Saddles and Harness

Most equestrians think of saddles as falling into two main categories, English and Western.  Western saddles are distinctive because of a horn and high fork on the front of the saddle, and a deeper seat.  The western saddle also has wide and long stirrups and fenders.  The English saddle has a flatter seat, and no noticeable fork and horn. 

Regardless of which style you decide on, you should make sure that the saddle fits your horse.  If your horse appears uncomfortable, examine the horse’s back to see if there are any sores due to chafing or rubbing, this indicates an incorrectly fitted saddle.

The Spanish saddle was used by the Mexican Caballeros during the first part of the 19th century, when it was introduced to American settlers during the westward expansion of the country. The Spanish saddle has a high pommel and cantle, which gives a rider a sturdy seat while roping cattle or on a green horse.  In 1822, a St. Louis saddler named Thornton Grimsley began making a horned saddle based on the Spanish model that became renowned for its durability.  Grimsley sewed wet rawhide onto the tree of the saddle, which formed a hard shell when dried that made the saddle stronger.  This method caught on and began to be used by other saddlers, with some regional variations. 

A Spanish saddle has a cantle board and looks like a hybrid of an English saddle and a Western saddle.  They are often used in shows because they are quite beautiful and often contain exquisite craftsmanship.  Some riders say Spanish saddles are well suited to long horseback rides due to their comfort and ease of use.

 I have been riding since I was 3 years old and mostly Western.  I have to honestly say that I have switched to the Australian Stock Saddle. I ride out on the trails and the Aussie really helps with the weight on my horse. It is only half the weight of my Western saddle. I feel like it helps my horse move in the shoulders freely with no restriction on his back like the western saddle does. It also is a shorter saddle in length (front to back) and I know with all of the padding of the Australian Stock Saddles that it has to be more comfortable on my short back horse by his kidney area too.
      The fenders are narrower then the western fender so it make it easier on my knees and ankles. I feel like it moves with me so much freer then the western saddle, especially on long rides on the trail.

Cleaning a draft horse saddle isn’t a difficult process for something that is an imperative part of horse riding. Here are some easy tips:

• Place your saddle on a saddle rack, preferably a moveable one that you can put in your garage or outside where you can work on it.
• Keep a new saddle in good condition and prevent it from darkening by lightly wetting and wringing out a soft dust-free cloth and wiping the entire saddle. Wipe off any excess water and allow the saddle to dry naturally.
• Use a little extra elbow grease for older saddles. With a sponge, apply glycerin saddle soap to the entire saddle. Work soap in circular motions on smooth surfaces.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean basketweave and intricate scrollwork on the saddle.
• Wipe soap from the saddle using a damp towel. Lightly dry saddle with a clean, soft, dust-free cloth.
• Twist both fenders of a Western saddle to the outside and place a broomstick through both stirrups to help keep the proper form; let the saddle dry naturally.
• Use the same materials for the rest of your tack.