Horse saddle: the most popular versions and modern modifications

The saddle is the main element of horse harness. It is the saddle that determines half the success of your future training. Of course, a saddle is an expensive piece of equipment, so you need to approach its purchase with great responsibility. Simple tips will allow you to buy a saddle for your horse without unnecessary hassle. Remember that a saddle is an extremely individual thing. The ideal saddle in terms of technology will probably create more discomfort compared to your old beat-up saddle.

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.

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.

Some specific models, for example, the women's saddle, had a non-standard design.

What does a horse saddle consist of?

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

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.

The cowboy saddle is part of the culture of the Wild West.

Cowboys are professional riders who have captivated Russian women with their grace, courageous looks and unusual type of clothing. In the movies, cowboys are portrayed as heroes, but in real life, a cowboy is a person whose main responsibility is to look after the herd. That is, in fact, he is a shepherd, and his main distinguishing feature is his masterful horse riding, which is used for faster maneuverability and, therefore, better control of animals. Since such work required spending the entire day on horseback, for a long time the equipment for cowboys’ horses was modified, and eventually began to differ from the traditional one.

For example, the cowboy saddle , which is derived from the Spanish saddle, is somewhat different. Firstly, this concerns the appearance of new attributes in the structure of the saddle - this is a horn on which a lasso or additional bags can be attached. In addition, there is an obvious difference in external features: a cowboy saddle is lighter and more elegant. But we are more interested in the internal differences from the classic saddle. It is innovations in saddle design technology that make it possible to classify cowboys as heroes not only of action films, but also of equestrian affairs. For example, a cowboy saddle has larger fenders and more comfortable stirrups. The tree of such a saddle is also wider and longer. The seat of a cowboy saddle is deeper and the pommel is defined. This allows the rider to rest and relax tense muscles if necessary.

One cannot but pay tribute to the design of such a saddle. The cowboy saddle compares favorably with the classic one. Decorative elements, rich embossing and expensive materials transform an ordinary cowboy saddle into a work of art.

If we talk about shortcomings, we can highlight one of the most significant ones. The cowboy saddle does not allow you to quickly unfasten if necessary. However, this is compensated by the fact that the saddle stirrups are quite wide, and in an emergency the leg can easily slip out of the shackles.

The Wild West has long ceased to be completely wild, cowboys switched to “iron” horses, but, nevertheless, a cowboy saddle and other cowboy equipment are still in demand, at least for the filming of westerns.

Saddle for a horse. Types and structure of saddles

In addition to the bridle, an important piece of riding equipment is the saddle. Its task is primarily to protect the horse’s back and only then to create comfort for the rider.

Oddly enough, when riding bareback, the pressure on the horse's back is greater than when riding with a saddle. Uniform distribution of the load creates much less discomfort for her back, which is why the saddle is so painstakingly selected in each specific case.

When adjusting it, the height of the withers, the length of the tree, and the purpose are taken into account, so saddles are usually made to order. Putting on someone else's horse saddle will be comparable to putting on someone else's shoes. There are several types of saddles, and each group has its own varieties.

So, in the modern equestrian world you can find:

• English type saddles;
• Western saddles;
• Asian style saddles;
• Spanish type saddles and many others, but little known in Russia.

A special feature is the lady's saddle for a horse, which can now be found at horse shows and historical restorations.

For classical sports (dressage, show jumping, eventing) it is customary to use English-type saddles; they naturally differ from each other, but have the main components that are inherent in all saddles:

• forward pommel (1);
• pommel (2);
• fender liner (3);
• wing (4);
• sweatshirt (5);
• rigs (6);
• girths (7);
• front girth (8);
• back girth (9);
• pillow (10);
• Scheller (11);
• upper and lower harness straps (12, 13);
• stirrup (14);
• support part of the stirrup (15).

It is advisable to use stainless steel stirrups - they are the most durable and will definitely not break at the most inopportune moment. There should be gaps of approximately 1.5 cm on each side of the rider's foot. For safety, the harnesses must be strong and should be checked before each training session.

A girth is needed to hold the saddle in place, and the type depends on the build of the horse, the type of saddle and the work being done. Traditionally, girths were made from leather, but now they are often made from synthetic materials.

Saddle pads and saddle pads are placed under the saddle, and they are more comfortable for the horse's back than the leather bottom of the saddle. They should be made from natural materials that absorb the horse's sweat. The central part of the saddle pad is tucked under the saddle chamber so that it does not put pressure on the horse's spine. Saddle pads and saddle pads must be washed regularly - dirt on them can injure the horse's back.

To prevent the saddle from sliding back, it may have a breastplate (breastplate).

