Keeping your horse healthy is a number one priority with any rider, without good care your horse is open to all kinds of problems and no one wants that. A few things that I have listed below will give you a little information. For more detailed and specific issues you want to consult your veterinarian, but here are some things that you may already use.
HORSE WORMING
Most of these come in a paste form and is given to the horse by mouth, sometimes that is easier said than done, depending how well your horse cooperates with you. I noticed that it comes in a gel, it melts quickly for less waste. The purpose of worming is to prevent the different parasites that can form, personally I rotate the brands every six or seven weeks.
HORSE TREATS
Any horse should enjoy some form of treats, they are a great training tool. I notice they have all different varieties, one for instance is a apple flavored nugget my horses love these. Another is the peppermint flavored, this one really smells good even to humans. The carrot flavor is a good choice too, they all have essential vitamins mixed in for added nutrition. I think the better ones have whole grains, alfalfa and molasses added to them, either way your horse will follow you anywhere to get one.
FLY SPRAYS
When spring comes look out for those annoying flys they are definitely going to show up, but there are some things you can use to keep them from constantly irritating your horse. Some horse owners use fly mask for the head and face, fly sheets for the body, and fly sprays. If all you use are the sprays, I find the more expensive fly sprays do work better and last longer if your budget will allow you to try it. Try spraying your saddle pad with it when you ride, it may help keep them off of you as well.
VITAMINS
Usually your vitamins and minerals come mixed in with a good horse feed. I suggest asking your veterinarian or an experienced horseman or horsewoman what is the best feed for your horse. I have heard that some horse owners don't use feed except when they are showing and performing, again it depends on the horse and style of riding you do.
Healthy horses are happy horses.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Let's talk about Bits
The first category I will mention is the western bits, a person can get confused looking at all of these designs. Some are quite severe, others are for starting your horse, whichever the case may be, check with a trainer or someone who has experience in working with horses to determine the right bit.
WESTERN BITS
The western bit comes in several shapes and designs, sometimes you have to try out a few before finding the right fit, that goes for any horse and style of riding. Here are just a few to consider:
Loose Ring Bit
Tom Thumb Bit
Port Bit
Egg Butt Bit ( some come flavored )
Hackamore
ENGLISH BITS
I have notice that a majority of these bits are a snaffle type with different designs added to them. Each design has a specific purpose in what you hope your horse will accomplish. Again I will list a few of them, keep in mind there are many many more:
Loose Ring Snaffle
Full Cheek Snaffle
Dee Ring Bit
English Egg Butt
O Ring Snaffle
When choosing any of the bits out there decide with the help of an experienced horseman or horsewoman what works best for your horse and style of riding. Ask yourself what do you want to accomplish in your riding style and gives you better control in what you are asking your horse to do. I personally don't like the severe types of bits but I realize sometimes they become necessary, but make sure you do NOT use them for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately there are many riders that think this is the only way to control a horse. It takes a lot of time and ground work to achieve the well manured quiet horse that we all want. Always have a safe and enjoyable ride.
WESTERN BITS
The western bit comes in several shapes and designs, sometimes you have to try out a few before finding the right fit, that goes for any horse and style of riding. Here are just a few to consider:
Loose Ring Bit
Tom Thumb Bit
Port Bit
Egg Butt Bit ( some come flavored )
Hackamore
ENGLISH BITS
I have notice that a majority of these bits are a snaffle type with different designs added to them. Each design has a specific purpose in what you hope your horse will accomplish. Again I will list a few of them, keep in mind there are many many more:
Loose Ring Snaffle
Full Cheek Snaffle
Dee Ring Bit
English Egg Butt
O Ring Snaffle
When choosing any of the bits out there decide with the help of an experienced horseman or horsewoman what works best for your horse and style of riding. Ask yourself what do you want to accomplish in your riding style and gives you better control in what you are asking your horse to do. I personally don't like the severe types of bits but I realize sometimes they become necessary, but make sure you do NOT use them for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately there are many riders that think this is the only way to control a horse. It takes a lot of time and ground work to achieve the well manured quiet horse that we all want. Always have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Barn Supplies & Stable Stuff
Whether you need things for your barn or just want to organize what you have already collected, there are a lot of choices out there to pick from. I think there is more out there than ever because companies are coming up with new ideas every day to make things work better or look more appealing. In this article I mention just a few things I have run across that looks functional and helpful.
