to the saddle on both sides by billet which is two or three leather straps.

The Cutback saddle

This is known for and named for the cut back area in the pommel located at the withers. Horses with higher leg action, such as the Saddlebreds, the Tennessee Walkers, the National Show Horse, Morgans, and Arabians, will utilize this saddle to accommodate the greater motion of the front legs and shoulders as well as to provide for the often higher withers associated with these breeds. The seat is longer and lower, and the flap on the cutback is too straight and long.

The Australian stock saddle

This is your top choice when it comes to comfort. With comes with deep seats strung beneath the leather and is bound securely to help the rider remain stationary on their seat. Another well-known type is the Western saddles, which is ideal if you are on the process of training your horse. It provides proper leg positioning that enables you to send out commands to the horse and communicate with them effectively.

Western saddle

They are designed to accommodate a warrior on horseback and his various needs. The saddle was transitioned from a military saddle into one used to accommodate the needs of a working cowboy. Thus, the most distinctive difference is the presence of a horn which was used by cowboys to tie a cow as they are maintaining the herd. And, because these saddles had to be strong enough to handle another animal being tied to the horn, western saddles are bigger, stronger and more substantial than English saddles.
Lastly, racing saddles are intended mainly for horses that are bred for racing. It comes with two larger saddle pieces and a couple of girth straps. These are made lightweight to make it convenient for the horse to race around and conveniently to position the rider throughout the race.

Summary

Properly fitting your horse saddle to your horse will come easier after the first several times you do it. It is worth taking the time to master the right way to do this in order for your horse to remain comfortable and healthy.

Horse riding fun and is also an extremely healthy sport for people of all ages. However, one should remember that this activity is quite dangerous. Here are some important tips regarding horsemanship and safety, which will help you pursue this sport easily. First-timers should take lessons from an experienced and qualified instructor. He or she will teach you the basics of horse riding along with the safety measures you should follow.

Points to Ponder

Never make the mistake of walking behind a horse. Although this is very basic information you should still follow these rules at all times. Never ever walk around behind a horse. When this animal hears something behind it, they may kick out of fear. Remember a horse’s kick is powerful and can cause serious injuries or even lead to your death.

You should always wear a suitable riding helmet or hat. This prevents injuries to your head in case you fall off the horse and land on the ground head first. If possible, wear riding boots as they will help you keep your feet on the stirrups.

The first time, as well as inexperienced riders, should never ride solo. This could cause serious problems for you in the event you fell off the horse are were injured, and had to wait for a long time before someone found you. It is best to ride a calm horse and still take someone along with you.

Do not feel frustrated if you are unable to control the animal for the first few days. It takes some time. Handling the reins properly is crucial to maintain balance and control your horse.

The saddles

Selecting the correct saddles plays an important role to maintain the health of the horse as well as his health and that of yours. Ensure that you select a saddle that fits perfectly on your horse. A poorly fitting saddle is extremely uncomfortable for the horse and is also responsible for muscle pain and backache for the rider. A quick search will provide you with details of many companies in your city that will measure your horse and then recommend an appropriate saddle size.

The saddle’s position

Correct positioning of the saddle on the horse’s back plays a huge role in ensuring a comfortable horse ride. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the saddle while riding the horse and ensure that the horse is comfortable too. The back of the horse contains three basic muscles that can be negatively affected due to a bad saddle placement. Familiarize yourself with these muscles as well as their locations on the back of your horse before you try to position the saddle.

Following the above tips will result in an enjoyable ride both for you and your horse.

There is a range of reasons as to why horse riders use saddles. The primary reason is that saddles provide good anchor and stirrups. Stirrups enhance balancing, especially when the horse changes direction or position rapidly. Besides, saddles distribute the rider’s weight from the pelvis to the bones. Well-fitted saddles allow the horse bare or carry more weight for a long time comfortably. As well, it makes the rider more comfortable staying at the right shape and more natural. Saddles ensure that the riders’ legs are always clean.

There are different types of saddles used for different types of riding; however; it is possible to have a ride without using a saddle. Here are some types of horse saddles.

General-purpose saddle

These are good for beginners and intermediate riders enjoying the various types of riding having bought a horse. These saddles have flaps cut forward to accommodate the riders well for basic jumping, dressage, and hacks. Riders balance well on general-purpose saddles. These saddles are ideal to be used in schools where we have many riders with varied abilities and sizes.