The martingale (a leather strap running from the girth between the horse's legs and attached to the bridle) is used primarily to prevent the horse from lifting its head above a certain level and to make it easier for the rider to achieve collection.

English-type saddles also include: racing, training and universal sports saddles. The last two are most often used in rentals and when training novice riders.

A dressage saddle has a deep seat with straight wings, this allows the rider to ride in longer stirrups, thus having better contact between the legs and sides of the horse.

A jumping saddle has a longer and flatter tree, the wings are shorter and pushed forward, which helps the rider maintain the necessary position - move the body forward and shorten the stirrups.

An eventing saddle is very similar to a showjumping saddle, but the wings are further forward and the leg rests are more pronounced, which is necessary for field riding.

The racing saddle is even more suitable for seating with the knees resting on the wings and the stirrups shortened; it is as lightweight as possible, and it is impossible to confuse it with other saddles.

How to Assess Saddle Wear

Many novice riders who decide to purchase their own horse are faced with the need to purchase a saddle. Since new products are quite expensive, you often have to choose used products. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

The first thing to check is the harness. They may be stretched or thinned. Since the harnesses can be replaced without any problems, you should not give up the saddle, especially if it is in excellent condition, but the price can be significantly reduced; All rivets and locks must be in place and working properly; Next you need to check the tree. It must not be deformed or broken. You should immediately refuse to buy a saddle with a broken tree; The next step is to inspect the saddle pads. They should not be deformed. If necessary, the saddle pad padding can be replaced.

In addition, the appearance of the saddle should not show any visible signs of wear. Abrasions are allowed, but you should not take a saddle with torn leather.

There are a great many options for saddles. The main thing when choosing is to focus not on appearance, but on convenience for both the rider and the horse.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them Source

How to make it yourself

The structure of a saddle for a horse will not be clear to everyone and making it with your own hands is not easy. To do this, it is recommended to prepare a large amount of material that is resistant to wear, and then begin manufacturing.

What elements does it consist of?

Main parts of the saddle:

1. The tree is the skeleton of the structure. It is made of 2 pieces of plywood, which are fastened together at the ends with metal arms. Often the tree is made of durable but flexible plastic. The type of equipment depends on the type of this element. The remaining parts are attached to the frame.
2. Fenders and fenders are needed to protect the rider's legs from contact with the girth and buckles.
3. Pillows made of dense material, stuffed with wool or synthetic fiber. They are located under the seat and are designed to ensure that the saddle does not touch the horse's spine.
4. The harness is a strap under the wing.
5. Bows are curved protrusions located in front or behind the saddle. They have different shapes depending on the type of equipment.
6. A girth is a strap that goes under the animal's belly. Attaches to the harness and secures the harness, preventing it from slipping. You need to position the girth like this: measure 5 cm from the horse’s front leg and tighten the belt so that your palm passes under it.
7. A martingale is a leather strap that prevents a horse from raising its head above the required level. It is located between the horse's legs and attached to the girth and headband.
8. Stirrups are metal devices designed to support the rider’s legs when sitting and moving. They are located on the straps on both sides of the saddle.
9. Slings - straps, fastenings for stirrups.
10. The bolster is an element that prevents the seat from sliding back when climbing.
11. A saddle pad is a bedding under the saddle.

Manufacturing sequence

Necessary materials:

• cardboard;
• scissors;
• nails and staples;
• hammer;
• jigsaw;
• foam;
• leather or high-quality substitute;
• leather belts.

The first stage of production is measurements for the frame, which are transferred to cardboard and cut out. Paper blanks are needed to make a wooden base.

Shelves are cut out of plywood, fastened with wire, and a tree. The tree must be sanded and fastened with nails to the shelves. Drill a hole in the shelves for the girth.

Foam rubber serves as upholstery, is cut to the shape of the seat and attached to the body. It is recommended to buy girths, martingales and girths in a specialized store. Then the frame is covered with leather or substitute. Stirrups are attached.

Additionally, you can sew a horse saddle cover for storage.

Features of saddle selection

Not only the comfort of the rider depends on the right choice of saddle. This directly affects the relationship between animals and humans. If the saddle gives the horse unpleasant sensations, then he will never have an understanding with the rider, so the saddle must be tried on. In this case, you need to pay attention to the following points:

The uniformity of the saddle on the horse’s back; Check whether the structure is pressing on any side; The saddle should not move forward or backward.

If everything is in order, you need to tighten the girths and take a test ride. In this case, pay attention to the following nuances:

The rider's seat should be comfortable; When trotting, you must make sure that there is no hair on the saddle pad. The saddle pad itself should not protrude from under the saddle.

If the horse has a non-standard build, for example, has a wide chest, then the issue of selecting a saddle may drag on for several years. It will be easier to find a good saddler who will measure your horse and make a custom-made 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.