WALL MOUNT SADDLE RACKS
These are great if you have the wall space in your barn or tack room. This particular one caught my eye, it comes in bright colors like your saddle pads. These are made to fit the western saddles and are constructed out of PVC so I figure they wont rust and are easy to wipe off and keep clean.
4-TIER SADDLE RACKS
A great space saver for whichever type of saddle you own, I personally have one of these, they are portable when you need to re-arrange for optimum space. They are constructed out of metal and come in a black finish and are about five to six feet high.
UTILITY TACK HOOKS
Another good idea for holding your bridles, halters, or leadlines. You have choices now in different colors, that adds personality to your barn or tack room. Plus these vinyl coated ones can be used outdoors for buckets or whatever and won't rust.
You can mix match different colors some might come in the same colors you find in your saddle pads.
WATER TUBS
Most of us have some form of extra large buckets or tubs for your horses source of water. I like the ones that are designed to add a heater in the bottom so water won't freeze when temperatures fall below 30 degrees. You will find that your horse will drink more in the colder months if their water is warmer, mine do.
BUCKETS AND SCOOPS
I really like having different sizes and types of buckets on hand, I use them for anything from feeding to bathing my horses. The type that hook over a fence rail are handy, of course your horse will probably play with it unless you secure it or remove it each day. Keep a couple size scoops on hand too, they are useful when adding herbal supplements to your horses feed, like I do.
I could write a book on all the different supplies you need or like to add for your barn and tack room, these are a few ideas that get you started. Once you start shopping for what's out there you will find that there is more to choose from than you would think.
WALL MOUNT SADDLE RACKS
These are great if you have the wall space in your barn or tack room. This particular one caught my eye, it comes in bright colors like your saddle pads. These are made to fit the western saddles and are constructed out of PVC so I figure they wont rust and are easy to wipe off and keep clean.
4-TIER SADDLE RACKS
A great space saver for whichever type of saddle you own, I personally have one of these, they are portable when you need to re-arrange for optimum space. They are constructed out of metal and come in a black finish and are about five to six feet high.
UTILITY TACK HOOKS
Another good idea for holding your bridles, halters, or leadlines. You have choices now in different colors, that adds personality to your barn or tack room. Plus these vinyl coated ones can be used outdoors for buckets or whatever and won't rust.
You can mix match different colors some might come in the same colors you find in your saddle pads.
WATER TUBS
Most of us have some form of extra large buckets or tubs for your horses source of water. I like the ones that are designed to add a heater in the bottom so water won't freeze when temperatures fall below 30 degrees. You will find that your horse will drink more in the colder months if their water is warmer, mine do.
BUCKETS AND SCOOPS
I really like having different sizes and types of buckets on hand, I use them for anything from feeding to bathing my horses. The type that hook over a fence rail are handy, of course your horse will probably play with it unless you secure it or remove it each day. Keep a couple size scoops on hand too, they are useful when adding herbal supplements to your horses feed, like I do.
I could write a book on all the different supplies you need or like to add for your barn and tack room, these are a few ideas that get you started. Once you start shopping for what's out there you will find that there is more to choose from than you would think.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Girths & Cinches
WESTERN GIRTHS
I think a good quality girth for your horse is essential, not only for function but especially for comfort. You don't want any of them to pinch and rub, a comfortable horse may be a happy horse, so with that said here are a few suggestions on what to pick from.
FLEECE
The fleece girth is probably the most popular seller among western riders, it adds cushioning on the nylon shell that it wraps over. With a fleece girth there are different colors to choose from like the fleece saddle pads.
NEOPRENE
This girth is great for comfort to your horse it works more with the motion of the horse to prevent chafing that many of the girths can create. These girths are easy to clean and don't hold bacteria like some of the others do.
GEL
This is another new age girth that also gives shock absorption and comfort to your horse, it comes with elastic inserts for more flexibility. Many of the saddles today come with a gel seat to add comfort to the rider, so maybe the gel girth will do the same for your horse.
ENGLISH FLEECE CINCHES
Just like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the fleece girth also comes in an English version. They have a rainbow of colors to select from and they are machine washable, which is important to many riders that want clean and bacteria free tack. These bright colors also come in a fleece saddle pad.
LEATHER CINCHES
This cinche is a classic choice among the english riding group it is one of the popular ones used. Most of these cinches match the leather color of the saddle and the sizes for all types of cinches usually come 42 inches to 56 inches, depending on the girth size of your horse.
ELASTIC CINCHES
This cinche is a neoprene material with a waffle design again it is non-chafing and comes with the elastic in the middle. This one is also easy to clean and maintain.
