Sunday 29 September 2013

A Short Account Of Saddlery

By John Peterson


When you get the chance, have a look at how saddlery is defined in the dictionary. It is much more than the equipment used to control and guide horses whilst riding. It also states that it encompasses the making and fixing of these items. Lastly these operations are all carried out in a place that bears the same name.

On closer inspection an individual will note the predominant use of leather. As this is not something the average person can work with, it tends to be quite a speciality occupation. This would also include any repairs that might be required.

The largest, and most obvious, part to all of the tack is the saddle. This is the seat that the rider sits in when riding. It is positioned astride the back of a horse, and will then be held in position by straps that pass underneath the horse's body.

Ideally it should be fitted to both the horse and the rider. This will make it more comfortable for both horse and rider, and possibly help to prevent injury. A badly fitting saddle could produce pressure point sores along a horse's back.

There are two major forms of saddles. These are the English saddle or the Western saddle, and are fitted depending on the requirement. There are other forms of saddle, which are more specialised and don't really fit into either category.

Suspended from the saddle you will find the stirrups. The purpose of these is twofold. The primary purpose is to provide the rider with a better sense of stability. The secondary purpose is that they can be used to assist with the control of the horse.

The reins are used to mainly control the horse. These are the leather leads which a rider grasps while riding. The ends are fixed onto the harness that a horse wears round its head. Depending on the horse and rider the appearances of these harnesses can alter

Again the harness is something which serves a dual purpose. It can be used while a horse is being ridden, and it can also be used to either lead or train a horse while it is riderless. The bridle can either have a bit, or be what is termed as bit-less.

As can be clearly seen there is more to saddlery that one might initially suppose. Consequently this is a good reason to only use qualified facilities. It makes sense to both horse and rider, to have everything done professionally.




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