The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread

[HairOfTheDog]

Free Republic has a lot of horse people that have found each other on other threads…. And since we all like to talk horses, how about a thread where it is not off-topic, but is THE topic?

A few of us thought it would be interesting and informative to have a chat thread where we can share ideas, ask for input from other horsemen, and talk about our riding and horse-keeping. We have a lot of different kinds of riders and horses, and a lot to share. We may not ~always~ have a lot of activity, but when we do, it will be fun. I will put a link to this thread on my profile page, so if you have something to say and can't find the thread in latest posts… look for it there and wake the thread up!

I will also develop a ping list for horse threads that are of interest. As FreeRepublic is a political site, our politics and other issues will probably blend in…. There are many issues for horsemen that touch politics… land use, animal rights/abuse cases that make the news…. Legislation that might affect horse owners.

I am hoping this thread will be a fun place to come and share stories, pictures, questions and chit-chat, unguided and unmoderated and that we come together here as friends. There are lots of ways of doing things and we all have our quirks, tricks and specialties that are neat to learn about.

[CindyDawg]

You really can't tell unless you are looking but I have one a little longer than the other. I had a really hard x with stirrup length and this was the outcome due to my anatomy. Would probably drive another rider nuts but works for me.

[HairOfTheDog]

He looks steady and he's got really good arm position. Think you've got a winner there. :-D

I think so too about him! His position is better than mine in the pics I posted, though I was trying to sit Bay's spring-trot with no stirrups and collect him down at the same time ;~D (excuses) It has been too long since I took lessons or finessed my position at all.

[AnAmericanMother]

A horse really can't go English and Western and do both well.

A Western pleasure horse goes with a relaxed top line, very low head, quarters trailing, slack rein, and extremely soft gaits (especially at the "jog" or trot.) A good hunter should go with a rounded top line and lifted withers, quarters tucked under, "on the bit" and very forward, especially at the trot. A horse who is on the bit cannot neck rein - you can use an indirect quartering rein but the effect is completely different. You notice the difference in every gait, but especially at the canter. A Western pleasure horse is set up so that he really cannot jump anything but low poles - the hunter is bent like a bow so that he CAN jump out of his cantering stride.

I would not show a horse in both disciplines except at a very low level in local shows. It'll just confuse the horse.

[CindyDawg]

I was taught not to hold any part of the saddle mounting. I hold the mane and put my hand flat on the seat. I hardly use the horn. Maybe just a few times if I felt off balance. I just wrap my lead road around it. All I have found that it is good for is ripping my shirts :')

[AnAmericanMother]

Forward seat English saddles -

The tree or wooden frame on which the saddle is built is actually constructed differently from a Western or even a trail or dressage saddle. Basically, the tree is constructed with a deep seat and a wide throat (the part of the seat just forward of your legs), a relatively short skirt and knee rolls forward of your knees. You adjust your stirrups so that your lower leg is locked forward and your thighs and knees press downward into the knee rolls. The forward seat saddle comes in two basic varieties - the "close contact" and the "hunting" saddle. The hunting saddle is deeper and much more comfortable - usually has larger knee rolls and more padding. I switched about 8 years ago from close contact to hunting - my trainer calls it my "Barcalounger".

Typical "close contact" saddle:

My "Barcalounger" (Courbette Futura All Purpose):

[HairOfTheDog]

I think my new one is the same basic shape as your Barcalounger ;~D My old Stubben was much closer and flatter.

[chicagolady]

Fabulous Photo!!

[HairOfTheDog]

Thank you! - We're a pretty happy family! Had to take that photo on a timer where ecurbh had to run and sit down... but we got everyone just right!

[AnAmericanMother]

I used to get so frustrated. The instructor would yell "kick her, keep kicking her" My legs flapping and felt like I was abusing the horse but it didn't phase her. She would only move when the instructor came up to her with a "move" look in her eyes :')

That's what spurs are for.

You do have to have a very still leg before you can go in for spurs.

I use Prince of Wales spurs on my Gracie mare as a regular rule (she IS a slug on the flat - she gets nicely revved up when we jump.) I didn't wear my spurs out hunting because I thought she would be revved up like she is at a show (she is just perfect at shows). But after three hours of hunting she was lagging at the fences and I was PRAYING for those spurs! Next year, I'm buying a sandwich case so that I can carry a flask of port wine, my spurs, and a cell phone!

[CindyDawg]

lol. I'm ordering a pair but I can't wear them at the stables. My horse usually does really good and just occasionally gets stuborn but he eventually moves :')

[AnAmericanMother]

Just make sure you wear them with the shanks curving DOWN! :-D

[CindyDawg]

Do I keep my pride intact and say, "of course" or ask "shanks?" and "why"? :')

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

You watch barrel racers, the really good ones hold the horn when they make the turns around the barrels. They are actually pushing back on it to help hold their weight down in the saddle. That makes the horse get his butt under him rather then swinging it out.

Becky

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

That top saddle looks like the one my daughter has. Her's is older, we bought it used. It is a Crosby???

Becky

[CindyDawg]

I'll watch the next time one on. I only use mine to wrap the lead rope around after I mount up . (You don't want to know lol)

You see what happened on TOS?

[HairOfTheDog]

Crosby is a good brand, and my older saddle was about that shape. Not a lot there, I suppose... but nice close contact with the horse ;~D

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

In regards to spurs you swallow your pride and ask:)

When you get them you will see what she means. The shank is the part that sticks out. It's curve should point down. If you put them on your boot heel upside down the curve will go up. You'll understnd when you get them, or look at a picture.

IOW, they can be put on upside down, you just don't want too:)

Becky

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Jennys is pretty old. But I took it and had work done on it when she got it, and they said it was still good. Jenny complains if she rides in it to long that it makes her left butt check hurt:)...LOL...why would that be, any particular reason? Her or the saddle:) the problem?

Becky

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Where's the lead rope while you are mounting? Is that what I don't want to know:)?

Becky

[CindyDawg]

Yep.