Horse Riding
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.
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.
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.
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.
When learning to ride a horse, a rider must learn the correct usage and implementation of the auxiliary aids. These aids are the voice, whip and spurs and are used to both communicate the rider’s intentions to the horse and to back up the basic aids of the legs and reins.
The Voice
Whist training the young horse the voice is an indispensible asset but is used sparingly with older horses. In some disciplines such as Dressage, the use of verbal cues to a horse is not permitted.
When using a verbal cue the most important factor in communication with a horse is the tone. Horses are very astute animals and will easily pick up on and react to the attitude and actions of the rider. Talking in a calm and relaxed manner will have a soothing effect on a horse where as short, sharp commands will cause the horse to become more alert and react quicker.
When teaching a horse a new exercise or trying to settle it down after being startled, it is best to use a calm and reassuring voice. If you want your horse to become more responsive and concentrate on what you are doing, or to reinforce a command it is better to use your voice in a more stimulating manner. A horse has very good hearing and will react to the tone and inflection of your voice and as such raising your voice or yelling is not only unnecessary but can often have a detrimental effect. Remember that the primary aim of a voice command is to give a horse confidence.
The Whip
The primary aim of a whip is to make a horse more alert but it can also be used in such areas as flatwork to increase the engagement of the hind quarters. It is held in such a way that it will allow an easy application without disturbing the position of the hands or the application of the reins. The whip should sit across the rider’s thigh and point to the rear of the horse.
The use of the whip is beneficial on green (young) horses to help encourage the forward driving of the weight and legs. It can also be used to help re-enforce a movement in older horses that are not giving the correct response to the leg aids.
Good judgment and skill are required to correctly use a whip. The whip must be used with a short, sharp tap at the correct moment so that the horse is able to learn the lesson that the whip is communicating. The misuse of a whip will either cause the horse to become unresponsive to the commands or to become tense and scared.
The Spurs
The main function of a spur is to assist the rider in the application of the leg aids in a more refined and skillful manner, another secondary use is to reinforce a leg aid if the horse is not giving the desired response. It is important for correct use that the wearer of the spurs is able to apply his legs in a controlled manner independent of the seat.
The general rule with spurs is that the shorter the legs of the rider and therefore closer to the horse, the shorter the neck of the spurs should be. The use of spurs, as with all aids should be kept short and to the point. The overuse of the spur will only serve to make the horse either dull to their application or fizzy and nervous.
Whether riding in a school or outdoor area, every rider must ensure that his horse stands quietly until he is on its back and ready to move off.
The reins should be fastened and sitting flat upon the horse’s neck. Whilst preparing to mount, the rider should always have one arm through the reins, e.g whilst adjusting the stirrups down, adjusting the stirrup leathers or tightening the girth. It is unsafe to leave a horse standing by itself whilst mounting: even the tamest: best trained horse can take become spooked and run away, causing serious injury to itself as well as to other horses and riders.
Always adjust the stirrups before mounting. The length should be approximately equal to the length of the outstretched arm, with the finger tip on the tongue of the buckle by the stirrup bar. The length is about right if, with the leather taught, the stirrup reaches the armpit.
Two mount, stand on the near side of the horse(left), with your back to the horses head, and begin to mount as follows:
• grasp the reins in your left hand on top of the horse’s neck, with the left rein between the third finger and the little finger, and the right rein running through the palm of the hand. Both reins should be in like contact with the horse’s mouth with a slightly stronger contact on the right rein if the horse fidgets.
• step far enough back and to the right to be able to put your left foot in the stirrup.
• grasp the mane in your left hand, and with your right hand take hold of the stirrup leather and turn it towards you.
• place your left foot in the stirrup so that the stirrup is behind the ball of the foot, then lean your left knee against the saddle so that your toe does not disturb the horse.
• stand on tiptoe on your right foot, catch hold of the cantle of the saddle with your right hand, hold on to the mane or the pommel with your left hand, transfer your weight onto your left foot, press your left knee against the saddle and push off energetically with your right foot, leaning or upper body forwarded you do so.
• placing your right hand on the pommel for support, swing your right leg slowly over the croup and lower your seat carefully into the saddle.
• place your right foot in the stirrup and take up your reins.
A mounting block or store can be used as an aid. This is of particular benefit to our older riders a also helps to prevent damage to the horse’s back. Before moving off, the rider should transferred the right rein into his right hand and then make the horse stand still for a while before moving off.
