Western vs. English Saddles
Horse Saddle: I am the lovely piece of work placed on the back of horses for riders to sit upon. I ensure stability for both riders and horses, and distribute the weight of riders evenly. I come in several forms, numerous enough to make your head spin. My variations are shaped in regard to location [e.g English, Australian, Western, German etc], tree type [e.g Wade, flex Tree, treeless etc], production technique [handmade custom or manufactured], material [Leather or synthetic], activity [parading, roping, show, endurance, racing, trail, reining etc] and several others.
English Saddle: I am the saddle used to ride horses in "English riding" disciplines world wide. Though with an English background, I am not limited in use by English speaking countries or in England alone. I have features that make me unique and stand out as envy in the equestrian world. My Stirrups can be detached from the saddle [in case of an emergency]. I have a piece of equipment known as a girth, which is used to keep me in place on a horse. It passes under the barrel of the equine, usually attached to me on both sides by two or three leather straps called billets. My rare end has a subtle and not-too-obvious feature known as the Cantle [or Seat]: This is used to provide greater comfort and security to riders. I generally cover a small surface area compared to others, yet have proven to be more effective with simplicity. Much of the weight bearing area in me is supported by a large internal flocking inside the panels.
Australian saddle: I am the saddle used for activities requiring long hours on the horse. I came as a variation of the English saddle eons ago, but have soon developed my own uniqueness as time went by. I have a distinct feature known as the Knee pad [aka 'poleys'] to provide security for riders who ride in rough conditions & spend long hours on horses. The ‘poleys’ are usually located around riders thighs in front of the saddle. I was designed to cater for conditions ranging from soothing to rigid. My seats are deeper than the typical English saddle and my Cantle higher. I am kept on with a girth attached to the billets under the flaps.
Western Saddle: I am the saddle used for Western Riding in the United States of America, mainly in the ‘western’ part. I am often tagged with the ‘cowboy’ name. I was designed to provide both security & comfort to riders and their horses, traveling long hours in harsh environment. I fancy being flashy and different. I tend not to like ’simplicity’ because I pride myself at being unique and robust. I don’t call my girths ‘girths’ [you bet] but cinch. My Stirrups cannot be detached from me in an emergency, but instead I have a wider tread; combined with the rider’s high-heeled boots- this design minimizes the risk that the rider will slip through the stirrups during a fall, and the rider being dragged.
My Cantle is one of the most revealing of all horse saddles, providing greater comfort and security. I cover a wider surface area than the Typical English or Australian saddle. My cinch is tied on with a flat strap of leather or nylon known as the latigo. I have no padding between the tree and the external leather and fleece skirting… Okay, okay, it seems I brag a lot, but really, I’m truly unique because I am the most ‘modified’ and thoroughly customized to suit riders tastes. And I am often used for ’show’ purposes. Yeah, I show-off a lot! But there are no ‘best’ saddles anywhere, only suitable and familiar ones.
Horse: I am the tamed animal Humans ride upon. I know not of western, English, Australian, Portuguese, German or even youth saddles. I only know it when my back hurts if the seating equipment placed on it pokes my spine or is not properly fitted- I ‘neighhhhhhh’ at the rider, indicating pain and discomfort- and I know when it does not. I love humans, and would give my full agility and beauty to the ones who seat on me properly.
By: W. Akin-William
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Saddle Resources:
Horse riding saddles, which is also called equestrian saddles, are seats attached on the horse’s back to support the rider.
How To Pick From So Many Saddles
But if you do take the time to choose wisely, you will definitely enjoy your saddle purchase a lot more. And more importantly, so will your horse. About the Author: Author Information:
Should You Buy An English Saddle or Western Saddle
The distinctions between the two main types of saddles for sale. English saddles weigh less than western saddles. They also have steel stirrups. English saddles also come with flexible cinching to let the horse breathe more freely.
The way a saddle rides and handles will vary as well. And then there is the human factor. That is, different people with different body types will have different needs for a horse saddle.
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Antares Saddle: How Do They Compare to Others?
Antares is a company that was founded fairly recently by some of the best riders in the world. Antares saddles are made with not only your comfort in mind but the comfort of the horse as well. Antares takes a holistic view of the horse and rider and with their saddles you and your horse can feel like one being with nothing impinging on your control.
Antares saddles are built with the softest leather by highly skilled craftsmen in France and they’re built to be stronger and sturdier than most other saddles. Antares is a company that knows what the horse and riders need because their saddles are designed by riders for riders and you can feel the passion in every ride. If you’re going to get an English style saddle you’re already looking for a good comfortable fit and with these wonderfully soft lower profile Antares saddles your comfort is assured.
