Gaited horse saddle fitting requires nearly as much creativity as science. The horse’s back and shoulders alter significantly as the force of its gait is transmitted up through its loins and back, even though it may appear to fit like a glove when the horse is at rest. This holds true regardless of how your horse is moving—ambling, fox trotting, running walking, etc. An extremely uncommon exception: a low-slung walk rack horse may not have much motion in the back. You could compare it to trying on a pair of shoes; while they may look like they would fit well when you are standing still, they may be uncomfortable as you begin to walk in them. Continue reading to learn the best saddle for a gaited horse.
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Table of Contents
Gaiting Horse
All four feet move independently of one another when a horse is gaited. The back, loins, and shoulders all need to be unusually flexible for this. The back action and gait are both limited if a saddle lacks flexibility. Because of this, the best way to determine whether a saddle is a good fit for a horse is to actually mount the animal and observe or feel how he moves. The difference between an adequately constructed flexible tree saddle and an uncomfortable, inflexible tree saddle for a horse is astounding!
What Makes Gaited Horses Different
It’s commonly known that gaited horses are comfortable to ride. Comfortable gaits have a significant role in confirmation. The gaited horse’s shoulder moves differently than a trotting horse’s because it is at a steeper angle.
The inherently lengthy stride of the gaited horse can frequently be compromised by traditional treed saddles. A gaited horse’s shoulder may be pinched and compressed by treed saddles while the animal is in motion. When you’re moving, what works when you’re standing still might not. especially when the western saddles have forks. I have observed harm being done. Conversely, treeless saddles allow your horse’s shoulders to fully and freely extend.
Fitting A Saddle On A Gaited Horse
Riders weren’t always aiming for the most comfortable seats. You post when you cycle great distances for conditioning. It’s not necessary to feel completely at ease in your seat. All that changes when your gait, you spend the entire day riding your horse. Your saddle must not only suit your horse, but it must also fit you properly and be pleasant for you.
Due to their minimal weight and flexibility in all directions, treeless saddles can quickly adapt to the movements of the horse. These saddles’ design permits the horse’s shoulders to extend fully and freely without restriction from a tree’s rigidity. The horse can go forward without limitation or discomfort because the pommel area is not weight-bearing. The horse’s topline is reconstructed or built up as a result.
Not all gaited horse conformation types will fit a nice “average” sized flexible tree. Many people have diverse preferences for the features of their saddles, including fenders, stirrup leathers, horns, no horns, and combinations of these.
Final Thoughts On Saddle For A Gaited Horse
Gaited horses must have the ability to elevate their shoulders and the base of their necks in order to be balanced and have a proper 4-beat gait. Having a complete elbow and shoulder range of motion is a necessary component of that.
The horse should be able to move freely while wearing the saddle, especially around the shoulder. The speed or choppy trot will probably be brought on by any tension. Furthermore, any shoulder discomfort can cause the horse to shorten his movement short and create short strides rather than move freely.