Horse Welfare

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.