SADDLE SUPPLIES

SELECTING A SADDLE FOR YOUR HORSE!

Being sure that you select the right saddle for your horse is very important. It not only affects the position in which you, the rider will sit, and therefore can be beneficial in preventing back ache or muscle pain, but it also affects the comfort of the horse. No responsible horse owner would want their steed to be in discomfort and pain, so choosing the best saddle is very important. For a fee, there are experts available who will measure your horse and recommend the saddles that they think are most appropriate. I highly recommend this service, if you can afford it as it ensures that you will not be causing any distress to your horse when you ride it. Otherwise, check with a horse trainer or other knowledgeable horseman and get their opinions of the best type of saddle for your horse.

Once the correct saddle has been purchased, positioning the saddle on the horse'’s back is the next important step to ensure both your and your horse's comfort while riding. There are three main muscles in the horse’s back, it is important to familiarize yourself with these muscles and their locations before attempting to position the saddle on your horse. This will give you an idea of where the saddle needs to sit in order to be most comfortable for the horse. You should also take into account the effect on the spine and vertebrae of the horse's back. Paying attention to these details will help your horse to lead a long, painless and productive life.

Place the saddle on the horse'’s back forward of the wither. Then, slide it back along the back of the horse until it cannot comfortably go any further. This will vary dependent on the shape of the individual horse but the lowest point of the saddle should correspond to the lowest point of the horse’s back. If the saddle is in the correct position, the saddle tree will not be pressing on the scapula (the shoulder of the horse) but will rest in the natural grooves behind them. The most common mistake is to position the saddle too far forward and this will cause the saddle to press on the muscles in the scapula causing pain, impeding movement and creating the possibility of saddle sores.

Once you have learned the correct way to position the saddle, after a few times, you will find it comes naturally. It is worth taking the time to do it properly if you wish to remain the owner of a healthy, happy horse.

DEVELOPING THE BOND BETWEEN MAN AND HORSE

The relationship between man and horse is an enduring one. But dealing with animals is always easier and more enjoyable when you have empathy and understanding. To be able to relate to horses,you need to understand their pychology, in order to anticipate horses'reactions you have to understand how they think and why they behave in certain ways. A good understanding also builds confidence on both sides-human and equine.

When faced with a threatening situation, the horse's nature is one of flight, and therefore its perspective on life is one of vulnerability rather than attack. As humans, how we react and feel in certain situations depends on our upbrining and experience. It is the same with horses, which is why careful early handling and training are so important.

We can never expect a horse to go against its natural instincts, that is, never to be frightened or wary - but with good training we can control these instincts and show the horse, in a positive way, that a particular situation or object need not be feared.

Horses are gregarious herd animals, welcoming the company of other horses, as well as other creature companions and humans. Even domesticated stable horses establish their own 'pecking order'.

Either the stallion at the end of the row calls loudest when feed time is due or, as many top riders report, their retired star kicks the stable door demanding attention first when what it considers as 'it' rider walks into the stableyard in the morning.

It is widely known the horse responds best to praise and encouragement from its trainer or rider to overcome its natural flight instincts and not be dominated. 'Breakin-in', the term formerly associated with a youg horse's first conditioning to carry a rider, has now commonly been replaced with terms such as 'starting', which infer much less the idea of domination.

From the disabled child fearlessly enjoying the company of ponies as part of therapy to the most successful of international competitive combinations, a common bond - that of trust and empathy between rider and horse - is being developed.

The horse looks at its human contacts as part of its 'herd' in the herd hierarchy,the human rider and trainer's intellectual capacities give him or her the upper hand. This is why the man/horse relationship has worked so well for several thousand years, and humans can control an animal with many times their own strengths and power.

Riders in their early lessons will often be told 'Don't be nervous'. Although at this stage the rider should be learning from an experienced horse and therefore should be able to relax, the fact that horses need reassurance and security is something to bear in mind and cultivate from the start of a riding career.

Article Written By J. Foley

http://horseback-riding.blogspot.com