The usage of saddle pads has long been used to protect the horse’s back from extreme heat, pressure points, gouging and galling due to uneven weight distribution during horse riding. It is located between the saddle and the horse’s back in order to make it easier for the horse to perform at its best. There is a wide variety of saddle pads to choose from and the owners are responsible to decide on which size would fit their horse properly.

What to Look for in a Saddle Pad?

Saddle pads are simple yet valuable cloths that are added on the back of the horse. Since there are many options, owner must be able to identify the ideal characteristics of the pad in order to be effective.  The first thing to consider is the materials and the proper fit of the pad. It should prevent the pressure from the bars of the saddle to penetrate to muscle. Moreover, it should be flexible and re-conform as the weight of the object shifts. Heavy weight without proper support can lead to the impediment of blood flow to the muscles resulting to soreness of muscle and create damage. See to it that the pad is cushioning the edges and corner of the saddle seat to prevent it from digging into the horse’s back and shoulders. Poor blood flow can hamper the optimum performance of the horse.

In view of the fact that horses are not equally developed on both sides, the pad should fill in the difference in the less-developed side. If not attended to immediately, the saddle will continuously put more pressure on the weakest side on the back of a horse, making it more uncomfortable due to the poor blood circulation in the area. A good saddle cloth is also able to pull sweat away from the horse’s skin. It can reduce the presence of heat and cool down the horse’s back.

Choosing the Most Suitable Saddle Pad

It is important that owners must understand the reason why a saddle pad is being used and how their zealous effort to look for the suitable pad will make a difference. Since there are various options for a saddle pad, knowing how it will function can help with the selection. As for cutting horse, it needs flexibility, thus the pad should not inhibit the horse’s agility or gouge into his flank or shoulder as he pops back and forth. A thinner saddle pad with close contact will be fine.  Alternatively, a roping horse absorbs a huge impact when the steer hits the end of the rope, driving the saddle bars deep into the pad. The pad should be able to absorb shock. Long trips may require a pad that will not trap heat and moisture. While, leisure ride may need a pad that will help distribute the weight evenly to also absorb shock and keep moisture away.

Make your horse feel loved and make every horse riding experience a memorable one by choosing the best saddle pads. 

What Happens When There Are Saddle Pads? is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Along with the saddle, stirrup is also an important equipment in order to enjoy horse riding. It looks like a U-shaped item made of a light frame or ring that intends to hold the foot of the rider. It is attached to the saddle thru a strap called stirrup leather. The U-shaped piece is called the tread and it has a roller across the top that is bolted on both sides. The bolt wear leather covers the bolt and allows the stirrup to swing from the stirrup leather of the saddle. Most often, there are wear leathers or sometimes rubber on the bottom of the tread to give traction to the rider’s foot.

How does a stirrup work?

Stirrup is not just a mere accessory that is being installed together with saddle. It usually aids in mounting and serves as a support while riding a horse for any activity. One of its functions includes increasing the rider’s ability to keep still and maintain stability in the saddle and control the mount. This provides a better communication between the rider and the horse.

Two Types of Stirrup

The use of stirrups is no longer new since it has been used in the early times. It had been considered as a crucial tool in the art of war. At present, there are many designs of stirrup to choose from. There are English-type stirrups as well as Western-type stirrups which differ mostly with the appearance. Nevertheless, both the English stirrup and Western stirrup has the same purpose of providing stability to the rider. There are also available stirrups depending on what activity you will engage in with the horse.

The Thing about Western-Style Stirrup

One type of stirrup is the western stirrup. It works hand-in-hand with the kind of saddle it is being paired with. A wide and comfortable stirrup is needed with a trail riding saddle. If a saddle for saddle bronc riding is used then a narrow tread is needed. A medium width stirrup is needed when a saddle for barrel racing or reining is being used. The different widths are considered in order to make sure that the rider remains stable and comfortable on the back of the horse. Most western stirrups that are used for pleasure riding are highly ornamented with silver. On the other hand, the ones that are being used for hunting are usually made of blaze orange in order to be visible to other hunters.