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No matter what the discipline of horse sports that you are into, the basic seat forms the foundation for all types of riding. The basic seat is the type of seat that is best used for any type of flat work or for the schooling of both the horse and the rider.
It is important to note that the basic seat position will differ slightly from person to person due to factors such as the build of the rider and the height and width of the horse.
In the basic seat the rider sits upright in the saddle and should be in a position where a vertical line can be drawn through the rider’s ear, shoulder, the point of the hip and the ankle joint. The bottom should rest in the lowest part of the saddle. The body’s weight should be spread equally over both halves of the saddle as well as the inside of the thighs. The legs should be relaxed as any tension or tightening in the inner thighs will lever the rider out of the deepest part of the seat and cause the rider to become unbalanced.
The rider’s seat should be relaxed and free from tension and the thighs should be rolled inward slightly so that the knees will rest flat against the saddle. This will ensure a “deep knee” position which is vital for a deep seat and correct leg position which will allow the rider the maximum use of the riding aids.
A fork seat may result if the stirrups are too long. With a forked seat, the legs have to stretch too far and this causes the riders weight to be taken on the thighs which in turn decreases the ability to correctly apply the leg aids.
Riding with the stirrups too short will result in a chair seat, thus named because the rider’s legs rest in the same position as they would in a chair. This position will also affect the use of the leg aids and cause the rider to sit in a shallow seat.
The lower legs should slope backwards from the knee, with the inside of the calf maintaining a soft contact with the horse’s body. This angle will place the lower leg just behind the girth, completing the vertical line that runs from the ear to heel.
The feet should naturally rest on the stirrup tread, almost parallel to the horse’s side and with the tread just behind the widest part of the foot. Whilst moving the foot should be allowed to flex and the heel should sink slightly lower than the rest of the foot.
The upper body should be vertical and the rider should be seated in the deepest part of the saddle with his body free from tension. The rider should sit tall in the saddle but not in a forced or unnatural way. The muscles of the upper body should be strong enough to maintain the upright position but no so tight as to prevent the body from going with the movement of the horse.
The head should be freely carried in a natural position without tension in the neck muscles and the eyes should look straight out over the horse’s ears.
The shoulders should be in a natural position without tension and should be drawn slightly back so as to extend the chest foward. The upper arms should hang down freely from the shoulders slightly in front of the verticle with the forearms pointing in a direct line to the horses bit.
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In order to correctly place a snaffle bridle on a horse you must first hold the bridle in your left hand by the poll in a way so that when you are standing beside the horse the bridle naturally faces the same direction as if it were already on. Once you are ready you then:
· Move to the left hand side of the horse, slightly behind the head.
· With your right hand put the reins over its head.
· Remove the halter.
· Place the poll of the bridle in your right hand and hold it just in front of the horse’s eyes.
· At the same time grasp the bit in the palm of the left hand in preparation to insert into the horse’s mouth.
· Press your left thumb gently on the horses lip to open its mouth.
· Whilst this is happening raise the bridle with your right hand and place the bit in the horse’s mouth with the left.
· With your right hand lift the poll of the bridle as high as it will go and then over one ear at a time.
· Do up the throat latch and or noseband
· Pull the forelock out so that it sits over the browband and tidy the mane under the poll.
Once this is done, inspect the corners of the mouth to see if the bridle is adjusted properly. If the adjustment is correct the corners of the mouth should produce two wrinkles, or smiley faces, one on each side. The headpiece should sit flat just bend the ears. If the browband is too small or tight it will cause the headpiece to rub the back of the ears and chafe the horse. The throatlatch should be loose enough so as to allow a person’s hand to be placed in between the throatlatch and the throat.
Using A Drop NoseBand
When correctly fitted a Drop Noseband should sit approximately four fingers width above the nostrils and should be fastened in such a manner that it will not allow the horse to open up its mouth but still allow it enough room so as to mouth the bit. The rings that join the chinstrap to the nosepiece should be no further rearward than the mouthpiece of the bit. The only way that the rings can be any further back is if the nosepiece is too long. The chinstrap will fasten in the chin groove with the buckle on the outside of the jawbone in such a manner that it does not place pressure on it. The upper edge of the nosepiece of the cavesson nose band, or the cavesson part of the flash noseband, should sit approximately one fingers width below the bottom of the cheekbone, and the noseband should be adjusted to provide room for at least one finger to be inserted between it and the nasal bone.
The correct placement of a bridle on a horse is not just for the safety of the handler during its fitting. When a bridle is correctly fitted it increases the comfort of the horse which in turn makes the horse more responsive and the ride more enjoyable.
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