The saddleistheone most crucial pieces of equestrian gear. It enables you to lead the horse effectively and mount him comfortably. It is the direct link between the rider and the horse’s back. It is essential for accurate information transfer so you can talk to the horse. To practice horseback riding safely, you must have a saddle since a correctly fitted saddle protects the horse’s back. The components of a saddle are shaped to fit the anatomy of the horse and rider. Because of this, riding a horse becomes a fun and exciting activity for both the rider and the horse.
Factors to consider when choosing a saddle
1. Size of the saddle
Determining if the saddles for horses you are selecting is the correct size is crucial. The standard saddle lengths, which vary based on the rider’s fit, are 15′ to 19′. Additionally, some riders may need a 17′ or 18′ saddle, depending on their intended riding purpose. To sum up, you must pick a saddle and a waterproof horse sheet that the horse are comfortable in. A saddle fitter can assist you if you cannot complete the task on your own.
2. Size of the tree
This one, however, calls for a saddle fitter’s in-depth understanding and can be a little more professional. Your saddle tree should be properly suited to the saddle’s acute dimensions and size just below the saddle. You must also determine where the horse’s rib cage stops to fit the saddle properly.
3. Style of saddle
Now that you have the correct measurements for the horse’s saddle, you may select the design. All-purpose saddles, jumping saddles, dressage saddles, and many more might be considered among the most well-liked saddles ever. You can choose the option that best suits your preferences and needs.
Choosing the right saddle for the horse
One of the most frequent reasons for unruly behavior in horses is ill-fitting saddles. There are several indicators to watch out for. If your horse is uneasy in his saddle, he may refuse to move out naturally and easily, become hollow in his work, start to require more and stronger aids from the rider, or balk or stop at fences.
Additionally, your horse may be sending you cues while standing still. When the weatherbeeta elite saddle pad is put on, does the horse try to bite you when he is girthed, flee when you go to get him or turn his head to give you “the look”? These could all be signs of a saddle that doesn’t fit properly.
The more obvious physical indications of a saddle that doesn’t fit properly should be considered. In addition to the well-known white spots, or saddle sores, another sign to look out for is ruffled hair beneath the saddle, the horse sweating significantly more in the front of the saddle than the back or vice versa, and swelling near the saddle points. These aren’t always evident; a saddle might fit poorly even when none are immediately apparent.
You should have your saddle evaluated once a year as part of your horse’s routine maintenance if he is happy and content in his work and doesn’t exhibit any symptoms of the saddle pinching or creating issues.
Choosing a saddle for the rider
How can you tell if your saddle fits you if you’re sure it fits your horse? Of course, having a skilled friend or instructor on the ground and an expert saddle fitter is vital. They can observe the saddle’s effects on your posture and provide information about whether it works for or against you. It’s common for a rider to find a saddle comfortable without understanding that it’s restricting them, either due to a lack of feel or simply by getting used to or making up for the saddle’s poor fit.