Horse saddle: popular varieties and their features

One of the most important types of riding equipment is the saddle. It is, first of all, intended to protect the backs of horses and then the comfort of riders.

Jumping saddle Wintec 500 with Cair system

In the process of fitting a saddle, the height of the horse's withers, the length of the tree, its purpose, etc. are taken into account. It is because of this, as a rule, that most saddles are made to order.

There are several types of saddles:

• English type;
• Western saddle;
• Asian type;
• Spanish type.

A lady's saddle for a horse deserves special attention, which these days can be found during historical restorations or horse shows.

How to saddle a horse correctly

11.08.2013
Tips for horse lovers

A horse kept in a stable and forced to work for hire usually has its own saddle. A beginner rider will most likely be offered a training saddle or a universal sports saddle. The only difference is that the drill does not contain parts adjacent to the withers and spine, which lightens the load on the back and makes saddling somewhat easier. The process of putting on a saddle is not at all complicated, but as in any business, it has its own rules and subtleties.

Before saddling, the horse should be cleaned from nose to tail. The question of what to put on first, a bridle or a saddle, is asked by all beginning riders. The answer is: if the horse is standing at the turnout, then it is more convenient to saddle it first and then deal with the bridle. If saddling takes place in a stall, then first bridle, and then put on the saddle. Before the lesson, the trainer must check the condition of the horse’s withers and back. And only after the horse is “cleared” for training, proceed to saddling.

Stages of saddling a horse

1. Run your hand from the withers to the lower back to make sure that on the back, where the saddle will lie, there are no unevenness and roughness, specks, etc., which can lead to sores, chafing and injuries. You should also check the area where the girths will be for dirt or matted fur.
2. Take a saddle pad, it must be clean, even a small speck on the inside of the saddle pad can rub the skin of the back until it bleeds, which can consequently incapacitate the horse. Therefore, inspect the saddle pad thoroughly before placing it on your horse's back. Some clubs (especially those supporting the Western movement) may offer a thin blanket folded in half instead of a saddle pad; it must also be absolutely clean and free of wrinkles. A saddle pad or blanket serves as a lining under the saddle, absorbs sweat; only in some cases, horsemen put several saddle pads in order to adjust a too wide saddle to a narrow back. Place the saddle pad on the withers and move it slightly back. Under no circumstances do it the other way around (in front), that is, against the grain.
3. The saddle is taken on the left hand, the horse should be approached strictly from the left. The stirrups must be pulled up, that is, raised along the internal strap of the harness (the belt on which the stirrup is suspended from the saddle) upward, and the free loops of the harnesses themselves are threaded into the stirrups. The girths are assembled and lie on the saddle. The sweatshirt (usually tucked into the saddle) should be straightened.
4. The saddle is placed closer to the withers, and, like a saddle pad, moves slightly backwards. If the saddle does not fit the first time, repeat the process again. Transfer the saddle to your hand, adjust the saddle pad, checking the horse's back for irregularities, and again place the saddle from the withers, smoothly adjusting it towards the croup.
5. Check the saddle pad on both sides; it should not bend under the saddle. The sweatshirt and saddle pad should be evenly visible from under the saddle from all sides.
6. The next step is the girths. There may be two of them, or there may be one wide one, but with two buckles. The girths are lowered to the right side of the horse and straightened if they are twisted. Having straightened it, go to the left side and pull the first (closest to the front legs) girth towards you. If a martingale is used, then the lower loop of the bib passes through this girth and only after that it is attached to the first girth, gradually tightening it. The distance between the girth and the front legs should be approximately the size of your palm. The second girth (if there is one) is overlapped or at a very short distance, parallel to the first. Tightening the girths occurs in several stages. You will probably encounter cunning and protest from a horse that does not want to saddle; it will simply inflate its belly and you will not be able to fasten the girth even to the first hole on the girth. Very often, grooms act cruelly; they hit the horse under the belly with their knee and it “deflates.” Do not do that! Give the horse a piece of carrot or apple, he will start chewing and his stomach will deflate on its own. After the horse's girths are tightened, make sure that he does not lower his head. This poses a risk of injury called “pinching.” Remember that you should not leave a saddled horse alone in the stall, other than lowering its head, it can lie down and seriously injure its back and ribs. It’s easy for an unattended horse to get caught in a stirrup (even if correctly assembled on the saddle), get scared, jerk and get hurt.