When choosing a girth or cinche decide which one may work best for your style of riding and gives your horse the most comfort. A horse will indicate discomfort thru his actions most of the time, keep that in mind if your not sure why your horse is not performing like he or she should.
I think a good quality girth for your horse is essential, not only for function but especially for comfort. You don't want any of them to pinch and rub, a comfortable horse may be a happy horse, so with that said here are a few suggestions on what to pick from.
FLEECE
The fleece girth is probably the most popular seller among western riders, it adds cushioning on the nylon shell that it wraps over. With a fleece girth there are different colors to choose from like the fleece saddle pads.
NEOPRENE
This girth is great for comfort to your horse it works more with the motion of the horse to prevent chafing that many of the girths can create. These girths are easy to clean and don't hold bacteria like some of the others do.
GEL
This is another new age girth that also gives shock absorption and comfort to your horse, it comes with elastic inserts for more flexibility. Many of the saddles today come with a gel seat to add comfort to the rider, so maybe the gel girth will do the same for your horse.
ENGLISH FLEECE CINCHES
Just like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the fleece girth also comes in an English version. They have a rainbow of colors to select from and they are machine washable, which is important to many riders that want clean and bacteria free tack. These bright colors also come in a fleece saddle pad.
LEATHER CINCHES
This cinche is a classic choice among the english riding group it is one of the popular ones used. Most of these cinches match the leather color of the saddle and the sizes for all types of cinches usually come 42 inches to 56 inches, depending on the girth size of your horse.
ELASTIC CINCHES
This cinche is a neoprene material with a waffle design again it is non-chafing and comes with the elastic in the middle. This one is also easy to clean and maintain.
When choosing a girth or cinche decide which one may work best for your style of riding and gives your horse the most comfort. A horse will indicate discomfort thru his actions most of the time, keep that in mind if your not sure why your horse is not performing like he or she should.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Riding Gear
BOOTS
There are many colors and styles to choose from with boots, first I mention the western or cowboy style. When you find a really comfortable pair of these you end up wearing them all the time, well maybe just every chance you get you will have them on. The leather colors and styles are a lot to choose from. The other type of boot is the English riding boot these are more custom fit and you may have to look at a sizing chart before you purchase a pair. For winter months they are available in a thinsulate tall boot. There is also a great rubber boot that is great for barn work or when its rainy and wet outside. With whichever boot you like to wear make sure they are a comfortable fit you want them to do more than just look good you want them to feel good too.
CHAPS
Chaps are essential for English riders, you know what I mean if the leather straps have ever pinched your legs, ouch! They are available in half and full sizes, and for the young riders they have great colors to pick from so you can match your saddle pad. I won't forget the Western riders out there they have a western show chap that is very functional. Also, I think they help hold you in the saddle, a better seat you might say, but that's my opinion. Oh yea, they're good for the winter for an extra layer.
HATS
Safety when riding is important especially for the young ones, and the adults, so you will probably need a riding helment. The most popular ones seem to be the bright colored ones again you can match that saddle pad. The western hat comes in straw and felt styles, they are good for keeping that hot sun out of your eyes and off your head. So be sure to check out the colors and styles out there and have fun choosing one or two.
GLOVES
I personally like to wear a riding glove it gives me better grip on my reins when I ride, again it's a personal preference. They have a crochet style that I like for the summer but is available in thinsulate for winter. The leather ones are a classic I wear these all year round, plus your hands get a little protection. The children's gloves come in great colors, imagine that you can match something else, oh yea your saddle pad. Oh well have fun deciding on what gear you want to include when you ride and remember ride safe.
There are many colors and styles to choose from with boots, first I mention the western or cowboy style. When you find a really comfortable pair of these you end up wearing them all the time, well maybe just every chance you get you will have them on. The leather colors and styles are a lot to choose from. The other type of boot is the English riding boot these are more custom fit and you may have to look at a sizing chart before you purchase a pair. For winter months they are available in a thinsulate tall boot. There is also a great rubber boot that is great for barn work or when its rainy and wet outside. With whichever boot you like to wear make sure they are a comfortable fit you want them to do more than just look good you want them to feel good too.
CHAPS
Chaps are essential for English riders, you know what I mean if the leather straps have ever pinched your legs, ouch! They are available in half and full sizes, and for the young riders they have great colors to pick from so you can match your saddle pad. I won't forget the Western riders out there they have a western show chap that is very functional. Also, I think they help hold you in the saddle, a better seat you might say, but that's my opinion. Oh yea, they're good for the winter for an extra layer.
