Saddlery and Bridles

Question 1

What is the main aim when fitting a saddle?

Answer 1

That it fits both horse and rider, by being able to distribute the weight of the rider evenly over the horse’s back, and help the rider adopt the correct position.

Question 2

Name the main types of English saddle.

Answer 2

• General purpose
• Dressage
• Jumping
• Racing

Question 3

What is a general purpose saddle used for?

Answer 3

It can be used for hacking, dressage and jumping.

Question 4

What is a dressage saddle?

Answer 4

It’s designed with a straight flap and deeper seat to encourage the rider to sit into the saddle with a straighter leg. These saddles also have longer girth straps so that the buckles of the girth don’t interfere with the rider’s leg.

Question 5

What is a jumping saddle?

Answer 5

The saddle flap is cut forward to accomodate the rider’s shorter stirrup length. The knee and thigh rolls secure the leg position. The seat of the saddle is also flatter to allow more movement of the rider’s seat when jumping.

Question 6

What are the features of a racing saddle?

Answer 6

It’s small and light to minimise weight.

Question 7

How is the length of a saddle measured normally?

Answer 7

From the stud on the side of the pommel to the middle of the cantle.

Question 8

What is the usual length of a saddle?

Answer 8

• For ponies, 10-14 inches
• For a large horse 17-18
• The size of the saddle depends on the size of the horse, especially if it is short or long backed.

Question 9

What issues can arise from an incorrect saddle length?

Answer 9

• Too long on a short-backed horse, the weight would rest on the loins, which would bruise or damage the kidneys underneath.
• If the saddle is too short, the rider’s weight will be concentrated in one area (not evenly spread), causing pressure points.

Question 10

How do you determine what the width of the saddle should be?

Answer 10

• Saddles come in narrow, medium and wide.
• It can be measured using a piece of wire as a template, placing it just behind the withers where the front arch of the saddle would sit. The wire is then moulded to the horse’s shape and placed on a piece of paper. The shape is drawn along the inside of the wire to measure the fit.

Question 11

What is the best way to get a correctly fitting saddle?

Answer 11

To have the saddler come to the yard, to try a number of saddles and do the measurements so they can get the closest fit.

Question 12

Do you fit the saddle with a numnah and girth on?

Answer 12

No.

Question 13

What are the steps to fit a saddle?

Answer 13

• Place the saddle on the horse’s back, assess the length of the saddle and the size of the saddle flaps.
• Check the space between the pommel and withers.
• There should be a clear passage down the gullet.
• Check the panel of the saddle by running your hand from the wither (pommel) to shoulder.
• The cantle should be slightly higher than the pommel.
• When the horse is standing square over all four feet, the saddle should fit level on the horse’s back and not tilting to one side.
• Finally you should check the saddle girthed up, to check the fit isn’t altered with a rider on. You should check there’s still daylight from under the pommel to the cantle.

Question 14

Describe what to look for when fitting a saddle.

Answer 14

• Saddle flaps: if they are too large, or cut too far forward, they will restrict the movement of the shoulder. Too small and it will be uncomfortable for the rider.
• Pommel: there should be a space of 10cm or 3-4 fingers in-between the pommel and withers. Any less will meant the saddle will press on the spine with the weight of the rider on top.
• The panel: the saddle should fit firmly but not too tightly - there should not be too much pressure on the top of the back, to distribute the rider’s weight evenly.
• The cantle: if it is too high it will tip the rider’s weight forward into an incorrect position. Lift the cantle up and down, if there is too much movement it would cause the saddle to bang up and down on the horse’s back.

Question 15

What are the problems with an ill-fitting saddle?

Answer 15

• A saddle that sits to one side will encourage the rider to learn to rebalance the saddle.
• The horse may get pressure sores on the back, withers and either side of the spine, which can leave permanent markings on the skin/hair.
• The horse may have mental or physical problems caused by long-lasting pain.

Question 16

Name signs of an ill-fitted saddle.

Answer 16

• Body-sensitive (grooming)
• Moving away when being tacked up/mounted
• Attempts to bite or kick when girthed
• Swishes tail or holds at angle
• Grinding teeth whilst tacking
• Reluctant to move forward, engage or bend
• Bucks under saddle
• Back is rigid or tense
• Travels with elevated head carriage
• Attitude
• Rushes/refuses fences or going down hills
• Damage to hair coat or sores
• Unexplained hind or front end lameness
• Changes in feet or body structure

Question 17

How often should you check the fit of the saddle and why?

Answer 17

Every six months. This should be done after 6 weeks if it is a new saddle, as it may alter after being ridden in. If the saddle is used by many riders, it should be checked more regularly.
- The panels may need re-stuffing.
- The saddle may sit slightly over to one side or the cantle may have dropped lower than the pommel.