Cossack, vaulting, Spanish, and even jumping saddles have their own characteristics. Be sure to get a few saddle classes before you saddle yourself. It is better if at first someone helps you, at least to calm the horse and give the girths.

Do it yourself

A saddle is essentially a seat for a person, which is equipped with additional cushions to soften shocks and make riding comfortable. Making such an item yourself is quite difficult, since you need special durable wear-resistant materials, and special knowledge and skills in working with materials. Today, the choice of saddles, fortunately, is huge, both in terms of choice of materials and price. However, if you are a jack of all trades, then we are sure that our short instructions on how to make a saddle for a horse will help you master such an unusual task. We suggest you make a classic combat saddle with a wooden tree.

What will you need?

• cardboard;
• scissors and knife;
• staples, nails;
• hammer;
• leather or synthetic durable material;
• jigsaw or sandpaper;
• foam;
• leather belts.

The request returned an empty result.

Since making a saddle requires a lot of material, skill and handwork, its cost is very high.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Let's say right away that if you already have a ready-made (for example, old) saddle base, then the task is simplified many times. All you have to do is select some parts, replace the upholstery and belts. If there is no base and there is no opportunity to purchase, then you will need to make all the parts yourself.
2. Just like shoes for a person, a saddle must be individually selected to suit the size of the horse. Therefore, the first thing we need to do is take measurements from our horse. We take the following measurements: the highest part of the withers; 4 fingers below the shoulder blade location of the shelves; the end of the withers, the end of the shelves up to the 18th vertebra; We form the curve of the back using a tight application of wire.
3. We transfer all measurements onto paper and cut them out. This will be the frame for the wooden part and the tree.
4. We cut out two shelves from wooden boards or strong plywood. We connect them with strong wire so that they keep their shape along the horse’s back. We make holes in the shelves for girths.
5. From a wooden blank we cut out a tree according to the desired shape and make a smooth shape.
6. Now the tree needs to be attached to the shelves using nails.
7. When the frame is ready, we move on to the upholstery. We cut the foam rubber to the desired shape and attach it to the frame. For the shelves we sew a felt lining.
8. Let's move on to the girth and girth. Ideally, you need to buy them ready-made (not expensive), since they are difficult to make. But if you have the necessary leather belts and special fastenings, you can try. We attach the stirrup to the girths, and fasten the girths to the shelves.
9. We cover the entire saddle frame with durable material or soft leather, securing it with staples using a stapler. All that remains is to fasten the stirrups.
10. You can see the finished result more clearly in the photo.

Saddling sequence

1. Secure the animal in a comfortable position (it is best to place it on the interchange).
2. Inspect the horse, clean it (including hooves). Check the harness and place it nearby.
3. Standing on the left side, place a saddle cloth (saddle cloth) on your back so that its upper edge reaches half of the withers. Then smoothly lower it just below the edge of the withers. The saddle cloth should lie flat, its edges should be located symmetrically on both sides. In some cases, you can put a pillow (fur or gel) on top.
4. Carefully place the assembled saddle on the horse's back just below the withers. Adjust the girth without tightening it too much. Be sure to adjust it before your trip.
5. If necessary, attach auxiliary straps to the saddle/girth.
6. Put on the bridle. Correct your bangs and mane.
7. Fasten the chin strap so that your fist fits freely between it.

After you have properly saddled the horse, you can take it out to the platform or arena, but it is better to leave the stirrups assembled so as not to accidentally get caught on the fence. Before boarding, check and tighten the girth so that your palm fits freely between it and the horse’s body, and adjust the length of the stirrup harnesses to the desired length.

