|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Used Saddles and Bridles | | Here at Used Saddles and Bridles we select the best live listings, with the best deals on new and used English, Western and Australian horse riding saddles, bits and bridles, girths and cinches, stirrups, halters, leads and other horse riding tack. Our aim is to make it easier for you to find a great bargain and a well fitting saddle that you will be proud to own and use. So if you're looking for horse riding tack for sale check out our listings above we have everything you need in one place.
We hope you also enjoy the articles and information on horse riding tack. We always love to hear comments on our articles so if you have something to add on horse riding or horse riding tack please let us know. | |
| Read Articles from Used Saddles and Bridles:
| | The Different Saddle Types | The Different Saddle Types
The Western Saddle was originally used as working saddle by the cowboys on ranches across the US. Its design was
optimized for comfort and security as they worked cattle on the uneven ground. It has a horn at the front of the saddle to be used by
the cowboy to fasten a rope around when controlling cattle.
A western saddle is distinguished by tooled leather decoration and silver plates, and is often decorated individually for each rider.
The tree of a Western saddle is larger than an English saddle to give more security to the rider , but it lacks padding between the
tree and the skirt so must be used with a saddle blanket to make it comfortable for the horse. The Western saddle is held on the
horse by one or two cinches, instead of a girth as in the English saddle, and is tied (or tied and buckled) with the latigo, which is
a flat leather (or sometimes nylon) strap. Another major difference is that the stirrups do not detach if the rider falls off but are
permanently attached to the saddle. Read More about The Different Saddle Types
| | Cleaning and Taking Care of your Saddle | Cleaning and Taking Care of your Saddle
If you take good care of your saddle it should stay in good condition for many years.
The most important thing is to keep your saddle clean and oiled properly. Get into the habit of wiping down your saddle with a soft cloth every time
you use it, if it's very dirty you should use a bristle brush to scrub it well, a toothbrush is very handy to clean difficult to get to places like
seams or tooling. At regular intervals (a minimum of four times a year) clean your saddle thoroughly with soapy water (saddleries sell glycerine soap
specially for saddle cleaning) and let it dry properly, on a warm day you can hang it outside to dry. When it's throughly dry, go over your saddle
carefully with a light oil applied with a cloth or soft brush (baby oil or olive oil are good choices). Afterwards use a leather conditioner to seal
and protect the leather. Make sure you don't apply an excessive amount of oil to the saddle or the leather will feel sticky and you'll clog the
pores.
Read More about Cleaning and Taking Care of your Saddle
| | The Parts of a Bridle | The Parts of a Bridle
A leather bridle consists of several working parts, and it essential to learn what each part is for and where it goes on the horse to enable you to fit the bridle to your horse properly. The bridle has the following parts:
The Headpiece is the anchor of the bridle and holds it in place. It goes over the horse's forehead, behind the ears.
The Browband is placed above the horse's eyes and below his ears. It's purpose is to keep the bridle in place.
Read More about The Parts of a Bridle
| | Types of Horse Bits | The Different Types of Horse Bits
A bit and reins are used to control the horse. By applying pressure to different parts of the horse's mouth the rider can convey his intentions to the horse and guide the horse in the direction he should go in, or make him stop when needed. Different types of bits apply pressure in different places. Some bits apply less pressure than others so are kinder to the horse, always use the the kindest available bit that gives you the necessary control of the horse.
The snaffle bit applies the least pressure so is the kindest bit of all. The snaffle bit is designed to apply pressure to the tongue, bars and mouth corners. Different widths of mouthpiece are available, the kindest being the widest as the pressure is applied over a larger area.
Read More about Types of Horse Bits
| | The Parts of a English Saddle | The Parts of an English Saddle
The Saddle Tree is the basis of the saddle. There are two design currently in use - rigid and spring. English saddles are usually
built on a spring saddle tree. To make a spring tree thin plywood is used to provide the basic shape. This is then covered with fibreglass for
strength. Steel strips under the saddle running from the front to the back put the 'spring'into the saddle. Steel plates are fastened under the tree
to provide extra reinforcement.
Not all saddles have a tree. Another type of saddle, which is much less rigid than a saddle with a tree, is the Treeless Saddle. In this type sof
saddle support for the rider is provided by a pommel and cantle moulded from fibreglass instead of a tree.
The Pommel is in the front of the saddle and is elevated to skim over the horse's withers.
The Cantle is the rise at the back of the seat.
The Seat is the middle part of the saddle, between the pommel and cantle. This is where the rider sits.
Read More about The Parts of a English Saddle
| | The Parts of a Western Saddle | The Parts of a Western Saddle
The Saddle Tree is the basis of the saddle. On a Western saddle a rigid tree is used. This is either a wooden shape
wrapped in leather, or is made from fibreglass and wood shavings moulded into shape under pressure . To give extra support to the
rider and more rigidity steel plates are attached underneath the tree. The tree on a Western saddle is larger and less padded than an
English saddle so a saddle blanket is required to provide padding and protect the horse's back.
The Fork or Pommel is the rise at the front of the saddle.
The Hornis on top of the cantle and is designed to wrap a rope around when roping cattle.
The Cantle is the rise at the back of the seat.
The Seat is the middle part of the saddle, between the fork and cantle where the rider sits.
Read More about The Parts of a Western Saddle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