You can go ahead and look around at the other saddle companies but when it comes down to the decision of which saddle to buy you’re going to want to go with the best. Remember, this saddle will last at least a lifetime with good care so make sure you spend time to make the right decision. Show the world you care about performance but you also know horses, so you are going to buy the best there is no matter how much it costs.
There may be other saddle brands out there but there are no others that combine the craftsmanship, quality materials and expert design that the Antares saddle does. It takes a very special kind of person to be able to really ride a horse and it takes a very special company to provide the best saddle in the world.
Author: Russ Spanglish
Visit HorseSaddlePro.com to learn more about Horse Saddles and find product information related to Antares Saddles.
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English Horse Tack and Supplies
Horse tack is the short name for all of the accessories and items that go along with owning and riding a horse. These horse supply items provide many different accessories for different ways of riding horses. There are several main types of tacks, one most notably being the English tack. Horse tack can be bought in many different places, but some stores specialize in particular tack supplies.
There are several main components to the English tack that are different than Western horse tack. Of course, the basic elements are there; the saddle, bridles, stirrups, bits, and harnesses, but for English horses, many of these different items have their own unique twist. Horse riding has been a popular sport in Europe for many years, almost since horses became used for riding, so it is not surprising that they have their own styles of horse supply.
The English horse equipment is used for most Olympic sports, and is also used for most other equestrian sports. The English saddle is different from the western saddle because it is smaller and allows the horse a greatest range of motion. The English bridle has a Cavesson noseband, and is mostly used because it has the greatest functionality. Another English bridle, called the double bridle, has two bits for maximum control by the rider.
English riders also use a breastplate to protect the horse in dangerous activities, such as jumping and fox hunting. There is also a difference not only in accessories between the English and Western styles of horse supply, but also in riding style. English riding focuses more on style and precision, while Western riding focuses more on abilities that the horse and rider can do together.
There are many different sources that offer English tack equipment for your horse. Most tack supplies shops offer both the Western tack and English styles. If new materials are too expensive for you, then there are also different discount tack shops that offer the same materials for reduced prices because they are used.
Sometimes English horse tack can be a little harder to find, but there are still options. There are many shops that also sell things through the internet. Shipping is sometimes a big expense, so try and find the larger items nearer to home if possible. And of course, if you are new to the style, be sure to consult with a professional before purchasing any equipment.
For the English style of riding, English tack supplies are necessary for professional quality and safety. Riders in the English style need all of the English horse supply accessories to be competitive in the field. Most riding supply shops sell this kind of tack, so finding the right equipment should be pretty easy. Just remember that if starting this style for the first time, then consulting with a professional will ensure that you get the right supplies.
Author: Mike Selvon
A free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about the English tack. Your comment is much appreciated at our horse tack and equipment blog.
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Choosing Horse Tack Equipment
Horse tack equipment is nothing other than all of the accessories that a horse wears while being ridden. Of course, bareback riding is possible, but most riders like to "saddle up" their horse with the required English or Western tack. One differs from the other in the number of accessories used more than anything else, yet both can be quite expensive. However, it is important that you always use the best quality equipment for the horse, such as the products from Reinsman, Pro Choice, Tom Balding and Rod’s.
English tack is a little more complicated to use than the Western style and this is why most riders prefer the latter. Some of the horse tack equipment used includes halters, stirrups, saddles, bridles, saddle pads, harnesses, lead ropes, breastplates, the girth (which is part of the English tack, while its counterpart uses cinches) and martin angles. There are also three kinds of bridles: the hackamore, the single bridle and the double bridle. As well, there are varied girths: nylon, leather, string and webbing. Saddles too come in many types, such as pleasure saddles for leisure riding, training saddles, side saddles, military saddles, polo saddles, jumping saddles, roping saddles and dressage saddles, among others.
Everything is important when you outfit a horse, regardless of whether it is English or Western tack, and it has to be maintained very well if you want to use it for a reasonable amount of time. The leather tack is the most expensive and the most troublesome in maintenance, as it needs to be wiped and polished every time it is used. For those who are more practical, nylon tack makes better sense. Fortunately, the nylon horse tack equipment is less demanding when it comes to maintenance and it can also be washed when needed.
Judging from the two types of horse tack equipment, the Western tack seems to be more popular due to its lower number of pieces and simplicity. Both however, need to be a perfect match for the horse. You also need to maintain the equipment, making sure that it is in A1 shape at all times. Improperly assembled tack could be fatal for riders.
