Horse saddle: how to choose and wear?

Horse riding is a well-known sport and leisure activity. However, not everyone does it professionally. Although even a good amateur knows how to choose the right saddle and how to properly care for the animal. The saddle itself is not an integral part of the horse harness. But it still makes the trip more comfortable and safe.

Humanity has long been in contact with horses, including using them as a vehicle. Therefore, the saddle is a fairly old device that arose in the distant past. The first of these were in the form of a cape, bedspread or skins, which were fastened with a rope around the chest of the horse. Enough time has passed since then, however riding saddles do the same thing, fixing them around the animal's chest.

The following parts are distinguished in it:

• bows (front and back);
• the seat itself;
• base (leonchik);
• wings (fender);
• stirrups;
• schneller;
• girth;
• pillow;
• saddle cloth (saddle cloth);
• fixation belts (harnesses, martingale, strangers);
• sub-bar.

The base (ribbon) is made of dense material and is a kind of frame to which the rest of the saddle is attached. Flexible plastic or durable wood can be used as raw materials. Bows are the raised edges of the saddle, more precisely, their bends. The wing plays a protective role, protecting the rider's legs from rubbing against the belts.

Also, various decorative elements are often performed on this part.

Stirrups are metal loops that support the feet, and with their help the rider can sit in the saddle. The straps are used to fix the saddle or its parts to the body of the animal. Some of them prevent the harness from slipping off, others restrict certain movements of the horse (for example, lifting the head). A saddle pad is a special pad (cloth or pad) that is placed under the saddle to protect the horse's skin.

Horses are different, like riders, so there are a lot of options for harness. There are several main groups of saddles. These are military, with a narrow specialization, and sports types of products.

• Hunting saddle. This view allows the rider to keep his back straight and feel the horse underneath. It has no points of contact with the withers, so it is less inconvenient for the animal. The average weight of such a saddle is about 10 kg.

• Universal walking saddle. Suitable for comfortable, quiet rides, combining the features of jumping and riding saddles. And also it has a relatively low weight - about 5 kg. It is a classic design in appearance. This type of saddle is also great for beginner riders.

• The military includes: Cossack, cavalry and officer saddles.

The Cossack is designed in such a way that it allows the rider to stand up during the battle. For this, additional elements are used. This is a pillow, wings, a fawn or an archak. And also in this type, the presence of a handle or handle is provided. They serve to hold the rider to them. But they may also be absent.

The cavalry was designed so that a person could spend a long time on a horse on a ride. The frame is made of durable materials (such as wood or steel). Such a base allows you to extend the life of the product, to correctly distribute the load on the horse's back. An additional advantage is the presence of special mounts previously intended for weapons.

The officer or Warsaw structure is now most often used during parades, in the mounted police, during long transitions, runs, field exercises.

It is equipped additional clamps for weapons and other things. The design itself allows the load to be evenly distributed. It has an average weight (10-12 kg).

The Mongolian saddle has its own characteristics. So, for example, when making it, the rider's gender, age, position in society and the purpose of the product (everyday or festive) are taken into account. Another detail is the presence of a variety of decorations. These can be patterns, inserts of expensive metals, various color selections.

In addition, there are structural features. The front bow is slightly higher than the back. The stirrups are made large and round. Buckles are usually short and braided, with their buckle not hidden under the saddle, but directed downward towards the stirrups. The product itself is usually placed on top of felt or a piece of other dense fabric, after which it is fixed with two straps (girth).

So, for example, mosaic bone paintings or filigree enamels, the use of expensive metals along with iron and alloys. And also special groups of national symbols for decoration were allocated - "Welfare", "Development higher and higher" and so on.

Ladies' (female) saddle was proposed and designed back in the Middle Ages - in the XIV century. This is due to the fact that the outfits of women of that time did not allow for active movements on a horse, and simply did not fit into an ordinary male saddle. In addition, the male version of the product for the lady was considered inappropriate and even indecent.Therefore, an elegant ladies' saddle was proposed, it also assumed a special fit. One foot was placed in the stirrup, and the other was left on the saddle bow.