Features of choosing a suitable saddle for a cyclist

Select * follows the same pattern as for men

Experts recommend paying maximum attention to the following details:. Hardness level

Like any indicator, the rigidity of a women's bicycle saddle is selected individually. Of course, a novice cyclist, and especially a woman, will find a soft saddle more comfortable. But such a saddle is only suitable for short trips, since when riding long distances, the soft model causes abrasions, discomfort and pain. A hard saddle can be comfortable even for women, but only if it fits perfectly

Hardness level. Like any indicator, the rigidity of a women's bicycle saddle is selected individually. Of course, a novice cyclist, and especially a woman, will find a soft saddle more comfortable. But such a saddle is only suitable for short trips, since when riding long distances, the soft model causes abrasions, discomfort and pain. A hard saddle can be comfortable even for women, but only if it fits perfectly.

• Saddle shape. The classic saddle shape for women is a saddle that is wide at the back with a short nose. It is this form that is recognized as the most convenient for riding by the weaker sex.
• Saddle material. The saddle can be either leather or plastic. If the first material has long been familiar to cyclists for its capriciousness and the need for careful care, then the second is much more practical and reliable. But the more important characteristics of the material when choosing a saddle for a woman are adaptability and elasticity. And in this regard, among plastic models you can often find convenient options, because modern synthetics are practically no different from natural and expensive materials.
• Saddle filling. It is the filler that becomes one of the defining moments in the process of choosing the ideal model. The two most common types of padding—foam or gel—for women's saddles are often used together: soft foam and gel inserts for maximum ride comfort.

Equally important in the riding process is determining the height of the saddle and its level of inclination. Traditionally, the bicycle saddle is positioned strictly horizontally, but most athletes rely on their sensations while riding. Often women prefer to tilt the saddle forward slightly to reduce stress and pressure on the soft tissues of the pelvis. The height of the saddle, again, should be selected individually so that the leg reaches the pedal in the lower position, but not the ground. The selection of height does not happen at once, but experimentally: by going through the heights of the saddle and “rolling” each height for half an hour. A correct riding position on a bicycle will provide you with even breathing; while riding this way, your chest remains free, which will allow you to be more relaxed on the road and enjoy the ride as much as possible.

The very concept of a “women’s saddle” is perceived by many ordinary people in two ways: on the one hand, they do not have any striking differences from men’s models, and on the other hand, some of the models proposed by manufacturers turn out to be quite convenient and comfortable specifically for women. In any case, whether to ride a special women's bike or one that is more suitable, but labeled as men's, must be decided by the cyclist herself.

velosipedinfo.ru

Characteristics of the main varieties

Initially, the saddle was a cape that had several straps. Currently, this is a whole structure that makes riding a horse not only comfortable, but also safe. The type of saddle is selected depending on the breed and individual characteristics of the animal, as well as depending on the type of riding and preferences of the rider. There are the following types of saddles:

• cavalry;
• Cossack;
• ladies';
• jumping saddle;
• dressage;
• universal;
• triathlon;
• racing;
• officer's

The choice of a specific type of saddle depends on the duration and purpose of the trip. The most common option is the universal saddle, and all the others can be found most often at exhibitions and competitions.

Cavalry and Cossack type

If the rider will be on a horse for a long time, then it is better to give preference to the cavalry type of saddle. In this case, the tree is made of wood or steel, so the load on the horse is distributed as evenly as possible. This type of seat was used by mounted troops who took part in long campaigns.

The Cossack type is also well suited for long periods on horseback. The peculiarity of this design is that a person can stand on straight legs directly while moving.

Women's and show jumping seats

A woman's saddle for a horse was invented back in the 14th century; in those days it was indecent for women to ride on a man's saddle. The seats for ladies had a special shape that would allow a woman to hold one foot in the stirrup. However, in the 20th century, women began to actively wear trousers, so the need for a female seat for a horse disappeared. Now the fashion for ladies' saddles has returned again; they can be seen at exhibitions or competitions.

The competition seat has a special shape. Due to the extended wings, the rider can press his legs tightly and take a stable position during the jump. The distinctive feature of the dressage style is that the rider has contact with the sides of the horse.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-JBP9g39IcI

Universal, racing and officer models

The universal seat can be used for both simple riding and equestrian competitions. It is perfect for amateur trips. In appearance, the universal look is very similar to an eventing saddle. However, there is one difference - the wing with the airbag is moved forward a little. Due to this design, the rider can easily take a field landing when riding.