HATS
Safety when riding is important especially for the young ones, and the adults, so you will probably need a riding helment. The most popular ones seem to be the bright colored ones again you can match that saddle pad. The western hat comes in straw and felt styles, they are good for keeping that hot sun out of your eyes and off your head. So be sure to check out the colors and styles out there and have fun choosing one or two.
GLOVES
I personally like to wear a riding glove it gives me better grip on my reins when I ride, again it's a personal preference. They have a crochet style that I like for the summer but is available in thinsulate for winter. The leather ones are a classic I wear these all year round, plus your hands get a little protection. The children's gloves come in great colors, imagine that you can match something else, oh yea your saddle pad. Oh well have fun deciding on what gear you want to include when you ride and remember ride safe.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Grooming Aids
In this area of caring for your horse there is a ton of stuff to shop for , almost anything in colors and design is available. I wanted to list a few things that would be a good to have on hand and then you may want to add to the collection of items depending on the number of horses you care for. If you're like me, its hard to buy one of what you need.
BODY & CURRY BRUSHES
These are essential to have whatever type of horse you may own, the body brushes come in a stiff or soft bristle. The shapes and colors are endless, they also have smaller ones to fit young riders hands out there. The curry brushes are made out of a flexible rubber and also come in great colors other than the standard black that you usually see. They are great for getting rid of the shedding hair from your horse, also the metal shedding blades are great for that to.
HOOF PICS & SCRAPES
The care for your horses feet is a must, so one step in keeping them clean from mud and debris is buy some hoof pics. A popular one I think is the pic and brush combination and also there are the metal ones. The sweat scrapes are needed to wipe off excess water and sweat from your horse, mostly after giving one a bath. With a variety of colors they come in you can even pick one to match your saddle pad.
CLIPPERS, TOTES & BAGS
If you put pride in the appearance of your horse then you should own electric clippers, they are great for cutting a bridle path in your horses mane, it gives a much smoother and cleaner look than scissors. They have some great bags to store all of your grooming supplies in so you can have them when you're on the go. The plastic totes are another option to keep everything organized and at you fingertips, so pick your favorite color like your saddle pad and start collecting them today.
BODY & CURRY BRUSHES
These are essential to have whatever type of horse you may own, the body brushes come in a stiff or soft bristle. The shapes and colors are endless, they also have smaller ones to fit young riders hands out there. The curry brushes are made out of a flexible rubber and also come in great colors other than the standard black that you usually see. They are great for getting rid of the shedding hair from your horse, also the metal shedding blades are great for that to.
HOOF PICS & SCRAPES
The care for your horses feet is a must, so one step in keeping them clean from mud and debris is buy some hoof pics. A popular one I think is the pic and brush combination and also there are the metal ones. The sweat scrapes are needed to wipe off excess water and sweat from your horse, mostly after giving one a bath. With a variety of colors they come in you can even pick one to match your saddle pad.
CLIPPERS, TOTES & BAGS
If you put pride in the appearance of your horse then you should own electric clippers, they are great for cutting a bridle path in your horses mane, it gives a much smoother and cleaner look than scissors. They have some great bags to store all of your grooming supplies in so you can have them when you're on the go. The plastic totes are another option to keep everything organized and at you fingertips, so pick your favorite color like your saddle pad and start collecting them today.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Headstalls & Reins
Lets talk about headstalls, they are definitely used when riding, although some riders have the talent to ride without them, to the others out there like myself let me make some suggestions.
These are just a fraction of what is available out there.
BROW BANDS
There are an array of colors and designs to choose from with these, I've seen the ones that look like a patent leather, usually in the show rings, but you can use them for every day riding if you want to invest the money. They come in all different colors and color combination's. Most of the time a rider will coordinate their brown bands along with the saddle pad and dress attire.
SILVER TRIM
Again these are dressier kind of head stall, you can go as fancy as your pocket book allows you to or keep it to a subtle addition here and there. When using this style you definitely call attention to your horse and its rider.
HEADSTALL SETS
If your looking for your headstall and reins to match this is the way to go that way you have the matched colors with the leathers. To name a few you have braided with horsehair, twisted leather, basket weave, and don't forget the nylon headstalls, they match your saddle pad.
With these few selections listed take time to look at the many choices you have. Splurge a little if you can afford the fancier ones. Sometimes an onlooker will take another look at you and your horse.
These are just a fraction of what is available out there.
