.

A Short Account Of Saddlery

By John Peterson


If you take a look in the dictionary at the word saddlery, chances are that it will give you a choice of three definitions. The main one being that it the equipment used to ride and control a horse. The next being the manufacture and repair of these items. Finally there is the place where this is carried out.

The vast majority of these items are manufactured from leather. So it is a highly specialised field, and not something that can be done by the average person. This also includes the repairs to things like the stitching.

When people think of the equipment used in horse riding, most people think of the biggest bit, the saddle. This is the rider's seat that will be secured to a horse's back. To do this either cinches or girth straps will be used.

To prevent excessive movement a saddle should be matched to both rider and horse. Not only will this make things more comfortable for both of them, but it could also prevent possible accidents. Also if a saddle is fitted badly, it is possible that pressure points could develop on the horse's back area.

Saddles will normally come in one of two forms. They will either be an 'English' or a 'Western' saddle. As to which one a rider will use will largely depend upon how the horse is going to be ridden. It is true there are also other highly specialised types of saddle.

Suspended from the saddle you will find the stirrups. The purpose of these is twofold. The primary purpose is to provide the rider with a better sense of stability. The secondary purpose is that they can be used to assist with the control of the horse.

The principle form of horse control is of course via the reins. These are the leather ropes that the rider grips, with the other ends being affixed to the harness worn around a horse's head. Depending on both the horse and rider, these harnesses can take on different configurations.

Again the harness is something which serves a dual purpose. It can be used while a horse is being ridden, and it can also be used to either lead or train a horse while it is riderless. The bridle can either have a bit, or be what is termed as bit-less.

So maybe saddlery is more involved than the average person thinks. Maybe this gives a good indication as to why its so important to have repairs carried out properly. Both you, and your horse, will be grateful that it has been completed by a qualified professional.




About the Author:



No comments :

Post a Comment