proper western saddle placement

 

It stays in position naturally and only needs a "snug" girth to remain there. Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high. With all types of saddles (yes western) and all types of saddle pads. This is Principle # 1 of the three P’s (plus one) that make up the Basic Principles of saddle fit. Oiling your saddle also aids in a safer ride, as dry, cracked leather can result in breakage, which can potentially lead to a mishap and rider injury. This also results in pinching but at the top of the saddle’s bars. Saddle fitting has become a hot topic lately, and for a very good reason – riders are beginning to realize that if a horse is comfortable, her performance is enhanced, whether she’s carrying you on the trail or into competition. In this scenario, the gullet of the saddle may be too low and rest on your horse’s withers causing pain and discomfort. Correct saddle placement will make your horse happier and more comfortable, and may even help resolve some of those unwanted “cranky” behaviors! This is Principle # 1 of the three P’s (plus one) that make up the Basic Principles of saddle fit. However, on some animals this just isn’t going to happen. Nov 24, 2012 - Proper Western Saddle Placement. Here is the explanation of where and why the tree and saddle … Properly position, the saddle will not need to be "tightly" girthed. The first thing to hit your mind once you mount a western saddle is that your hips feel good against the cantle. A western saddle tree is designed to fit right behind the shoulder blades of the horse in what is often called the “wither pocket” area. Place the Western saddle on your horse to prepare your ride. Your saddle is too wide if the front of the saddle is low. It actually is one of the sections from our Western Saddle Fit - Well Beyond the Basics video that we are still plugging away at getting finalized. Proper position of a Western saddle A rider who position the saddle in the wrong place on a horse's back and holds it there defeats everything the saddle and tree maker does to make the saddle fit the horse correctly. Position - seeing the shoulder blade under saddle This also results in pinching but at the top of the saddle’s bars. This deserves a section of its own because it doesn’t matter what the tree is shaped like, how the saddle is built, what kind of horse it is put on or how the rider sits and rides – if the saddle is put in the wrong position on the horse, it WON’T match his shape, it WILL put high pressures on him and it WILL, in the long run, damage the horse. Billet or Latigo Alignment. It’s best that you take a step back and take a close look at your horse while he is saddled to determine fit. Place your saddle and shimmed pad on top of your horse keeping in mind that a WESTERN SADDLE’S FRONT CONCHO should be located right on top of/in line with the area where you curled your fingertips over the scapula’s back edge. — Proper western saddle placement entails the bars of the tree sitting right behind the horse’s shoulder blade. Monitor your horse’s attitude and behavior while riding, which can clue you in on a painful saddle fit, but keep in mind: some horses are more stoic than others. A horse is standing quietly in cross-ties, when the rider appears with a saddle. If not, for the safety of your ride, it is time for repair or replacement. Some saddle pads, such as the SMX Cowboy Deluxe Pad, are uniquely designed and contoured to fit your horse’s back immediately, relieve wither pressure and wick away sweat and moisture. Be sure to avoid over-padding your horse, a common practice that can result in your saddle rolling and sliding more easily. We show you pressure mat data that demonstrates the change in pressures when the same saddle is put on the same horse with the same rider but in different positions. Overtightening a cinch can add pressure and discomfort for your horse before you even step into the stirrups. Lower Body Your legs and feet should hang long in western riding with a slight bend in your knees. Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high. Saddle trees or bars come in various widths and may have special features. The western saddle has a channel, "the … It's not just ancient history, Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Refund Policy | Contact Us. There are no items in your shopping cart. Most horsemen and horsewomen would agree with this statement. Note that you can’t see much daylight between Goodnight’s leg and the horse’s side. Position - seeing the shoulder blade Then we show you evidence of the damage produced by misplaced saddles. This site requires Javascript. The billets or latigo should hang perpendicular to the ground so that the … In general, horses with a wider build need wider trees or bars. This is also the first thing you should avoid. Because trail, endurance and ranch horses are ridden for extended periods of time, … Be careful to avoid letting your legs slip forward into a chair position. Regular bars have a narrow angle and Full bars have a wide angle. The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horse’s shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement. Proper Position of a Western Saddle Video. Position the saddle slightly forward of where it will rest. So where is the proper place? All the time. For your saddle’s fit and proper positioning on your horse, it is important that your horse’s cinch fit well, too. If the skirt lifts at the front, your saddle is too narrow. Correct western saddle fit is as important to the equine as correct shoe fit is to the human. Brad Barkemeyer keeps his horse comfortable with proper saddle pad and saddle placement. A saddle that fits you as a rider should allow your pelvis to be neutral not tipped forwards or backward. Position Fix #2: Nix the Splits. A roper cinch is wide and contoured, so when they are cinched up and stop quickly, the weight is distributed more evenly over a wider area of the horse, reducing uncomfortable pressure on the horse’s abdomen. This “new” location for the stirrup leathers was remarkably consistent by tree makers. A quick word on proper cinch position. If your blue jeans were two sizes too small, it’s likely your body would show signs of (major) discomfort, such as pinching and red marks. Your saddle pad should fit up and away from your horse’s spine and withers. Keep in mind, though: non-nylon cinches could stretch up to a full size, so based on your preference, consider the material before ordering a cinch for your horse. What is the proper way to sit in a western saddle? FAQs Related to Parts of the Western Saddle. Place the template over your horse from one mark to the other. Your use of the Valley Vet Supply website is governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. So the standard for most western saddles positioned the center of the stirrups 10-12 inches in front of the low point of the seat. Please reference your browser help section for enabling Javascript. The proper saddle position for a western saddle tree is designed to fit right behind the shoulder blades of the horse. Thick or thin. Foot position in the stirrup (safety and balance) Let’s try to clear them now. Great photos with skeleton overlays for understanding. For safety, closely observe your tack and the quality of your leather pieces. When western trees were used by early endurance saddle makers this forward stirrup position was retained. Position - why it is so important Your ankle bone should reach the bottom of the iron. The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horse’s shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement. When tightening your horse’s cinch for an everyday ride, consider how tightly you wear your belt, and offer your horse the same level of comfort. Elements 1-9 While Riding. This means that most of what the saddle and tree makers do to ensure proper fit for the horse is thrown out the window when the rider places and holds the saddle in the wrong position. Using a soft tape measure or piece of twine, run the tape under the horse's girth area and measure between the D rings on the front of the saddle. Relax your legs, and let them hang. Some horses have a pocket of sorts formed where the back of the shoulder blade rolls down to the rib cage. The horse’s ears go back, she starts biting at the cross-ties, swishing her tail and shuffling around. Now, imagine how your horse before you even step into the stirrups inches! 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