BROW BANDS
There are an array of colors and designs to choose from with these, I've seen the ones that look like a patent leather, usually in the show rings, but you can use them for every day riding if you want to invest the money. They come in all different colors and color combination's. Most of the time a rider will coordinate their brown bands along with the saddle pad and dress attire.
SILVER TRIM
Again these are dressier kind of head stall, you can go as fancy as your pocket book allows you to or keep it to a subtle addition here and there. When using this style you definitely call attention to your horse and its rider.
HEADSTALL SETS
If your looking for your headstall and reins to match this is the way to go that way you have the matched colors with the leathers. To name a few you have braided with horsehair, twisted leather, basket weave, and don't forget the nylon headstalls, they match your saddle pad.
With these few selections listed take time to look at the many choices you have. Splurge a little if you can afford the fancier ones. Sometimes an onlooker will take another look at you and your horse.
Halters & Leadlines
PERSONALIZED HALTERS
Most riders like myself probably own a couple of halters with their horses name engraved and mounted on the side of it. The leather ones are a really nice choice, they go with most of the leathers that match your saddle. They also have the leather lead lines you can purchase to make it look more like a matched set. This is one of many selections out there, some people use these when showing their horse in the halter division of the show ring.
COLORED HALTERS
They make so many fun colors and designs with these nylon halters, you just have to have more than one or two. For the young riders they really like the neon colors and the leadlines to match, plus the colors often match the saddle pad you have for your saddles.
ROPE HALTERS
I would recommend these to a horse that has a habit of pulling backwards when they are being taught to stand or simply tied to the horse trailer. Many times they pull on the standard leadlines and break the snaps on them. When this happens you have to buy a new leadline snap, so that is just one suggestion for using the nylon rope halters.
HALTER SIZES
Make sure you know the size of the halter or halters you will need. For instance don't pick up a yearling halter to go on a full grown horse, or one for a pony to fit a full size horse. I have made that mistake myself in purchasing one that really caught my eye and then discovered it was to small for my horse. Some halters have sizes on them so just look for the size if it is listed on the item.
Most riders like myself probably own a couple of halters with their horses name engraved and mounted on the side of it. The leather ones are a really nice choice, they go with most of the leathers that match your saddle. They also have the leather lead lines you can purchase to make it look more like a matched set. This is one of many selections out there, some people use these when showing their horse in the halter division of the show ring.
COLORED HALTERS
They make so many fun colors and designs with these nylon halters, you just have to have more than one or two. For the young riders they really like the neon colors and the leadlines to match, plus the colors often match the saddle pad you have for your saddles.
ROPE HALTERS
I would recommend these to a horse that has a habit of pulling backwards when they are being taught to stand or simply tied to the horse trailer. Many times they pull on the standard leadlines and break the snaps on them. When this happens you have to buy a new leadline snap, so that is just one suggestion for using the nylon rope halters.
HALTER SIZES
Make sure you know the size of the halter or halters you will need. For instance don't pick up a yearling halter to go on a full grown horse, or one for a pony to fit a full size horse. I have made that mistake myself in purchasing one that really caught my eye and then discovered it was to small for my horse. Some halters have sizes on them so just look for the size if it is listed on the item.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saddle Selection
WESTERN SADDLES
There are so many selections to choose from when shopping for a new saddle. The western style has in one selection what is called tooling design embossed in the leather of the saddle. This style is widely used in show ring riding, it is a dressier look for the horse and rider and presents itself very well to onlookers. Many times colors for saddle pads and the dress attire of the rider work well when matched in some way.
ENGLISH SADDLES
For a closer contact of riding with your horse, many people prefer the English saddle. Here are a couple of choices you have, the dressage and jumpers when performing in show rings or you may want one for trail and pleasure, there are several styles and uses out there. This may give an idea in variety that an individual can choose from. Make sure you have the proper saddle pad in whichever style that you ride either performing or pleasure.
SYNTHETIC SADDLES
For a much lighter weight in saddles your choice might be the synthetic style, it is definitely easier to pick up if you are unable to lift heavier objects. The plus for this saddle is it wont hurt the materials if it gets wet. Some riders have one on hand as well as their primary saddle.
When purchasing your saddle decide what style suits you and your horse plus go with a good saddle pad as well. There are a huge number of selections out there so shop around and choose the one that makes you and your horse feel good.
There are so many selections to choose from when shopping for a new saddle. The western style has in one selection what is called tooling design embossed in the leather of the saddle. This style is widely used in show ring riding, it is a dressier look for the horse and rider and presents itself very well to onlookers. Many times colors for saddle pads and the dress attire of the rider work well when matched in some way.
