Saturday, April 19, 2014

There Are Many Shops That Have Gaited Horse Saddles For Sale

By Essie Osborn


If a gaited horse is to be purchased, trained and ridden, a traditional saddle may not be a good fit. The rider will want to select one of the gaited horse saddles for sale. They accommodate the special movements required of this special equine. It must allow for the shoulders to be free to move.

This is a slower-moving animal born with this smooth riding four-beat gait. Some may be trainable to using this gait on command. All tack stores will feature gaited horse saddles among the saddles and other equipment they sell.

The movement of this horse is referred to as ambling. Each of the four legs moves separately. One foot is in contact with the ground at all times. The person seated on this mount will enjoy a very smooth ride.

When another horse, a trotter or quarter horse moves, it is suspended in the air for several moments at some time. This is true of the trot, the cater and the gallop. The ride is not smooth, especially the trot. The rider bounces up and down.

Scientific research has indicated that one abnormal gene is responsible for an equine having this trait. However, there are other breeds that can be trained to move that way. Not every individual horse is capable of learning though.

A Tennessee Walker, Peruvian Paso and a Missouri Fox Trotter are three of numerous gaited breeds. A rider never bounces on the back of one of them. After a ride on this smooth moving animal, you will never forget the experience.

There are saddles made specifically for the comfort of these special breeds. The ambling requires the equine to use back muscles, shoulders and hips freely. The traditional Western saddle does not provide the freedom required for those movements.

A large, heavy Western saddle would limit the movements of this steed. It would pinch the shoulders, possibly leading to a sore back. The lighter and smaller gaited saddle is preferred.

Features to look for in a good saddle are a tree that is rounded from front to back. This assures it will conform to the curve of the back. The tree should be padded with a sheepskin rather than a synthetic material.

Mohair is the softest, and thus the best, material for the cinch strap. A synthetic cinch is less comfortable. As for the saddle pad, it should be three-quarters of an inch thick. It should also match the shape of the saddle. For example, square for square saddles.

The owner wants to assure the comfort of his or her mount as well as his or her own. Generally speaking, higher prices indicate better quality. Well-crafted tack looks good and feels better.

On a quality saddle the stirrups are attached to the tree instead of the skirt. Turned stirrups are most comfortable for the rider. The brand name, price and opinion of other riders will help to identify quality saddles.

Some models have a rounded skirt and fenders and others square. Color and shape is always a matter of preference. Comfort for rider and mount are the features that are most important.




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