Some of the benefits of properly installed stirrups include speed, mobility, communication, stability and comfort. The way a stirrup is adjusted affects all those benefits. Moreover, the length of the stirrup also affects control and security. The shortest stirrups offer least control but give the most speed and mobility. While the longest stirrups give most communication and control but impede speed and agility.

What You Need to Know about Western-Style Stirrups? is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Saddles are among the most important gears being worn by the horse. It is a seat placed on the horse’s back to make sure the rider sits comfortably to be able to lead the horse powerfully. A good saddle ffitting should be considered when planning to treat your horse for a complete gear. Moreover, it provides both the rider and the horse the comfort they need when they are together. Imagine having the feeling of satisfaction when you get the right shoe fitting for you, this is also true with horses. Saddle fit is as good as shoe fitting that is why it must be taken seriously.

How to Determine a Good Saddle Fitting?

There are several ways to indicate that you’ve got a good saddle fit for your horse. Horses can increase in size as they grow mature that is why each saddle seat must be well-suited to avoid uneasiness and unsoundness in his performance. The length of the horse’s back should be measured correctly because it needs different skirts for the saddle. The skirt should never hit the point of hip or loin when adjusted properly. The saddle should be placed just after the shoulder and should never rest on it. Eventually, it will find its proper place without any force in a spot that it does not really fit. In addition to that, it should clear the withers by 2 inches, give or take. Make sure that it allows free movement of the shoulders. The saddle should appear to sit balanced when viewed from the side. It should not tilt to one side when viewed from behind. Remember that it should not rest on the spine and there should be no spaces where the saddle does not meet the horse. All the points of the seat should rest with even weight distribution at the front.

The Complications of ill-fitted Saddle

Most of the time, it is a hassle when some stuffs just won’t fit properly because they are either too tight or too loose. In the case of horse’s saddle, you must be aware of the negative outcomes if you don’t pay attention to the good saddle fit for your horse. Some of the complications include hollow back or elevated head. It can also cause the horse to have a stubborn attitude and show crankiness because it does not feel comfortable. The horse may have the inability to engage the hind leg and the saddle slides back too far from the shoulder. It is also noticeable that the horse will exhibit an elevated canter that feels like a small succession of bucks.

Always take note of other signs that will help you identify that your horse does not have a good saddle fitting. The muscle has the tendency to be atrophied or swell after riding. Also white hairs forming on the area is indicative that some pressure is closing off blood supply to the tissues.

The Reasons Why a Good Saddle Fitting is Important is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Equines are admired not only for their beauty but also for their strength and speed. Moreover, the rider must be able to communicate with equines well in order for them to perform efficiently. Among the tools that can help in the effective communication between the rider and the equine are the horse bridles and halters. Horse bridles are found on the equine’s head. It is one way to strengthen the connection between the rider and the equine when it comes to direction, flexibility and speed.

There are many types of equine bridles that are widely used everywhere. The rider must know how to use the tool properly to get great results. It must be used with patience, light pressure and it should be released when the horse responds and leg pressure must be used to assist the cues of the bridle. In addition to that, a precise fitting to the equine is a great factor to its excellent performance. A mismatched bridle can negatively affect the equine’s comfort, gait and cooperation.  Even though there are different kinds of equine bridles, they have common features that make them unique.

The Browband

A strap that rest across the forehead of the horse, just underneath the ears is called the browband. It is important to prevent the bridles from being pulled back over the ears and down the neck. Ensure that it fits snugly and does not pinch the equine. Some horse owners who prefer western bridles because it does not use a browband, instead it uses two ear loops attached to the headpiece. Along with either a browband or ear loops, a noseband is also being utilized to force a horse to drop its head. It is positioned above the nose but its functionality and exact placement differs depending on the style of bridle used and riding discipline. Sometimes, cosmetic nosebands that do not apply any pressure to a horse’s nose are preferred by owners.