Author: Mike Selvon
A free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about the western tack. Your comment is much appreciated at our horse tack and equipment blog.
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How to Care for Horses : Horse Care Equipment Tips
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Is your horse too fat or too thin? Find out with Spillers condition scoring!
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charlotte walk trot
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charlotte mounting
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How To Choose The Right Equestrian Wear
How To Choose The Right Equestrian Wear
Riding hats and helmets come in different designs and the design is often chosen dependent on the discipline. More often than not the design of the hat that riders choose will be down to personal preference, comfort and fit. It is important that the hat you choose is new and conforms to current safety standards BSEN1384, EN1384 or PAS015.
The correct leg wear can contribute to an enjoyable ride. Wearing uncomfortable leg wear that pinches or allows the riders leg to move too much can hinder the rider when performing aids and affect their safety when on the horse. While riding skills are not going to be improved with the use of suitable clothing, improper clothing can hinder the progression of the rider. Jodhpurs and breeches are fitted to the leg, have durable seat and knee patches with many giving extra security in these places too. They are stretchy and the material used keeps the rider from overheating. Typically the quality, fit and additional features are improved as the price increases.
Riding boots are important for more than one reason. The sole and heal of the boot will be made with safety in mind. It should be made of a hard wearing material with a fine grip tread and heel to prevent the foot from slipping right through the stirrup. Boots can be ankle height, these are called Jodhpur boots and long riding boots cover the rider’s calf finishing just below the riders knee. Comfort is vital as a lot of control when riding your horse will come from your legs and feet.
Riding jackets come in all shape and size and for many different purposes. Many riders will have a number of different jackets, for cold wet conditions, for warmer breezier weathers and for showing or competing. Any jacket the rider wears should be comfortable, suitable, leave the rider with plenty of movement through their arms and across their shoulders and should not flap or have parts that could get caught making them unsafe in any way. Chaps are a widespread piece of horse riding wear that many riders choose to use. They are brilliant as they fit over yard boots or Jodhpur boots and on top of jodhpurs giving the rider the additional grip and comfort that Long boots would provide but whilst giving them the peace of mind that they are not damaging or ruining their more expensive Long boots. They come in two forms, full length which fit hip to ankle and half chaps which fit the lower half of the rider’s leg. They can be worn on the yard for additional warmth and available in a variety of materials. Gaiters are closer fitting chaps and are commonly made from leather.
Author: Tammy Patterson
Tammy is a passionate equestrian rider who tries to promote the correct ways to be when working with horses. Tammy works part time for anythingequine.co.uk who specialises in equestrian wear and in particular equestrian jodhpurs in the UK.
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Choosing A Horse Bridle
Choosing A Horse Bridle
This informative article discusses the types and variations of bridles and bits and also their applications in the equestrian world.
Hackamore - This is a bitless bridle which is effective in controlling the horse via pressure points on the horses head and face. Reins are attached to the nose band/nose piece. This form of large leather bridle is often a good choice for horses with sensitive mouths and helps maintain good control of the horse. However, most shows don’t allow the use of Hackamore bridles.
Pelham - For use with a single pelhon bit, this English type bridle allows the use of either a snaffle or curb rein.
Double - As the name suggests, this bridle uses 2 bits; a Bradon and a Weymouth. Each has their own set of reins.
Due to the potential severity of this bridle and the skill it can require for use it is more commonly used in high levels of riding.
Western - As you would expect these bridles are usually worn in ‘western’ scenarios. They don’t have a noseband and are frequently seen without a brow band. The missing brow band is often replaced with a single ear design that wraps around one ear for security, helping to keep the bridle on.
Gag - This bridle is for use with ‘Gag’ bits. The cheek pieces are rounded and pass through both top and bottom holes of the bit attaching directly to the reins. Pressure on the reins slides the bit up or down the cheek pieces putting pressure on the corners of the horse’s mouth. This bridle if not used with caution can have a severe action. A common bit used in Polo, Rodeo and Show Jumping.
Halter - Commonly used by trail riders, for endurance riding and on ranches. This bridle has a ‘halter’ design and quick release cheek pieces. This is a brilliant safety feature for when wanting to tie up horses and for relieving the horse of the bit without having to remove the whole bridle.
Snaffle - One of the most commonly used bridles in English Riding. This bridle uses one bit, usually the Snaffle bit and one set of reins. It can be used with and other bits that use single reins.
