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Use Matching Saddle Accessories To Customize Your Tack

By Marci Glover


The saddle you purchase should be fitted to make it comfortable for the horse as well as the rider. A blanket is placed over the back. A pad is put on top of that. It should cushion and protect the back. It looks good when your saddle accessories are color matched.

It is held in place by the cinch strap, which is attached on both sides and goes under the stomach of the horse. There are cinch straps in various materials ranging from rope to leather. They may be cushioned on the side that comes into contact with the belly.

The stirrups lie on either side and the rider places her or his feet in them for balance. The length can be adjusted to fit the height of the rider. To mount, the left foot is put in the left stirrup and the right leg swung up over the back of the equine.

The stirrup can be purely utilitarian. Some of the more ornate ones are suitable for riding in parades or shows. Some are made of wood and others of aluminum. These can be engraved in beautiful patterns.

A saddle can be beige, brown or black. Some competitions award a silver saddle to the winner, which is used for special occasions. There are specific ones for roping, barrel racing and trail riding.

Moisturizing will keep the leather from growing dry and cracked. If someone rides daily, it should be treated frequently. Special cases are made to protect the leather from dirt and dust during transporting horse and equipment.

The bridle is a headpiece made of a series of straps, usually leather. It goes over the head and rests just in back of the ears. It holds the bit. The metal bit is used to signal the horse. A rein made of leather is attached to each side of this bit.

There are different styles of bits. One is the snaffle bit and another is the shank style. There are variations and each horse may be controlled more efficiently with one style or the other. The Hackamore is a training device which exerts pressure on the nose, used for training the green horse.

English riders use a bridle with two sets of reins. Two reins are held in each hand. The Western rider uses one set of reins and holds both in the left hand as he or she rides. If the horse is well-trained, it will stop, turn to either side and back up in response to signals transmitted by the reins.

When the riding is over and the bridle removed, the halter is put on. This is like a bridle without the bit. A lead rope will be attached to a metal ring under the chin. It allows the owner to walk the animal to cool down, enter the barn and is usually worn all the time, including out in the pasture.

Some owners put a horse blanket on in the winter. Once a horse starts wearing a blanket for warmth, it should be worn all the time. Once used, the coat does not grow in as thick and the horse would be cold without it.




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