How do you saddle a horse for riding?

What should I look for when buying a saddle?

When buying a saddle always adjust the stirrups to the proper length so you can assess the feel of the seat and the balance of the saddle correctly. With the saddle positioned correctly, the bars of the tree behind the shoulder blades of the horse, evaluate the following points:

How can you tell if a saddle is too narrow?

Likewise, if the saddle skirt is so narrow that you have to force it over your horse’s body, then the saddle is too narrow. In a more subtle manner, a wide saddle would seem to tip forward onto the horse’s withers, the back skirt sticking up.

Where is the saddle on a mule?

Looking at the pommel, the space just underneath is called a saddle gullet and is located over the mule’s withers. It’s important that the gullet have the right amount of clearance over the withers. If the height is too short, the saddle will rub on the mule’s withers.

What makes a good quality saddle for a mule?

Quality saddles are made to fit a mule’s general conformation and build; but like a horse, every mule is an individual. And as their backs change with age and maturity, the fit of the saddle will change with it. Understanding your mule or horse’s conformation goes a long way to helping you make an informed decision towards any purchase.

Why buy a bespoke saddle?

A saddle that is designed with features that are interchangeable will provide the height of comfort and freedom for the horse, and support and security for the rider. 5. Choosing to buy a bespoke saddle will help ensure it is fitted by trained experts who understand your horses needs.

Why does a saddle have to fit the horse correctly?

The reason the saddle has to fit the horse correctly is so that the horse doesn’t end up with a sore back, blisters and soars. So I’m going to give you some helpful tips that will help you learn how to measure a Western saddle seat before you make your purchase.

What part of the shoulder does a horse saddle hit a mule?

There is a name for the part of the shoulder that horse saddles hit on a mule. It’s known as the scapula. When the mule walks with a horse saddle, that scapula goes up and down, continually hitting the saddle with every step.

Where are the bones on a Mule’s back?

Look at the mule’s back near the rear of the spine and you’ll see three bones sticking up… right above where your saddle will sit. Skirting on a horse can be bound together.

Do mules fit the same as horses?

“Mules are the same shape as horses, and saddles and collars do not fit the same,” Perkins said. “There are online outfitters that specialize in mule equipment.”

How to measure yourself for the Right saddle?

Here’s the step to measuring yourself for the right saddle. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your butt against the back of the chair, so you are sitting straight and upright. Use a measuring tape, measure from your knee to the back of your butt. To be safe or if you are in doubt, always opt for a larger measurement.

Why does my Horse’s Saddle Rock?

It can be seen in older horses and poorly conditioned horses; swayback is a common saddle fitting problem. It can be remedied with the use of a bridge pad. A horse with a short back will require a saddle with short bars/skirts. A very straight back, often seen in mules but not very prevalent in horses, can cause the saddle to “rock”.

Why choose a wool flocked saddle?

“As horses grow and develop there may be occasions when the saddle requires adjustment for the perfect fit and this is achievable when the saddle is flocked totally with pure wool. “When deciding on which saddle to choose make sure you decide on one that is designed to allow maximum performance from the rider as well as the horse.”

What is the best saddle for horses?

Saddles – Heritage 100% English Bespoke Saddles. The best saddles. The “Flying Pace” 5 Gait Icelandic Horse Saddle with Shoulder Freedom Panels. The Heritage “Cheshire Dressage Saddle” – A True Classic. Bespoke and off the peg options available.

What determines the size of a horse’s seat?

Keep in mind that another thing that dictates the seat size is the angle of the cantle. For instance, let’s say you have a 17-inch saddle. If the cantle was more upright, it might measure only 16 or 16.5 inches – even though nothing else has changed.

Can a horse saddle hit a mule?

Instead of a saddle that sits safely away from the animal’s movement, you now have a saddle that sits right on top of the mule’s shoulder and every time he takes a step, his shoulder is hitting that saddle. There is a name for the part of the shoulder that horse saddles hit on a mule.

Are all Australian saddles the same?

Every horse or mule is different, just similar. The same goes for hand-made saddles. No two are the same, just similar. Australian saddles fit an interesting place in saddlery: they are somewhere in between a Western saddle and an English saddle. And for good reason.

Are mules and horses the same thing?

Mules and Horses Are Different. Period. Yes, mules are bred from horses and donkeys, but they are more like a donkey than a horse. Mules and horses are structurally different, which is why there’s a difference between mule tack and horse tack.

Can you feed a mule the same as a horse?

Mules and donkeys should not be fed the same way as horses. Mules and donkeys are members of the equine family, along with horses, ponies and zebras. Most people think you can feed them a diet similar to horses, but in lower quantity.

What makes a well fitted saddle for a horse?

A well fitted saddle should distribute weight evenly through the bars over the horse’s thoracic and lumbar spine, with complete clearance of the wither by the gullet. The saddle must also fit the rider to enable the rider to sit in balance.

What is the best wool for flocking a horse?

Long fibre wool, which is white/cream in colour is one of the best types to use for flocking as it is less likely to ball up, causing hard lumps. Eventually, all flocking will ball up. Synthetic wool, which is commonly found in low budget saddles or those which have not been reflocked for a while. It is cheap and less than ideal.