Gaited horse saddles for sale are cut to allow free movement of the shoulders and the hips. If your saddle is uncomfortable for your horse, or uncomfortable for you, invest in a saddle designed specifically for the narrower chest and higher withers of most gaited horses. These saddles are cut back in the front and are smaller.
The mechanics of the "gait" are such that 1 foot is always on the ground. There's no jarring or drop as there is when riding at a trot. Breeds that naturally gait are the Walkaloosa, Tennessee Walker, Florida Cracker, Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter, and the Rocky Mountain, to name just a few.
A good fitting saddle conforms to the animals back. The saddle tree should sit behind, not over the scapula. The saddle should distribute the riders weight, keeping it off the animal's spine. If in doubt, consult with your vet or trainer to be sure the saddle fits.
The rider should also be comfortable and well balanced. A comfortable rider not constantly shifting in the saddle will be a more comfortable rider for the horse. If only ridden on weekends, the saddle and rider should be no more that 25% of the animal's weight. The placement and length of stirrups are factors in a good fit. Women are usually most comfortable with a broad twist, men with a moderate twist.
Any horse with wide shoulders or a high withers might be best fitted with a gaited horse saddle. Different makers size their saddles differently. Choosing a saddle is a lot like fitting a pair of shoes. Place the saddle across the horse's back without any padding. Examine the fit from every angle. There shouldn't be gaps along the spine or withers. Don't fix a poorly fitted saddle by adding extra padding. The saddle will shift, making for an unsafe and uncomfortable ride. Adding extra padding is like wearing extra socks to make an oversized pair of shoes fit your feet.
Some features unique to these saddles are wider gullets with bars and twist angled to accommodate the longer shoulder reach and stride. Gullets are often higher so the withers won't be pinched. Smaller skirts keep the weight off the weaker portion of the back. Stirrups are hung in an equitation position to keep the riders weight more centered. They can be designed for English or Western trail riding.
White hairs under the saddle, uneven sweat patterns, and uneven muscling, are all signs of a poorly fitting saddle. Fitting problems are sometimes mistaken for behavior problems. A horse suffering from an incorrectly fitted saddle may dance and nip to resist saddling and mounting. Swishing the tail and lowering the head while being ridden are signs of discomfort. Difficulty maintaining a smooth gait and slow response to rein and leg cues are often the result of a poorly fitted saddle.
Most online web sites advertising gaited horse saddles for sale also offer fitting tips and assistance. Many will send a form so the owner can test sizing for a correct fit. Before purchasing, ask about return and exchange policies in case the saddle doesn't turn out to be a good fit. You may also find assistance with fitting and purchasing a saddle at your local feed and tack shop. Also many online venues offer used saddles for sale. Again, be sure to discuss fitting issues and return policy.
The mechanics of the "gait" are such that 1 foot is always on the ground. There's no jarring or drop as there is when riding at a trot. Breeds that naturally gait are the Walkaloosa, Tennessee Walker, Florida Cracker, Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter, and the Rocky Mountain, to name just a few.
A good fitting saddle conforms to the animals back. The saddle tree should sit behind, not over the scapula. The saddle should distribute the riders weight, keeping it off the animal's spine. If in doubt, consult with your vet or trainer to be sure the saddle fits.
The rider should also be comfortable and well balanced. A comfortable rider not constantly shifting in the saddle will be a more comfortable rider for the horse. If only ridden on weekends, the saddle and rider should be no more that 25% of the animal's weight. The placement and length of stirrups are factors in a good fit. Women are usually most comfortable with a broad twist, men with a moderate twist.
Any horse with wide shoulders or a high withers might be best fitted with a gaited horse saddle. Different makers size their saddles differently. Choosing a saddle is a lot like fitting a pair of shoes. Place the saddle across the horse's back without any padding. Examine the fit from every angle. There shouldn't be gaps along the spine or withers. Don't fix a poorly fitted saddle by adding extra padding. The saddle will shift, making for an unsafe and uncomfortable ride. Adding extra padding is like wearing extra socks to make an oversized pair of shoes fit your feet.
Some features unique to these saddles are wider gullets with bars and twist angled to accommodate the longer shoulder reach and stride. Gullets are often higher so the withers won't be pinched. Smaller skirts keep the weight off the weaker portion of the back. Stirrups are hung in an equitation position to keep the riders weight more centered. They can be designed for English or Western trail riding.
White hairs under the saddle, uneven sweat patterns, and uneven muscling, are all signs of a poorly fitting saddle. Fitting problems are sometimes mistaken for behavior problems. A horse suffering from an incorrectly fitted saddle may dance and nip to resist saddling and mounting. Swishing the tail and lowering the head while being ridden are signs of discomfort. Difficulty maintaining a smooth gait and slow response to rein and leg cues are often the result of a poorly fitted saddle.
Most online web sites advertising gaited horse saddles for sale also offer fitting tips and assistance. Many will send a form so the owner can test sizing for a correct fit. Before purchasing, ask about return and exchange policies in case the saddle doesn't turn out to be a good fit. You may also find assistance with fitting and purchasing a saddle at your local feed and tack shop. Also many online venues offer used saddles for sale. Again, be sure to discuss fitting issues and return policy.
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