Treeless saddle string test
While treeless saddle manufacturers state that their saddles fit all horses, that’s not quite true.
Treeless saddles DO fit a broader range of horse sizes and shapes than saddles with a fixed tree but it is still important that the saddle distributes the rider’s weight over a large area and does not concentrate pressure on the horse’s withers, spine or loin area.
That’s why most treeless saddle manufacturers recommend using special padding systems to be used under the saddle. The pad creates a gullet and protects the horse’s spine.
Even so, it’s very important to check that your weight is not resting on the horse’s spine — after all, that’s where the horse’s nervous system runs!
English and Western saddles come in different seat sizes. Of course, they aren’t measured the same way (that would be too easy). However, understanding seat size is critical to getting a saddle that fits!
Measuring the seat size on an English saddle is simple.
Start measuring from the nail, or “button”, that is on either side of the pommel.
A metal bit can get extremely cold in the winter. Do your horse a favor and warm it up.
Winter riding is exhilarating and fun — but to start your ride of right, you should always warm your horse’s bit before you put it in his mouth. Think about how uncomfortable it is for them to have an ice cold bit in their mouths! When your barn is 20 degrees, so is your metal bit.
There are several ways to take the cold edge off a metal bit.
A properly adjusted martingale will only affect a horse when it flings its head back.
The standing martingale is a piece of tack that first gained prominence in the hunt field. It’s sole purpose is to keep a horse from flinging its head back and hitting the rider in the face. A standing martingale therefore should only come into play when a horse raises its head well above the normal level of control.
When out foxhunting, this can be an issue when you are galloping and jumping over hilly terrain. You don’t want to be smacked in the face when your horse makes that extra effort to jump a big stone wall while going up hill. Sometimes you have a horse that uses head flipping as an evasion. I had a mare like this: when she first came off the race track she would invert and throw her head back so fast it was amazing. Putting a standing martingale on her (until she learned she wasn’t a giraffe) was an act of preservation.
Most standing martingales rarely see the hunt field. They are widely used in the hunter ring (over fences, never on the flat) mostly because I think people like the way they look. I certainly can’t imagine a show hunter flinging its head up.
Here's an example of a standing martingale that's adjusted too short. It is already restricting the horse's head.
The problem lies in the fact that many standing martingales are incorrectly adjusted. Namely, they are too short and restrict the horse’s head and neck position. I think that’s because many people misunderstand the use of the standing martingale. Rather than using it as a safety device, people try to use them to control their horse’s head set and create a “frame.”
There should be enough slack in the martingale strap to easily bring it to the horse's jaw or throat latch.
the connection on the breastplate) is long enough that you can easily raise it up to the horse’s jaw.
This is a useful demonstration of how to adjust a standing martingale.
Some horses have beautiful long tails naturally. Others need some help. And no, I’m not talking about tail extensions.
Taking proper care of your horse’s tail can make a big difference.
A baroque horse with Running braid.
Spanish, or running, braids are used on horse breeds where the manes are left long. This includes Baroque horses like Andalusians and Fresians, and breeds such as Arabians and Morgans who need to keep their manes long for breed shows but might also compete in hunters or dressage.
Whatever the reason, it is a lovely technique for keeping those flowing manes under control!
Carrot stretches are an easy and fun way to stretch your horse.
Stretches help keep your horse supple, can prevent injuries and improve performance. “Carrot stretches” are an excellent way to encourage your horse to stretch. After all, most horses can be bribed by food!
Carrot Stretches are easy ways to stretch your horse’s neck and top line. They are something that you can incorporate into your grooming routine because they take just a few minutes.
There's no guarantee that your bracelet will turn out as nicely as this one from www.highhopesdesigns.com, but it can be a inspiration.
Horse hair jewelry is a great gift for equestrians and a fun way to honor your horse.
Bracelets and necklaces are not easy to make but with some practice you can make gifts for your friends and yourself.
So, how do you start?
A properly tied stock tie looks elegant and is functional, too!
There’s nothing like a stock tie to make an accomplished equestrian feel like they are all thumbs.
After years of cheating by using pre-tied stock ties, I took the plunge and bought one that required the ability to tie a square knot in a mirror and have it come out looking elegant.
The process gets easier when you think of it as tying two square knots. It’s also helpful if you use a tie that has some stiffness (think starch). Don’t forget to have a good quality stock pin on hand with a hardened steel shaft. The cheap ones will bend as you try to push them through the layers of fabric which is most annoying!
Click on the image below to go to the source and see it full screen.
Checkerboard patterns are traditional quartermarks.
Quarter marks are the patterns that are back combed into your horse’s hair, generally placed over the hind quarters. They are an elegant addition to your show preparations.
Traditional patterns are checkerboards, diamonds and sharks teeth but there are stencils available that allow a host of different shapes.