The racing seat is perfect for racing, as the rider sits in short stirrups. The design itself is almost flat, and the harness is short.

The officer's saddle is designed for riding in military parades. It is most often used by mounted police or the army. Due to the comfortable bend, the rider’s weight is completely determined, so the horse’s back remains uninjured.

Types of horse saddles

Currently, saddles come in different types:

• Asian;
• Ladies';
• Cossacks;
• English;
• Spanish and so on.

It is very rare to find such specific types as the Western or Indian type saddle. Most modern models of this type can only be found at various shows or historical reconstructions. Despite this, modern and historical versions have much in common:

• They all have a fore and aft pommel;
• Wing and fender liner;
• cinch;
• sweatshirt;
• Tightened;
• Schneller;
• Pillows;
• Harness straps;
• Stirrups.

What does a horse saddle consist of?

There are many types of saddles, but their design scheme is approximately the same.

The most common seat consists of:

• a wooden, plastic or metal tree base, which includes two bench parts connected at the front and back using arched bows;
• two leather wings, which are needed to prevent the rider’s legs from contacting the buckles on the harnesses and harnesses;
• two leather fender liners;
• leather seat, allowing the rider to take a comfortable position;
• two pillows made of thick material, which are stuffed with wool and are located under the seat to minimize the effect of the rider’s weight on the animal’s spine;
• a felt saddle pad, which softens the pressure of the seat and pillow on the horse’s back and prevents abrasions from forming;
• a braid, rubberized or leather girth, which should fit tightly around the horse’s body and prevent the seat from sliding to the side or along the back;
• two or four girths to which the girth is attached;
• two stirrups made of leather and metal and two harness belts.

This structure has a standard seat, and depending on different types, some of its components may vary.

Let's look at what types of saddles there are.

The main purpose is to travel long distances, often used for hiking or hunting. Characterized by the presence of a soft seat.

Thanks to the wide shelves, the horse can move freely, and they do not put pressure on his back, since the rider’s weight is distributed evenly. The seat is equipped with additional rings to which you can attach equipment.

Dressage

A distinctive feature is the deep seating, thanks to which a person can straighten his legs. It has a short seat, narrow and long wings.

Universal sports

By the name of this seat, you can guess its purpose. It has a universal shape, used in all types of equestrian sports.

It is used for show jumping and has some differences from a regular saddle: the wings can protrude forward, the pommel has a round or square shape.

Eventing

In appearance it is very similar to a universal one; it can be used for different purposes. However, there is one difference - the airbag and wing are slightly moved forward, which makes it possible to change the landing to a field position during the cross-country.

The main purpose is horse racing. It has a simple shape, a flat seat, and a short waist. Many people are interested in the question of how much this ammunition weighs. Its weight is very small - only 400 grams. This species is easily confused with the treeless species.

Cavalry (racing)

The main purpose is for a person to remain on a horse for a long time. To make the saddle tree, durable materials (steel or wood) are used, which has a beneficial effect on wear resistance.

Thanks to these materials, the load on the horse's back is properly distributed. Previously, such ammunition was used in the army and long campaigns, so it has additional fastening components for weapons.

The design of this saddle was developed taking into account the wishes of rangers and hunters. Thanks to its design, the correct position of the rider is maintained and does not hinder the movement of the animal.

It belongs to the traveling type of saddles, but a different technology was used for its manufacture. The main elements are wings, pillow and archak. The seat has a small shape and a handle - thus, a person can rise up and perform horse riding.

Officer's (Warsaw)

Most often, such a seat is found at military events, parades, and is worn on mounted police animals. It has many mounts for various weapons and other things.

Western (cowboy)

Previously, it was used by American cowboys to herd cattle. It has a slightly different shape from a standard saddle, thanks to which a person can sit comfortably and comfortably in it and feel confident even with unexpected movements and the horse stopping. The Western has an ideal pattern and makes it easy for the horse to move around.

A specialized type of saddle that is designed for the purpose of carrying heavy and large loads on a horse.