Dressage saddles

Dressage saddles are designed for pro riders who regularly compete in flatwork competitions. They enhance traditional straight-legged and upright torso dressage position. Dressage saddles have deeper seats with a U-shaped curve, especially when viewed from straight flaps. Dressage saddles are light as they are made from thin and lightweight material. They provide the rider with a close leg contact good for precision moving.

Jumping saddle

Jumping saddles are made to push the rider forward to a two-point jumping position. They are good, especially when going over the fences. This is achieved through a flatter seat compared to dressage saddles that have a mellow C-like curve when viewed from aside. Jumping saddles are bigger; therefore, give legs enhanced support. They have the pads that provide stability and protection for lower leg jumping.

Hunting saddle

Hunting saddle is made for regular riders going for foxhunting in Britain. Foxhunting involves higher jumps over large hedges with steep drops on the other sides. As such, these saddles are shaped to push rider’s weight back and the feet forward. For this reason, the rider remains safer as he/she leans backward when landing from the fences. They have low cantle, making jumps ever comfortable. Hunting saddles are made from durable leather, ensuring they properly match the traditional hunting attire.

In summary, there are different saddles designed for specific riding as well designed for pro riders and beginners of different ages and experience.

When you choose to be a jockey, you probably need to prepare for horse racing regularly. You may also want to have your horse ready for the competition through training. It however prudent for you to consider a horse has experience in the sport as well as the one you are familiar with.Horse racing is quite an expensive venture with some risks.Horse accidents are rare, but disastrous when they happen. Having suitable skills will assist you in evading this risk. Below are some facts about horse riding.

Choose the right horse

Horse racing is quite exciting and fun especially when you are in a competition. You get to show your skills and experience as a jockey. However, as you increase your speed, you need to consider your safety. This clarifies why racing horses require to be fitted with the ability to follow the instructions of the rider. Consider riding your horse prior to the racing day to familiarize it on the landmarks. Skill and experience are not sufficiently different breeds of horses adapt to racing differently. Selecting the right breed will make your experience enjoyable and to navigate.

Get a professional trainer

A seasoned trainer owes you all the tips for a successful horse racing. In fact, they will also assist you in choosing the right horse if you are a beginner. The trainer must be approved and with relevant experience in training jockeys. If you’re unable to find one consider asking friends and family to recommend a reputable trainer and saddles. Ensure you verify his credentials before engaging him to sign a contract with you.

Selecting your type horse racing

Check if you have a passion and experience in the type of horse riding that you would like to engage. In case you feel inadequate, you can consider changing. It is, however, compulsory to participate in some events as a joker. Consider selecting to participate in the three types of racing hunt seat, jumper, and hunter. Remember you don’t need to rush, just starting practicing one type of race after getting proficient you can then begin training the second type and third.

With the aforementioned facts, you’re now ready for a horse racing event. Make sure you get a qualified trainer before the competition. Your safety as a jockey is important, and therefore, you should choose the right breed of horse in addition to ensuring that it is well trained and acquainted to your type of race. Remember to participate in a race that you have adequate skills to ensure you enjoy the experience.

Hello fellow horse lovers! I just wanted to put up a quick blog post to name a few different horse welfare resources. The problem with some of the local ones is that they can come and go, but hopefully when you decide to Google some of these names, they will direct you to a CURRENT address or site.

There are literally dozens if not hundreds of horse welfare and advocacy and rescue sites. So, it’s easier for you to find the more current ones on the search engines by searching specifically for the category that interests you.

For example, you can search “horse rescue in (my state)” and you’ll see a number of location-specific options come up.

You can do the same for terms like “horse adoption in (my state)” or “equine rescue (my state)” etc.

One national site is the American Horse Council (horsecouncil.org) in Washington, DC.

Another is Equine Advocates (equineadvocates.org) in Chatham, NY (this is a group dedicated to preventing abuse while also protecting and rescuing horses).

Now, if you suspect that a horse (or any animal) is being abused, please do NOT take matters into your own hands, because you risk being charged with a crime yourself!

You can call the police. You can call a local veterinarian to see what other local options may be available. If you decide to take a photo of an animal to show a vet or a state official, please don’t share your photos or suspicions on social media! But be careful to follow the laws of your state and town when you suspect abuse.

The website HorseChannel.com has a very informative page about what to do if you suspect that a horse is being mistreated. The article is called “Reporting Horse Abuse.”

Again, there are seriously COUNTLESS resources at your fingertips. Let your search engine be your friend to direct you to the exact site that you need.