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The most expensive item in the tack room will be the saddle. It is essential that the saddle fits the horse, as an ill fitting saddle will cause the horse discomfort or pain. It is unfair and dangerous to ride a horse in ill fitting saddle. A horse with back pain can become very dangerous to ride and handle. Safety is the most important thing to consider when choosing a saddle and therefore it is essential that the saddle fits the horse.
There are so many saddles available to choose from, there are: treeless saddles, synthetic saddles, traditional leather saddles, saddles for different disciplines in a wide range of styles and prices. You can purchase “off the peg” and you can have made to measure saddles. It can be very confusing.
There are many things to consider when making your selection these include:-
- The type and the amount of work the horse will be doing.
- The horse’s age e.g. if he is young he will change shape very quickly.
- The horse’s breeding, conformation, shape and size.
- Your budget.
- Finding a qualified local Master Saddler to fit the saddle.
The best place to start is to research what is available. Coming soon will be a section that will provide you with information on new saddles available with links to websites were you can find out more information on all the latest innovations.
Your guarantee of a satisfactory saddle fitting service is to find a qualified and registered Master Saddler. The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd aims to safeguard the quality of work, services, training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade. On their website you can find lots of very useful and practical information on saddle fitting and links to finding a qualified master saddler in your area. To find out more please click here.
When you have purchased a saddle for your horse it is important to maintain it in good condition, with regular tack cleaning. There is a wide range of tack cleaning products available and it can be a bit confusing when you look along the tack shop shelves. Coming soon on this site will be links to websites were you can check out more information on these products and this should help you decide which products will be suitable for you to use.
Once you have a saddle for your horse it is essential to have regular checks that the saddle is still the correct fit for the horse, as horses do change shape and the saddle may need adjusting.
The Girth
It is best to purchase a quality girth, as this piece of equipment is essential for rider safety as it attaches the saddle to the horse and helps it maintain its position. Girths are available in a wide range of styles, shapes, colours and for a range of equine disciplines. To help you select a girth for your horse this site will have links to a range of sites that will showcase the latest innovations in design and materials. The girth should be broad and smooth and fit the horse approximately one hand’s width behind the horse’s elbows. Most general purpose saddles have three girth straps and it is good practice to attach the girth to the first and third straps on each side.
Saddle Cloths, Numnahs and Pads
Numnahs and saddlecloths provide comfort and protection for your horse or pony. Saddle cloths and numnahs also help to keep the underside of the saddle clean. Care and consideration needs to be taken when selecting a saddle cloth or numnah as they can alter the fit of the saddle and they should not be used to try to improve the fit of an ill fitting saddle. If they are allowed to crease up under the saddle, or make contact with the spine or withers they can rub or cause pressure points that bruise. There are specially designed pads to alter the fit of a saddle. These should only be used as a short term measure and with due care, with the aim for the long-term obtaining a well-fitting replacement saddle. Coming soon to this site there will be links to websites so you can check out all the latest styles, colours and designs.
Stirrup Leathers
There are leather and synthetic stirrup leathers available. Leather stirrup leathers can give during use therefore it is important to make sure they are swapped over to the other side of the saddle after cleaning to ensure they stretch evenly. If the leathers are only used by one rider they can become worn in the same place, so check carefully for wear and if necessary have the saddler move the buckle down 2 or 3 inches so they will last longer.
Stirrup Irons
There are many different styles of stirrup irons available. For safety it is essential that you select stirrup irons that are the correct size for you. Too small and your foot could become stuck and too large your foot could slide through. And we have all seen in films the cowboy stunt of being dragged along by a foot stuck in a stirrup! In real life it is extremely dangerous if this should this happen. A correct sized stirrup should allow 1.5cm (1/2 inch) gap at one side of the rider’s boot to the inside of the stirrup iron.
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