Feminine (ladies)

People first learned about the side saddle back in the 7th century. At this time, women wore full skirts; it was very uncomfortable to sit in a man's saddle in them, so equipment was developed specifically for the weaker sex.

However, as soon as trousers entered women's fashion, such saddles ceased to be popular. But recently they are becoming in demand again. All of the above types, with the exception of the Western saddle, belong to the “English saddle” group.

Types of sports saddles: dressage, jumping, eventing, racing and training

There are many different types of horse saddles.
But it so happens that the most popular of them are four types, including a sports saddle. The purpose of a sports saddle for a horse is to reduce the load and improve the animal’s movement during jumping and other sports activities. Depending on this, horse racing saddles are divided into the following types:

• show jumping saddles;
• triathlon;
• steeplechase;
• for higher riding school;
• vaulting (they perform special gymnastic exercises);
• training saddle (for horse riding training).

Sports saddle structure:

1. Front pommel
2. Seat
3. Posterior pommel
4. Pillows
5. Loop for tucking the end of the harness
6. Rear airbag on the fender
7. Wing
8. Front wing airbag
9. Ring for fastening the underarm.

Saddle Types

It should be noted that a sports saddle for horses can have either a plastic tree or a combined one - consisting of wood and metal. Pillows are stuffed with wool, or a more modern option - with synthetic soft substitutes.

Dressage

A dressage horse saddle is characterized by a more convex tree and longer wings.

They have also now begun to practice attaching long girths, since they help fasten a short girth on the chest and this does not create obstacles when working with the leg.

A dressage saddle can have a standard wing or with a small support designed for the rider's knee, which is more comfortable than without it.

Competitive

A jumping saddle, on the other hand, has a flat saddle and short wings that are slightly stitched forward. May have front and rear benfutors. And the back cushion will only have decorative value.

Photo of a jumping saddle

Eventing

The only difference is that the eventing saddle, unlike the jumping saddle, has a wing more forward, which is additionally equipped with knee supports on the inside to perform work on field landings.

Many horse riding enthusiasts believe that the trebor saddle is a universal type, since it is used in eventing, where athletes ride dressage saddles on the first day, and show jumping on the third. But this is not entirely true, because an eventing saddle is directly needed for the second day of the competition, where steeplechase and cross-country are performed in order to gallop along the course in a field seat.

It is characterized by short stirrups and an elevated seating position with the knee firmly resting on the pad. It turns out that the rider stands in the stirrups, while maintaining balance due to the knees that rest against the saddle. It should be noted that the rider’s knees go significantly forward, which is why the eventing saddle has a wing offset. Another additional offset characterizes the racing look of the saddle.

Educational

The training saddle is used only for the purpose of teaching anyone who wants to ride a horse. It is based on a jumping tree and straight wings without an obvious stem. It is most often made from domestically produced leather.

Saddles for equestrian competitions can be divided into the following types:

• Dressage saddle. This type is specifically designed for equestrian dressage. The rider's seat is very deep, since the horse must feel the slightest changes in the person's posture and understand all his commands, which are given by the body and legs. Dressage-style saddles have short seats and narrow shelves;
• Universal type sports saddle. This type is suitable mainly for amateurs who do not seek professional participation in competitions. Due to their convenience, saddles of this type can be used for walking, hunting and various training sessions;
• Saddle for eventing. This model is very similar to the universal one, but has a wing extended forward. This provides convenience when making field landings during cross-country;
• A racing saddle is characterized by minimal weight, since every extra kilogram plays a role in racing. The stirrups of this type are short, since the rider stands in them during competitions.

Modern lady riding

If earlier side-saddle riding was a tribute to fashion and tradition, today it is a hobby, and people not only ride horses in this discipline, but also hold various competitions. Ladies' riding allows you to perform various actions: go hunting, jump over barriers, compete in almost the same disciplines as in ordinary sports.

Ladies' riding allows you to compete in almost all equestrian disciplines

In England and Germany there are many different classes for ladies' riding. This includes show jumping and dressage of different levels, riding in historical costumes, and there are even special classes for small children on ponies in small side saddles.