ENGLISH SADDLES
For a closer contact of riding with your horse, many people prefer the English saddle. Here are a couple of choices you have, the dressage and jumpers when performing in show rings or you may want one for trail and pleasure, there are several styles and uses out there. This may give an idea in variety that an individual can choose from. Make sure you have the proper saddle pad in whichever style that you ride either performing or pleasure.
SYNTHETIC SADDLES
For a much lighter weight in saddles your choice might be the synthetic style, it is definitely easier to pick up if you are unable to lift heavier objects. The plus for this saddle is it wont hurt the materials if it gets wet. Some riders have one on hand as well as their primary saddle.
When purchasing your saddle decide what style suits you and your horse plus go with a good saddle pad as well. There are a huge number of selections out there so shop around and choose the one that makes you and your horse feel good.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
It Takes All Kinds
There are so many different kinds of saddle pads for so may different styles of riding, but personally I use the western style. I enjoy trying to pick out different saddle pad colors and styles to fit my personal taste and to compliment my horse.
When choosing the right size and style of saddle pad consider a couple of things, you don't want a large bulky style saddle pad under a small saddle and you want comfort for your horse as well. So, with that in mind look and shop at several different styles and options before buying. Personally I have several saddle pads to be able to switch them around depending on the saddle I use and the horse.
ENGLISH SADDLE PADS
These particular saddle pads come, to name a few in a white, black, or brown fleece or a quilted color style. I have had horses that I rode with english riding gear, and it really helps you to learn balance and centered riding, although I never had the chance to put my horses in the show ring the style for riding this way always struck me to be very streamline and elegant. Some of these saddle pads are much easier to wash and dry, therefore you are able to keep your saddle pads cleaner from the sweat of your horse.
CUSHIONED SADDLE PADS
I really think these pads are great for the comfort of your horse, with these saddle pads you are able to give cushioning where it is needed to eliminate stress points to your horse. I have noticed with these saddle pads your saddle may have a better fit and therefore be of more comfort to your horse especially horses with bone and joint problems.
WESTERN SADDLE PADS
The saddle pads for western riders are, I think, the most fun, there are a ton of colors and designs. I would personally match saddle pad colors with breast collars and headstalls, as well as the colors I would wear. The women and young girls might have fun co-ordinating their attire and their horse. Suggestions for the men and young guys you might try matching your saddle pad colors with your shirt sometime it catches the ladies eye ( personally speaking ).
When shopping for the style and price of saddle pad you prefer, cheaper is not always better sometimes as they say you get what you pay for and when you spend a little bit more chances are it will last you a bit longer if properly taken care of. Take the time to browse and look for what suits your taste and pocket book and I hope you enjoy the ride. Happy Trails
When choosing the right size and style of saddle pad consider a couple of things, you don't want a large bulky style saddle pad under a small saddle and you want comfort for your horse as well. So, with that in mind look and shop at several different styles and options before buying. Personally I have several saddle pads to be able to switch them around depending on the saddle I use and the horse.
ENGLISH SADDLE PADS
These particular saddle pads come, to name a few in a white, black, or brown fleece or a quilted color style. I have had horses that I rode with english riding gear, and it really helps you to learn balance and centered riding, although I never had the chance to put my horses in the show ring the style for riding this way always struck me to be very streamline and elegant. Some of these saddle pads are much easier to wash and dry, therefore you are able to keep your saddle pads cleaner from the sweat of your horse.
CUSHIONED SADDLE PADS
I really think these pads are great for the comfort of your horse, with these saddle pads you are able to give cushioning where it is needed to eliminate stress points to your horse. I have noticed with these saddle pads your saddle may have a better fit and therefore be of more comfort to your horse especially horses with bone and joint problems.
WESTERN SADDLE PADS
The saddle pads for western riders are, I think, the most fun, there are a ton of colors and designs. I would personally match saddle pad colors with breast collars and headstalls, as well as the colors I would wear. The women and young girls might have fun co-ordinating their attire and their horse. Suggestions for the men and young guys you might try matching your saddle pad colors with your shirt sometime it catches the ladies eye ( personally speaking ).
When shopping for the style and price of saddle pad you prefer, cheaper is not always better sometimes as they say you get what you pay for and when you spend a little bit more chances are it will last you a bit longer if properly taken care of. Take the time to browse and look for what suits your taste and pocket book and I hope you enjoy the ride. Happy Trails
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