A saddle as you are aware is a contraption that’s mounted on a horse’s back to either enable riders to sit or loads to be placed. Though the word saddle is generally used within the context of horses, it’s really pertinent to arrangements that enable sitting or loading of any pack animal.
To the serious pony coach, pony saddles comprise a critical tool.
Saddles are found in several types around the world, but 2 types dominate: the English type and the Western type. These two types are used most in equestrian circles. Each pony riding culture has its own individual saddle type.
Saddle sizes
The frame the saddle is built around is mostly known as the saddle tree. The tree is normally constructed of wood or even fiber glass over which leather is stretched. This frame is designed in such a way it fits both rider and horse.
You ought to be extremely fussy when trying to find the right saddle. Poorly fitting saddles can seriously injure horses and riders. They can cause bruises and sores on the muscles of the horse’s back. Don’t purchase a saddle unless it comes with a test period and refund when necessary.
Make sure your tack is always clean and oiled to maintain its looks and condition.
Some tips: the fitting of the English saddle
-Lay on the saddle without padding and get the girth tight.
-Get someone to sit in the saddle with his or her feet in the stirrups.
-Try to slide in the fingers of one hand underneath the pommel. You should be able to easily slip in 3 fingers between the withers and the arch under the pommel.
-Check the saddle is not impeding free movement of the shoulder by getting someone to raise the foreleg on one side and move it outward and forward. Continue to check the fit with your fingers between the pommel and the top of the shoulder blade while this is being done. Do it again on the other side.
-Place yourself behind your horse and peer beneath the saddle. You should be able to see light when the horse lowers his head.
-Don’t use saddles of the wrong length. They ought to not extend over the loins.
Some tips: the fitting of the Western saddle
-Have padding of thickness of no less than one inch underneath the saddle.
-Fit the saddle on the back of the horse and tighten the cinch such that your fingers can be comfortably inserted between your horse’s skin and the girth.
-Get someone to sit in the saddle and check to verify if you’re able to fit three of your fingers between the withers and the pommel arch.
-Ensure the saddle is wide enough to sit comfortably on the pony. Try it out with three fingers extended from a flat hand into the space between the top of the withers and the saddle. If your fingers fit loosely, you have got a tree that is too narrow, and if your fingers are constricted, the tree is unduly wide.
Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers www.horsehorses.net
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