Even children ride side saddle

Interesting facts[edit | edit code]

• If you throw an explosive enhanced speed potion at a horse, the movement on the horse will be faster than flying in creative mode.
• Horses are the only friendly mobs that can have more health than the player.
• When riding a horse, the sound of hooves is played, corresponding to a gallop (3 ticks of stomping), while the horse, like most four-legged mobs in Minecraft
  , moves at a trot (2 ticks of stomping).
• Chests are present on the textures of not only donkeys and mules, but also all horses, while the zombie horse has a different one - it looks like a dark leather bag, and the texture of its saddle is a little dark.

How to choose a saddle

Not only comfort while riding, but also the safety of the rider, as well as the health of the horse, depends on choosing the right saddle. Therefore, it is advisable to immediately abandon cheap and unreliable materials. A good saddle requires considerable investment, but only a high-quality design will allow you to engage in equestrian sports or just walk on a horse without fear for your life.

Choosing a saddle involves several steps.

Step 1. Go to the vet. Although most riders skip this point, it is considered very important. Your veterinarian will help you identify potential problem areas in your horse and give you an understanding of the animal's movement mechanics. Knowledge of equine anatomy will give the veterinarian an advantage when working with a fitter.

Your veterinarian will be an excellent liaison between you and your saddle supplier.

Step 2. Determining the dimensions of the future saddle. The size of the saddle refers to the opening angle of the tree. This angle is calculated individually for each horse and depends on the shape of the withers.

Please note that when designing a saddle, you should take into account the animal's trapezius muscle, which does not tolerate prolonged compression. Otherwise, it will begin to atrophy, which will lead to problems with the animal’s health.

The size of the saddle must be ideal for the chosen horse.

Step 3. Selecting a tree. Despite the fact that a metal tree is considered the most reliable, nowadays preference is given to lighter materials, especially if you are not involved in professional sports. Wood, plastic with fiber, carbon - all these materials remove excess load from the horse and lighten the saddle. Since different saddle companies have their own sizing charts, it is recommended that you seek professional advice.

A properly selected tree will provide you with a comfortable position on your horse while riding.

Step 4: Setting the balance. In most cases, the correct seat size ensures that the rider is securely seated in the saddle. However, different horses have their own anatomical features, which need to be further adjusted to. For horses that have a significant difference between the height of their back and withers, pads should be used. Stuffed pillows will allow you to more accurately replicate the nuances of the structure of a horse's back. You can tell that the saddle is narrow by the bridge formed between the front and back of the cushions.

The closer the saddle fits to the horse's back, following its contours, the better.

Step 5. Selecting shock absorbers. Shock absorbers, like the mentioned cushions, allow you to adjust the saddle to the parameters of a particular horse. In addition, the advantage of shock absorbers is that with their use you can put the same saddle on different horses. Natural fur is most often used as a material for shock absorbers. Fur allows you to fill the distance between the withers and the tree, minimizing the likelihood of chafing on the horse.

Shock absorbers are designed to protect the horse's skin from the saddle

Main varieties

Depending on the purpose, the equipment has a different saddle structure, shape, weight and is made of different materials. Saddles are universal, cavalry, Cossack, and ladies'.

Be sure to read:

Keeping and caring for a horse at home: instructions for beginners

Cavalry (combat) saddle

The frame of a cavalry saddle is made of wood or steel material. The product has good wear resistance and evenly distributes the load over the entire back of the horse.

Thanks to this, the rider can stay on the horse for a long time. It is possible to additionally equip the product with a special weapon holder and fastening for things.

Cossack

The design consists of a pillow, a tree, a handle and wings. The handle holds the rider while performing stance and other elements of movement.

Feminine (ladies)

Ladies' saddle
The women's saddle was invented for noble ladies who wore fluffy dresses and long skirts. Such clothing did not allow them to go hunting, and then new equipment appeared that allowed women to sit sideways.

In this position, one foot is placed on the pommel, the other in the stirrup. Sitting in this position for a long time is uncomfortable, as the whole body becomes numb. Currently, side saddles are rarely used and only at horse shows.

Competitive

Contour sports saddle

The shape of the saddle is short and flat. The equipment provides a stable position for the rider. When jumping, the legs are pressed tightly against the sides of the animal due to the wings of the equipment extended forward.

