Consider the Horse when you choose your Gear
Ahh… saddles. I love the look, the feel and the smell of the leather. I can sense the care and pride of the craftsman’s hand, but it is the peeerrrrrfffect feel and fit I am after. Not just for me, but for the horse.
Every time I tack up, I check the horse from stem to stern. When I dismount, I study my pad and the sweat on the horse's back like Holtzman studied the inkblot.
I want a bridle a horse is proud to wear. One who makes my horse say, "Look at me, this is lovely."
Finding the right bit is a must in my book. Imagine if you had to wear someone else’s boots and they hurt. So, I have my collection. It used to be that the snaffle was enough, now I know better.
I consider the horse first and foremost.
Learn how to properly outfit your horse with tack that is appropriate for him, his job and you.
Call Katelyn 303-601-7797 or email her to set up an appointment
posted by Katelyn Kent at
7:35 AM
2 Comments:
Hi Kate,
Hope you don't mind me leaving you a message... I have been looking through your blog and really enjoying your articles. I am interested in taking up cowboy dressage, (which is how I found your website) and the gear side is new to me. (Coming off an Australian stock saddle.)
I'm currently looking at the Imus saddles and training bits... have you had any experience with these? They have a flexible tree, which I love the idea of. (I should note, I'm riding a non-gaited Saddlebred.)
Thanks,
Vic.
Saddlebreds are so lovely! No matter what the saddle, it must fit the horse and rider. It doesn't matter whether it cost $5000 or $500. Please have a good saddle fitter help. I see nothing wrong with a treeless or flex tree saddle as long as it doesn't implode or take on a concave shape on the horses back. If the flex tree is too flexible it can also twist torsionally. If you are unbalanced a horse may...and may is a big word here, feel it. A saddle needs to help the horse move and be in balance, not hinder and also support the rider at the same time.
As far as bitting goes again, it depends on the horse's breed, the shape and size of the mouth, the experience of both horse and rider. An equine dentist can help here. I have some names of dentists who travel...email me privately. kate@katelynkent.net and I also can help you with brand names and explain types of bits and the way they work too...
Most people think a snaffle is the kindest and safest bit, but it depends on the type and fit. The wrong snaffle can be injurious just like anything else. Many experienced Western Dressage riders and horse's will graduate to a curb with a shank and a split rein, but again...it depends. Western Dressage is all about having fun and not about fancy equipment and looking like everyone else. Leave that for other disciplines. So, get in there with a good solid Western saddle and safe and good fitting head gear and have a ball! If you want to consult with me, give me a holler and I will do what I can.
I also just wrote an article for this months Natural Horse magazine, that you might want to read. It is on equine dentistry, training and bits.
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