The Cheekpiece

Another important part of the bridle is the cheekpiece. It determines the level of communication between the reins and the bit. It should fit properly because if it is fitted too loosely the bit will rest low in the horse’s mouth. It will cause the bit to hit the horse’s front teeth and the tongue to be subjected to uncomfortable pressure. This is definitely a detrimental experience for the horse and can negatively affect its performance. A properly fit cheekpiece will allow one wrinkle in the corners of the horse’s mouth.

The Throatlash

A piece that is situated underneath the upper jaw near the neck is called the throatlash or also called throat latch. It holds the bridle in place and prevents the horse from rubbing the bridle off his head. Ensure that these horse bridles have the proper clearance of about three fingers to avoid constriction in the horse’s breathing.

The Main Features of Horse Bridles and Halters is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Among the number of equipments that are being used to make a horse riding experience more comfortable, equine saddles are in demand when it comes to balance. Horse saddles come in different types such as the Western saddle, English saddle and Australian saddle and are utilized in different parts of the world.  Each type has its own characteristics which make them distinct. However, Australian saddle is highly distinguished because it is inspired by both Western and English saddle. It is heavier and sturdier than an English saddle while lighter and more compact than a traditional Western saddle.

Many horse enthusiasts are pleased with the convenience and versatility brought about by Australian horse saddle. Initially, horse saddle is widely-used for a more natural and balanced position while seated on the horse’s back. It is specially designed to assist and keep the rider in a firm position on the mount with legs stretched forward and heels toward the ground. The sense of balance and security of the saddle makes it very popular among beginners because it helps enhance the confidence of novice horse riders.

The Unique Saddle Seat

The Australian saddles sit more forward than other types and have more padding for additional comfort intended for the horse and rider. For trail riding, many horse enthusiasts love the Australian stock saddles because they have deep, padded seats. In addition to that, it is available in either a laminated wood tree or a two-barred tree and can be filled with a variety of materials like wool, acrylic or doe hair flocking adding more comfort for long rides. Some saddles even have small horns on the pommel, or the front of the saddle to keel the rider’s thigh relaxed and secure in place.

Extraordinary Features

Australian horse saddles possess distinctive features which make them stand out and chosen by many horse lovers. Aside from being lightweight, this kind of horse saddle includes exclusive features which promote safety and comfort. It includes kneepads also known as poleys, it lies parallel to the rider’s thigh. Its role is to keep the rider securely in place while travelling over a difficult terrain.

Another feature is the double girthing system that adds more leverage by using both an over girth and billet straps. It lessens the risk of saddle slippage and adds more security once the billets break because the saddle is still attached through the overgirth. Not only that, safety stirrups is included with leathers that will pull away from the saddle just in case the rider falls. The stirrups fit the rider’s boot at the instep which allows the rider to move his heels and feet against the horse’s side to alleviate any discomfort.

The perfect combination of two types of equine saddles from the different parts of the world makes an exquisite result of an Australian equine saddle. It must have an exact fit to the rider, which means, the rider’s center of gravity is well distributed over the horse’s shoulders, rather than the spine.

The Reasons Why Australian Equine Saddles are Sought-After is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Australian Polocrosse – Tansey 6 vs Dirranbandi 2 part 2 is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Australian Polocrosse – Tansey 6 vs Dirranbandi 2

Australian Polocrosse – Tansey 6 vs Dirranbandi 2 is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Australian Polocrosse – A Grade Final At Goondiwindi is a post from: KW Saddlery

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Australian Polocrosse Tansey vs Warwick 2nd Chukka 24 July 2011

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Australian Polocrosse At Goondiwindi – Tansey 6 vs Pallamallawa

Australian Polocrosse At Goondiwindi – Tansey 6 vs Pallamallawa is a post from: KW Saddlery

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