Dressage

Dressage saddle

The seat of the dressage saddle is deep. This allows the rider to fully straighten their legs. This type of landing was achieved thanks to the long wings of a narrowed configuration and by shortening the equipment.

Narrow and short saddle flanges and thin padding allow you to control the horse with just one body.

Universal

Universal saddle for horse

A universal saddle is used by beginners who have just started horse riding. The classic design allows you to use the equipment during hunting, for walking and training.

The saddle is the most ancient piece of riding equipment. Initially, simple small capes with straps were used as it. Nowadays the equipment has the correct design and shape. Science itself takes care of these important points. Modern types are focused on the comfort and health of the horse and rider.

The main types of equestrian equipment for horses:

• cavalry (combat) saddle. Belongs to the group of combat and working equestrian equipment. Intended for the rider to remain on horseback for a long time. The tree of the saddle is made of durable materials (steel or wood), which has a positive effect on wear resistance. These materials allow you to correctly distribute the load on the animal’s back. Previously, such equestrian equipment was used in the army and on long cavalry campaigns, so the equipment is equipped with additional fastening elements for packs and weapons;
• cowboy saddle (Western). Previously used by cowboys in America to herd cattle. It is distinguished by its shape, which ensures a comfortable and stable position for the rider during sudden movements and stops of the horse. Some other distinctive features: lasso horn, deep shape, high pommel of the saddle, which allows the rider's hands to be free. The Western is perfectly designed to make the horse feel as comfortable as possible;
• jumping saddle. It is intended for show jumping and differs in some features from previous types: the wings move forward, the pommel is made in a round or square shape. The most popular is equipment from the Centaur company;
• universal saddle. It got its name due to its universal shape, which is suitable for almost any type of equestrian sport and riding. For amateur equestrians, this type of riding equipment will be ideal. It can be used during hunting, for simple walking, training, paddling and other purposes;
• racing Used exclusively for racing. It is distinguished by its simple shape, as well as a flat seat and a short harness. The racing saddle is very light. Its standard weight is 400 grams. The racing species is often confused with the treeless species;
• women's saddle. This type was designed 7 centuries ago. The unusual shape allows ladies to place their legs on only one side of the horse. When ladies began to wear trousers (at the beginning of the 20th century), this type of equestrian equipment was gradually forgotten. Currently, women's equestrian equipment can only be found at horse shows and exhibitions.

Pros and cons of riding side saddle

First, it’s worth considering the positive aspects of women’s riding:

• Ladies' riding can be enjoyed by the fair sex at any age. This is quite comfortable for both little princesses and respectable ladies;
• when sitting sideways, the rider does not pull on the reins, but does it more softly than a rider in a conventional saddle;
• Having only the initial experience of horse riding, any lady will be able to master the skill of slow and fast gaits. In just a few lessons, the rider masters the basics of ladies' riding. It is much easier for someone who has never ridden sidesaddle before to learn than for someone who has had experience in regular horse riding. This skill is easiest for children. Little ladies 5-6 years old are the best students;
• The ability of a lady to ride is a clear sign of status. Nowadays, ladies' riding is gaining popularity again. Not only crowned heads become ardent fans of horse riding. The passion of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is horses and racing. She is an excellent rider and a role model for modern young ladies;
• beautiful horsewomen make an indelible impression. The Amazons look elegant in historical costumes, specially created for ladies' riding, and will not leave any spectator indifferent;
• such a hobby is another chance to show your capabilities in any type of equestrian sport.

A horsewoman in a historical costume makes an indelible impression

On the negative side, there is some discomfort in women's riding. A rider in side saddle does not feel the horse well enough. The rider sits higher than in a normal seat, and the legs do not press the horse on both sides, but these “disadvantages” allow the Amazon to avoid unexpected movements of the animal. There is an opinion that side seating leads to scoliosis, but in the improved model of the side saddle, the body of the Amazon saddle is located parallel to the shoulders of the horse with a flat back. The women's saddle has a slightly different balance, so you need a well-trained, sensitive horse.

For ladies' riding, you need to saddle a well-trained horse