There are many variations of bridles and they can be very specific for their purpose. Some bridles provide pressures on areas of the horse’s head, e.g. poll or lips, which assist in controlling the horse.
Parts of the Bridle - from top to bottom
Headpiece - A strip of leather that sits just behind the horses ears, the straps at either end are, on either side, the cheek pieces. The strip of leather on the horses off side is the throat lash; on the nearside is the throat lash attachment.
Brow band - Additional security to prevent the cheek pieces slipping back. Noseband attachment and headpiece run through either end of the brow band. Decorative jewellery or colourful ribbon can be sewn on to brow bands for decoration, often matching the rider.
Cheek pieces - Either side of the horses face, are found on either end of the headpiece. They are used to attach the bit to the bridle.
Noseband - Attached through the ends of the brow band and follows the same line over the horses head as the headpiece. Used to keep the mouth / jaws closed, or for attaching certain martingales.
Throat lash - Fitted as a strap under the horse’s throat for additional security. Should not be fitted tightly.
Reins - Attach to the bit, below the cheek pieces attachments. They are the rider’s form of contact to the horses head. They can be made of rubber, plain leather, braided or laced leather or non-slip material useful for when riding in wet conditions.
There are other attachments or accessories that can be worn in conjunction with these basics; these include Bit Guards, Curb Straps, Lip Straps and Blinkers. All of which will be added if and when they are needed. There are also a range of pony show bridles.
Fitting and Safety
Horses should never be tied up using the reins of their bridle. If they were to pull back severe injury to the horses head and jaw can occur.
A correctly fitted bridle is essential for the horses comfort and the riders’ control. A correctly fitting bridle will help when trying to develop a good working relationship between horse and rider.
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Felicity is a part-time columnist, writing intermittent overviews in the UK for anythingequine.co.uk who sell equestrian bridles and horse tack equipment. Anything Equine specialise in saddles and horse rugs in the UK.
What Are Useful Horse Tack Supplies?
Bridles are one of the most essential horse tack items that you, as a rider, should have. These are used to communicate with your horse.
Double bridles are used for English Riding in the dressage discipline and use two bits in the mouth at once, a snaffle bit and a curb bit. The two bits allow the rider to have very precise control of the horse.
Taking care of a horse is not as easy as one may think. Your horse’s health, shelter, food and horse tack supplies are all very important things to consider, with regard to the care of these giant animals.
In horse riding, horse bits and bridles work on the horses head and mouth to control the direction of the horse. Learn more about how horse bits work with tips from a horse trainer in this free horse care video.
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Types Of Horse Girths
Types Of Horse Girths
Used to make sure the saddle is correctly attached to the horses back, the girth sits around 10 cm behind the horses’ front legs. There are a number of types of girth and styles online in the Anything Equine store. They are used for many different disciplines, as described below.
Balding Girths
Made from leather and cut into 3 strips.
Atherstone Girths
Shaped leather with a stronger strip of leather along the centre.
Dressage Girths
Also called a ‘Lonsdale’ girth. Not as long as other girths and used primarily with dressage saddles. The long billets on dressage saddles allow this girth to be fitted without the buckles interfering with the rider’s leg aids. They can be made from leather, strong cotton or padded cotton and in Balding or Atherstone styles.
Unshaped Girths
Can be made from padded cotton or flat heavy cotton, both with webbing reinforcements, or they can also be made from leather.
Over girths
Mostly used when racing. Overgirths are used in addition to a regular girth to provide additional saddle security and are worn around the belly of the horse and across the seat of the saddle.
Stud Guards / Jumping Girths
These are commonly used when show jumping or eventing, they have a large protective pad that sits under the horse’s belly, preventing studs or horse shoes from striking the horse’s underside as they tuck their front legs up and under when jumping.
Tips
When choosing a girth it is essential that the correct size is chosen, for the horses comfort and for the rider’s safety. The girth should spread even pressure across the belly of the horse. The measurement should be taken using a flexible measuring tape from the middle hole of one of the billets on your saddle, under the horse’s belly in the position where the girth will sit, then to the middle hole of a billet on the opposite side.
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Felicity is a freelance columnist, writing occassional columns in the UK on behalf of anythingequine.co.uk who sell horse girths and saddlery products. Anything Equine specialise in breeches and bridles in the UK.
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How do you find a dressage girth to fit your horse??
My horse is a 48 in my saddle, but i just got a dressage saddle and I want to buy the right girth. What size dressage girth should i get if my horse is a 48?
Wintec elastic girth with CAIR
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