Horses are one of the first representatives of the animal world who managed to establish contact with humans. They live near humans since the realization came that animals can not only be used for food and receive fur, but also be tamed. Of course, a lot has changed since the stone times.

Today horses are not used for knightly duels and in battles, but they are still a means of transportation, albeit almost unclaimed. Over the centuries, a large number of varieties of saddles have been created, which will be discussed in this article.

Horse saddle: what it consists of

Some people believe that saddles are designed to create more comfortable conditions for humans, but for horses, these structures are onerous. Of course, the horse's back is not so straight that a person can ride comfortably. In addition, the saddle is equipped with stirrups, which are necessary for the rider to support.

Horse saddle

What ammunition is needed for a rider and a horse?

  • The saddle, made of high quality materials, protects the animal's back from chafing and other mechanical influences.
  • Thanks to the device, the rider's weight is evenly distributed over the entire back of the horse, as a result he does not get so tired.
  • The horse saddle serves as a shock absorber for the rider during jumps and hard landings. Riding with him is also more comfortable.
  • Carpenters are placed under the saddle to protect the stallion's back.
  • Quality saddles help the rider get the right bearing.

Important!Barebacks fatigue faster and, when "used", often injure their backs. A lot also depends on the correctness of the saddle.

The structure of the saddles is not simple, and includes a large number of components. There is a wide variety of them, but the main components are used to make all saddles:

  • The supporting part of the stirrup.
  • Front and back bow.
  • Stirrup.
  • Fender liner.
  • Upper and lower straps
  • Sweat cloth.
  • Schneller.
  • Stuff.
  • Fur trap.
  • Gallop.
  • Pillow.
  • Front and back girths.

Note!It is recommended to use stirrups stainless steel because they are considered the most durable and do not break at the most inopportune moments. Before each jump, it is necessary to check the paths.

Types of saddles for horses

There is a wide variety of saddles and they do not differ in size or color. The type of ammunition depends on the activity, therefore, they differ in purpose. There is practically a separate saddle for each purpose, which has its own individual characteristics. They are made from different materials, weights and shapes.

There are the following types:

  • Designed for triathlon.
  • Cavalry saddle for a horse;
  • Women's saddle for a horse;
  • Applicable for dressage;
  • Officer;
  • Cossack;
  • Cowboy;
  • Used for therapeutic riding;
  • Frontline;
  • Vaulting;
  • Racing;
  • Pack;
  • For ponies;
  • Specialized ammunition;
  • Universal saddles.

Not all saddles described above are popular in Russia. Some can be found on every farm, while others cannot be found if desired. Again, it all boils down to the fact that each saddle is used for a specific purpose. The most popular in Russia are drill, race, Cossack and sport saddles.

Cossack and combat ammunition

If the rider goes on long walks on uneven terrain, in rainy and damp weather, if you need to take a lot of things with you, then the best option is drill or Cossack ammunition. Initially, these varieties were invented for cavalrymen, who spent most of their lives in the saddle.

Note!Of course, you cannot call them ladies, but a woman will move in it quite comfortably.

Sitting in them is comfortable, the main thing is to choose the right saddle and learn how to harness it.

Sports ammunition

This type of ammunition should be the most comfortable for the horse. Indeed, in this saddle, she will have to do physical training and carry out various gaits.

Sports ammunition

Sports ammunition is divided into several more types:

  • specialized;
  • for triathlon;
  • vaulting.

A characteristic feature of this inventory is a complex structure, they are made exclusively from high quality materials. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the most comfortable conditions not only for the rider, but also for the horse.

Race ammunition

Race equipment is often confused with sports equipment, despite the fact that they are completely different. Unlike sports equipment, they are very lightweight. In fact, this type of inventory is considered the lightest, the minimum weight is only 500 grams. Typically used at racetracks.

Race ammunition

The structure of the ammunition should be as comfortable as possible for the rider. At the hippodrome, the rider most often does not sit, but stands, leaning on the stirrups. For this reason, both wings must be extended forward.

How to choose the right saddle for your horse

Many people wonder how to saddle a horse. Before proceeding with this question, you need to learn how to choose the right ammunition for your horse. This process is carried out in several stages:

  • Consultation with a veterinarian. The step-by-step process of creating ammunition is so painstaking that it resembles jewelry work. If the saddle is incorrectly made or positioned, you can harm the animal. The main goal of the veterinarian is to identify possible problem areas, as well as give clear recommendations to the fitter.
  • The next step is to measure the future saddle. Size exclusively depends on the size of the withers and represents the opening angle of the bun. In addition, special attention should be paid to the development of the animal's musculature, especially the trapezius muscle. It is important not to pinch this muscle, otherwise it will begin to degrade.
  • Selection of a lollipop. Ribbons are made from various materials, such as carbon fiber, plastic with fiber or wood. Today, plastic with fiber is in the greatest demand. Carbon fiber is considered not the most reliable, since they are prone to deformation, in addition, they can crack. As for wooden ribbons, their width increases during operation, so they are recommended to be used only on wide, very wide horses.
  • Balance plays an important role in the creation of ammunition; it must be so ideal that the animal does not feel the presence of the rider, and the latter is comfortable to move. As a rule, correct measurements will guarantee the correct balance. But there are exceptions, there are "rebuilt" horses, which are characterized by unusual sizes. In such cases, it is necessary to change the thickness and shape of the pillows in the necessary places.
  • Use of shock absorbers. Thanks to them, it is possible to use one saddle for several horses. They are adjusted in shape thanks to shock absorbers, the most common material is natural fur, which evenly distributes the rider's weight on the horse's back, frees the shoulder and provides a safe distance between the horse and the withers.

Note!The ammunition can be made independently, you just need to familiarize yourself with the manufacturing algorithm and the necessary materials. First of all, they make a flax, then they fill the inner upholstery and the outer one.After making the saddle, it is important to make the girth correctly.

How to saddle a horse correctly

The correct saddle position on the horse is of great importance. Putting on ammunition is not difficult if you follow all the recommendations below:

  1. Move your hand from the withers to the lower back. This is to ensure that there is no debris, roughness or other irregularities in the place where the saddle will be installed. It is also worth paying attention to the area where the girths will be located.
  2. Take a pad, which must first be cleaned, even small debris can leave a wound to the animal. Before putting the saddle cloth on your back, you need to carefully examine it, this is very important. Some clubs use soft, clean blankets instead of a saddle cloth, they should also be clean and not bumpy when folded. They put part on the withers, slightly shifting back.
  3. The saddle is placed on the left hand, and it is also necessary to approach the animal strictly from the left side. The stirrups should be pulled up on the inside of the harness, and the loose loops should be pulled into the stirrups.
  4. The saddle must be placed closer to the withers and only then slightly shifted back. If the saddle cannot be put on the first time, you must try again.
  5. Carefully examine the saddlecloth on both sides; under the saddle, it should not bend under the saddle. The saddle cloth (blanket) and saddlecloth must evenly look out from all sides of the saddle.
  6. The final stage is the girth. There should be two of them, one wider, but equipped with two buckles. The girths should be lowered on the right side of the horse's body, if they are twisted, they must be straightened. After, you should go to the left side and pull the girth closest to the forelegs of the animal. The space between the girth and the forelegs should be approximately equal to the width of the palm.

Of great importance in keeping horses is the saddle of a horse; not only an experienced breeder, but also a farmer, whom the horse helps with housekeeping, should know how to properly remove the harness, dress it and make it. There is a large variety of ammunition, each of them must be made of high quality materials, and also made based on the size of the animal.