Horse Riding – Choosing The Right Equipment

When you are choosing horse riding equipment for the first time you will probably want to stick to the basics. Buying only what you need when you are starting is a good idea as you will soon learn what is necessary as your interest for the sport develops. However buying poor equipment will probably stop you from learning to ride properly so always buy the right horse riding equipment.

Helmets

Helmets are essential horse riding safety equipment. The right sort of helmet will keep you safe in the event of a fall. Never skimp on your helmet or purchase something second-hand, always buy the best. Take someone more experienced along if you are unsure about choosing a helmet that fits you properly.

Boots

Besides your helmet the type of boots that you choose is probably the most important part of your horse riding equipment. You want boots that fit you comfortably and also look good. The type of horse riding boots that you choose depends largely on what type of riding that you will be doing.

If you are only into riding for fun then a low cut boot is the best to buy for your horse riding equipment. To make taking your boots off easier decide a boot that has a back zipper. Your boot should be a snug fit but at the same time it should also be comfortable.

If you are intending to ride in shows then you will need tall boots. This piece of horse riding equipment not only looks great it also helps to keep your leg position nice and stable. You will find that these are probably the most comfortable type of boots to wear.

Glasses

While glasses might not seem like the first thing you need to consider when buying horse riding equipment, the right type of eyewear is important. You need to make sure that you can see properly while riding. Many people opt for contacts if they normally wear glasses. This is especially true for winter riding as glasses tend to fog up quite a bit in the cold air.

Yet if you wish to use glasses then safety glass in your frames are a good investment as part of your horse riding equipment. This will prevent nasty accidents that can occur if your glasses should break. Sunglasses are also something you should consider when riding in the summer as the glare you might encounter can be extremely distracting.

Looking to find the best deal on Dressage Saddles, then visit www.dressagesaddlesforsale.com to find the best advice on Dressage Saddles For Sale for you.

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This post was written by Author Goodman on November 1, 2009

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Circle Y Saddles Improve the Trail Riding Experience

by Sharon Mackay

A horse that's good for trail riding is one that is trained to travel long distances, calm and obedient, and does not startle at streams, animals, or obstacles such as branches. A good trail riding horse has had adequate work and conditioning in order to handle trail rides physically and mentally. With some horses, it can take months, but some breeds do well as trail horses with only a few weeks of preparation.

Circle Y saddles offer great flexibility for maneuvering around trees, rocks, and other trail riding obstacles. The lightweight design offers comfort to the horse as it conforms to the horse's back. The skirts are specially designed with neoprene. The neoprene filler will absorb shocks and bumps to keep the rider and horse comfortable on long trail rides.

If you're looking to reduce the long saddle break in period, Circle Y saddles offer a product called the Circle Y Softee fender leathers and seat jockey. Another lightweight option is the Circle Y Flex-Lite trail riding saddles that are built for comfort.

The Circle Y saddle company has been under the ownership of the Leland Tucker family for over 40 years. The tradition of quality has been passed down since the company's inception in 1960. New management overtook operations in 2003 and has vowed to continue the Circle Y saddle tradition with a commitment to saddle design, quality and innovation.

Circle Y's patented Flex2 tree design allows saddles to fit well on a broad selection of horses, and it is present in many of Circle Y saddles. The Circle Y Softee seat jockey and fender leather minimizes strain to the rider's knees and ankles and provides a comfortable ride from the outset.

The tradition of designing quality trail riding saddles, ranch work saddles, barrel racing saddles, roping saddles, team penning saddles, and saddles for cutting horses has always been with Circle Y. A Circle Y saddle is the best all around choice for you and the enjoyment of your horse on the trail.

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Horse Riding Saddle ” Know its Parts and Types

by Lisa Blackstone

A horse riding saddle or equestrian saddle is a supportive seat for riding a horse, which is fastened on the back of the horse by a girth or cinch. This is the most common type of saddle and is typically made up of leather. Before saddle trees and stirrups were added, a horse riding saddle is just a simple pad attached with a surcingle.

Horse riding saddles have common parts: tree, seat, pommel, cantle, stirrup, leather strap, flap, d-ring, girth or cinch, and panel, lining or padding. The tree, usually made of wood laminates or plastic, is the base on which the rest of the saddle is built. Its size determines its fit on the horses back and the size of the seat of the rider. Today, most trees are covered in leather or leather like synthetic.

The front part of the saddle, which is slightly raised, is called pommel. Pommel is sometimes called pomnel or swells. The seat is where the rider sits. Its depth and slope varies depending on the type of the saddle. The back part of the saddle, which is also raised, is called the cantle.

The stirrup is the bar that is attached by the leather strap to the saddle where the riders feet go. It provides support and leverage to the rider. The flaps, sometimes called fenders, are large pieces of leather on both sides of the saddle that covers the girth straps. Saddle flaps vary in shape, some even have knee pads attached.

The D-ring is where pieces of equipment, such as breastplates, can be attached. The girth or cinch, under the saddle flap, is the strap that keeps the saddle on the horse. The panel is the part of the saddle that comes in contact with the back of the horse. Additional parts, such as surcingle, monkey grip, horn or knee rolls, can also be seen in some saddles.

Different saddles are used in different horse riding disciplines today. Each is designed and constructed according to the riders and horses needs. Among the many types of horse riding saddles, the most common are the English and Western saddles.

English saddles are used for English riding, which is a style of riding that has its roots in centuries of European riding tradition. English riding is now being used all over the world and is the basic style of riding seen in the various events at the Olympics. English saddles are used for eventing, show jumping and hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat, horse racing and polo. Most English saddles are specifically designed to allow the horse freedom of movement.

Compared to other types of saddles, English saddles have flatter seats and, unlike, Western saddles, they do not have horns. These saddles are designed with panels with padding, trees with spring steel and riveted gullet plates. The tree in English saddle is semi-adjustable and is considered spring tree. English saddles vary in the length and angle of the flaps, the depth of the seats and height of the cantles, depending on the purposes or uses.

Western saddles, also known as cowboy saddles, are used for western riding and on working horse on cattle ranches throughout the United States. Western riding evolved from ranching and warfare traditions and eventually evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboys. Western saddles are characterized by the horns on the front.

Western saddles do not have padding of their own. This is why these saddles are used with a saddle blanket or pad to provide comfort. They are designed with deep seats, high cantles, sturdier stirrups, heavier leather and use cinches instead of girths. The trees define the size and shape of the finished products and are designed to spread out the weight of the rider.

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