Gradually, women's clothing underwent changes, until the appearance of pants and trousers. This allowed the use of a male saddle as well. Therefore, in the twentieth century, the female construction practically ceased to be used. However, in our time, it again "came out". They are used in shows and competitions.

The Circassian (Kabardian) saddle belongs to the light type. The main points are that it is quite tall and does not lie on the animal's back. The structure rests on the horse only with saddle shelves located parallel to each other. This can reduce trauma to the animal.

The front bow - narrow and high - has a rounded top end and is at right angles to the saddle itself. The back wide bow is bent back and also rounded. Such a saddle can be considered a military one, since the Circassians used them in their military operations.

The Circassian design is equipped with narrow stirrups, into which only the toe of the foot is inserted. They resemble cups in shape, and on the reverse side they could be accompanied by pieces of mirrors. A special reindeer wool pillow was placed on top of the main saddle or archak.

The double seat is a special design.

Before buying or riding a horse, you need to choose the right one. A horse breeder who knows his animals well will cope with this better. He can recommend a young horse. However, for those new to equestrian riding it is better to pick up an individual in his prime, that is, at the age of 8-10 years. Such a horse will know the commands, calmly walk in a harness and, perhaps, even help the new owner.

Of course, first of all, it must be a strong and healthy animal with a sufficient supply of strength and endurance. Wise horse breeders recommend local breeds to beginners.

And also the horse must be suitable for the owner in behavior and character. This is another plus in the direction of choosing a mature individual, since a young one is not always easy to cope with.

The horse's back should not bend too much. This means that the rider's weight is too heavy for her. And the animal will not be able to ride for a long time. In addition, excessive severity can lead to curvature of the animal's spine and disease.

The horse must be in good physical shape - moderately well-nourished, with the hind legs under the back of the body, but not protruding backwards.

It is necessary to put on the harness on the animal after the horse has got used to its owner and has successfully completed the basic commands training. After that, you can train the horse to harness. There is a certain sequence of actions in order to saddle a horse.

The first step is to check the condition of the animal itself, the skin of the back. To do this, stroke the back with the palm of your hand. This will help calm the horse and brush away specks or crumbs. Check the bracket and the position in which the saddle is on it. If all is well, you can proceed to the next steps.

Next, the saddle cloth is laid Is a felt bedding. Any other soft cloth can be used though. Some horse breeders advise using gel and fur liners (or fur trays). This prevents the horse's skin from chafing.

The rider then stands to the right of the mare and sets the saddle, starting from top to bottom and gradually lowering it. At the required level, the girths are lowered. Gradually and neatly tighten the straps, fixing from the first hole. Having reached the desired degree of tension, the girths are fixed.

Then check the tension and the correct position of the belts. Straighten them if necessary. Further, the wing flaps are lowered, thereby protecting the wing.

Before you mount a horse, you need to check if it is saddled correctly, how the harness is holding, to assess the degree of tension on the belts. If they are loose, the saddle may slide off. This leads to the fact that the back of the animal will be chafed and injured. And also the rider himself may suffer. Initial trips should be done over short distances and at a relaxed pace. This will help you get used to each other.

To get into the saddle correctly, you need to follow a certain algorithm.

1. The rider stands to the side of the horse's left shoulder. At the same time, he holds the reins as if he was going to lead her on a leash.
2. Then he turns to the right. At the same time, it throws and distributes the reins - straightens and tightens them.
3. The left hand is placed on the neck, grabbing the harness and a lock of the mane. They take the stirrup with their right hand, then unfold it towards themselves with the outer side.
4. The left leg is placed in the stirrup, with the right hand holding the back bow. Then, pushing off with the right foot and pulling up on the arms, the rider should lean on the left leg. At the same time, he straightens and stretches on the stirrups.
5. The right hand needs to be moved to the front bow. At the same time, the right leg is thrown over the horse. In parallel, the rider's body turns. Then he sinks into the saddle.
6. Place your right foot in the stirrup. Lean on both feet. Then take the correct posture for the trip.

Communicating with animals requires certain skills and desire. The horse is a beautiful and noble animal that can be used for both trips and hard work. It is important to look after and take good care of your friend.

For how to saddle a horse, see below.