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Virtually Horses

The Gear

Basic Saddle Construction

Saddle construction, like everything else, is continually refined and takes advantage of new materials but the basic construction of a saddle has remained very similar for many hundreds of years.

This is because the basic mechanics and aim of the saddle have remained the same; provide a secure seat for the rider, without inhibiting the movement of the horse's shoulder blades, it must remove weight from the horse's spine and loins and spread it evenly over the remaining area of the horse's back.  It must also provide a secure anchor for the stirrups.

The foundation of any saddle is the saddle tree, a frame made traditionally of laminated wood but may also be made of metal, fibreglass, plastics or high tech composite materials.  The tree is strained (put under tension) to allow it to provide a rigid yet springy frame for the saddle material.  Many saddles now have adjustable gullets (the area under the pommel which sits over the withers and shapes the front of the saddle) however the tree must still correctly fit the horse's back width and shape.

When purchasing a saddle:

• it is referred to as either mounted or unmounted.  This refers to whether the stirrups, stirrup leathers and girth are included (mounted) in the price or not (unmounted).
• Saddle pads are always purchased separately (unless your saddler\tack shop has a special deal on of course)
• The length of of an english (as opposed to western) saddle is measured from the button at the pommel to the mid point of the cantle.  To decide what size saddle you need measure the length of your upper leg bone - from your hip socket (not the actual hip but the top of your leg bone) to your knee in inches. The saddle should be the same size as this length.
• The weightbearing length of the saddle must not go past the 18th rib of your horse's back. refer saddlefitting

Treeless Saddles  

Treeless saddles are becoming increasingly popular.  Partly due to increased knowledge about the problems with saddle fit and probably partly due to the increased standardisation of saddle manufacture.

A treeless saddle may be anything from a simple bareback pad to a quite highly designed saddle which is almost indistinguishable from a treed saddle.  They are available in a variety of designs: trail, western, dressage etc.  Although going treeless may seem like the answer to all saddle fit problems it is not without its own problems.  Like going unshod the best results from using a treeless saddle are usually for those owners who are interested and motivated enough to be knowledgeable and involved in managing their horse's welfare. 

Using a treeless saddle will involve evaluating and changing padding to suit the horse's requirements and often the rider's riding style.

Compare the 4 saddle types shown below for differences in length of flaps, depth of seat, knee roll and seat.
 

dressage saddle	jumping saddle
eventing saddle	general purpose

Dressage saddles have longer, straighter flaps than other saddles to allow a longer stirrup length and closer leg contact.  They also tend to have much deeper seats, although the one shown here is not as deep as many.  The jumping and eventing saddles tend to have more forward cut flaps, larger knee rolls and longer trees to allow for the forward seat and shorter stirrups required by those sports.

At first glance the girth may just be the strap that holds the saddle on but girths can be as  important to your horse's performance and well being as the saddle.  There are also different types of girths to fit different types of saddles.

Dressage saddles have girth tabs near the bottom of the flaps and therefore require a much shorter girth.  Girths generally have a dual buckle system, when fitting the saddle you choose whether to use the front, back or outside pair of girth tabs, however some dressage girths will use all three girth straps.

Girths are traditionally made from leather but leather does not provide much give, are relatively high maintenance and can be quite harsh when new.  Many are turning to synthetic girths or leather girths with elasticated inserts.  It is important not to do these up so tightly that you take up all the elasticity.  Sheepskin sleeves are also popular to provide extra comfort especially for horses with sensitive skins.

Surcingles

A surcingle is also referred to as an over-girth.  In this case it is a webbing or elasticated belt which completely encircles the horse's belly.  A surcingle may be used with blankets to help keep them on or over saddles as additional security.  Racing saddles are a good example where surcingles are often used.
 

There are numerous other saddlery accessories including; saddle covers for extra rider comfort, made from sheepskin or gel.

Covers to protect the saddle itself from the elements, such as the waterproof (but breathable) cover shown right, can be obtained for events which may be held in tough weather conditions.

Of course there are also protective covers for storing or transporting your saddle.

 Straps for the front of your saddle, sometimes called 'sos straps' can be very useful for hacking out in rough terrain, working without stirrups or just to give you that extra something to hang onto in an emergency.>

• MataMata Saddlery (NZ)
• Goodwood International  -Horse Covers
• Ranchware Mail Order (Email only) - Western, Stock and Endurance (Whangarei) Catalogue available
• Zilco - Rugs, hoods and boots  NZ EMAIL
• Coverall NZ Ltd - Chilla reusable wraps for ice and compression - knee,hock,tendon and leg
• Peter Thorowgood Saddlery Warehouse - Mail Order Catalogue available
• Stirrups Equestrian Supplies Online sales

Other Saddlery Links

Treeless Saddle Reviews and Links http://www.freewebs.com/alternativehorse/treeless.htm

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