How to put it on a horse

Before you saddle a horse, you need to carefully examine it and make sure that there are no injuries on its body.

Let's look at how to put a seat on an animal:

1. First you need to run a brush along the back of the horse, brush away any debris and hay. If the seat is placed on a contaminated animal, the hay will rub against the back and may injure the horse.
2. Then you need to lay out the saddle pad and fur pad above the place where you plan to fix the saddle, and then slowly move them in the direction of hair growth, straightening them if there are folds somewhere.
3. Next, you should position the seat at the withers and also move it back. Once the seat is in the right place, you need to lower the girths.
4. The girths are fastened either to the first two or to the first and third girths. First of all, you need to fasten the girth to the first hole, then go around the horse and carefully tighten the girth to the third hole. After this, it is tightened, but do not tighten it tightly or very loosely.
5. All buckles should be at the same level. It is necessary to pull down the fender liner - this is necessary to protect the saddle fender.

Video: how to saddle a horse correctly After installing the saddle, make sure that:

• it does not put pressure on the animal’s back;
• the tree does not pinch the withers and does not put pressure;
• The seat lies flat and the rider's weight is evenly distributed on it.

Read more about how to properly saddle a horse.

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

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.

Video "Master of horse saddles"

In this video we invite you to delve even deeper into the great mystery of making horse saddles. (video by Mak White)

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Sports saddles

Sports saddles are developed specifically for different types of equestrian competitions and take into account their specifics. The design of each such saddle depends on the scope of its application: show jumping, eventing, horse racing, and so on.

For classic equestrian sports, English saddles are used. Of course, different sports saddles differ from each other in some ways, but they are united by the presence of the following mandatory elements:

Lenchik. The tree is the main solid part that holds the saddle together, and in most cases is made using metal. The tree itself consists of benches, which are fixed with metal bows located both in front and behind. The size of the tree is determined by the specific sport in which it is used;

Wooden tree

Sweatshirt. The sweatshirt is made of thickened felt. Its main tasks are to soften and redistribute pressure along the horse’s back, which reduces its fatigue, as well as protection from all kinds of abrasions. Felt also effectively absorbs the horse's sweat and prevents the saddle from slipping. Under the saddle pad there is often a saddle pad, designed to protect the horse's skin from the dirty saddle pad; Wings. In the vast majority of cases, wings are made of leather. They cover the sweatshirt and reliably protect the rider’s legs. The wings can be directed either downwards or upwards, depending on their purpose. At races, the wings always “look” up - this is explained by the specifics of landing during competitions. Training saddles are equipped with wings lowered down;

The wings are located on the sides of the saddle

Seat. The main function of the seat is to provide a comfortable ride for both horse and rider. Like the fenders, the seat is made of leather; Pillows

The material of the pillows can be different - it is important that it is dense and stuffed with wool. The pads are located under the saddle and adjacent to the sides of the animal to avoid chafing the saddle; Girths

Girths are made of strong braid that prevents the saddle from sliding on the horse's back. Nowadays, all saddles are equipped with two girths that prevent the structure from moving to the side while riding;

Types of girth

Stirrup. Most stirrups are metal because they need to be strong, serving as the second most important support for the rider. The stirrups are suspended on a harness, which is individually adjusted to suit the length of the rider's legs.

For clarity, we provide the following image

Saddle structure

The weight of sports saddles can vary from one to nine kilograms. Vaulting saddles are considered the heaviest.

Exterior upholstery

After all the manipulations, we come to the final stage of making the saddle - the outer upholstery. To do this, you can take leather or burlap. Having chosen the material you like, simply trim the tree and the saddle is ready! If desired, you can decorate it with embroidery, sew on mounds - whatever your imagination can do.

You can purchase girths and harnesses with stirrups at any horse shop. If you wish, you can buy buckles and make them yourself.

Once the saddle is ready, it needs to be tested. Remember that the saddle should not only suit you, but also your horse!

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.

Features of cavalry and Cossack saddles

A cavalry saddle is a convenient element of horse harness, designed for the rider to remain in it for a long time. A special feature of cavalry saddles is the material from which the tree is made. As a rule, it was wood or steel. Since this type of harness was used in the army, it was often equipped with various devices for attaching luggage and weapons.

The Cossack saddle differed from the cavalry type in a more traditional shape for eastern models. The rider sits significantly higher than in European types of saddles. In addition, Cossack models have special handles, which are located on the front and rear bows. Once upon a time, these handles were used as weapon mounts. Now these handles are used, as a rule, as support points during horse riding. A sweat cloth is placed under the Cossack saddle; the blanket has never been used.