Question 18

What is the purpose of the girth?

Answer 18

The keep the saddle secure and in-place on the horse.

Question 19

What is a three-fold girth?

Answer 19

A piece of leather folded into three layers. It is strong and reliable but also expensive. When fitted the open sides of the folds face away from the horse’s elbow.

Question 20

What is an Atherstone girth?

Answer 20

It’s made of leather, and shaped so it narrows behind the elbows to prevent girth galls.

Question 21

What is a balding girth?

Answer 21

Designed for the same reason as an Atherstone girth. It is also made of leather, and shaped by splitting the leather into three and crossing over the outside portions to the centre.

Question 22

What is a synthetic girth?

Answer 22

Made of nylon and cotton, shaped in a tubular form. They are easy to clean via washing machine, but should be checked regularly in case they have weakened. The softness of the girth reduces the risk of girth galls.

Question 23

What is a Lonsdale girth?

Answer 23

A short girth, used for mainly dressage saddles with long girth straps. As the girth fastens below the saddle flap, the buckles are padded to prevent rubbing. They are designed beneath the saddle so the rider’s leg can stay closer to the horse’s side.

Question 24

What is a Lampwick girth?

Answer 24

Made of webbing material that is soft and comfortable for the horse, but they do have the tendency to stretch or fray.

Question 25

What condition should the girth be kept in?

Answer 25

• Clean, to help prevent galls, sores or an infected wound from an ill-fitted girth.
• It should be cleaned after every use to remove sweat/mud/grit.
• The buckles and girth should be checked regularly for wear.
• Any signs of damage and it should be replaced.

Question 26

What is a crupper?

Answer 26

• It’s used to stop the saddle slipping forward.
• A leather strap which attaches to the back of the cantle, with a loop that goes around the tail and sits at the top of the dock.
• The loop should be well-padded, as the underneath of the tail is vulnerable to rubbing and sores.

Question 27

What is a numnah?

Answer 27

• Used for protection on the horse’s back against friction, and long rides. They should be pulled up into the pommel, as if flat, can put strain on the spine and cause bald patches.

Question 28

What are girth sleeves?

Answer 28

Made of synthetic wool or sheepskin to help the possibility or recurrence of girth galls. They should be kept clean.

Question 29

What are the four main sizes of bridles?

Answer 29

Pony, cob, full-size, oversize.

Question 30

What is the best material for bridles?

Answer 30

Quality leather, as synthetic material is not very durable and can break easily.

Question 31

What are the steps to fit a bridle?

Answer 31

• Hold it to the side of the head to see if you need to lengthen or shorten it. For ease, undo any straps or keepers.
• Put the bridle on and check the position of the bit. It should be high enough to make a wrinkle around the corners of the mouth.
• Alter the cheek pieces as necessary, making sure each side is on the same hole so the bit is level.
• The browband should sit comfortably, keeping the headpiece in place.
• Do the noseband up, it should fit two fingers width below the projecting cheekbone.
• Fasten the throatlash so you can fit a hands width between it and the horse’s cheek.
• Check the reins are the right length.
• Tuck all the keepers in.

Question 32

What should you be checking for and why when fitting a bridle?

Answer 32

• If the bit is too high, it may make contact with the molars causing pain (the horse will look smiley), and if it’s too low it may make contact with the canine or incisor teeth.
• The bit should be level in the mouth.
• If the browband is too loose the headpiece will slip back, and too tight it will pull forwards.
• If the throatlash is too tight it can effect the horse’s breathing and if too loose the bridle might come off.
• If the reins are too short the rider will lean forwards and pull on the mouth, if they are too long the horse’s feet may get caught.
• The reins should be the right thickness; otherwise it may be uncomfortable, or if too thin they will snap easily.
• If the keepers are not tucked in, the excess leather may flap and scare the horse.

Question 33

What is the role of the noseband?

Answer 33

• They are used in conjunction with the bridle to help with the action of the bit.

Question 34

What does a Cavesson noseband do?

Answer 34

It does not play a huge part towards the bridle, but does help keep the mouth closed and shorten the appearance of the face. It can be combined with the standing martingale.

Question 35

What are the flash, drop and grackle nosebands?

Answer 35

• They all help to keep the bit in place in the mouth and prevent the horse from opening the mouth/crossing the jaw to evade the bit.
• They all have a lower strap which fits under the bit which has to be done up firmly to have an effect, but not too tight to restrict movement completely.
• The grackle is the strongest as it acts over a large part of the face, applying pressure to the nose.

Question 36

What is a Kineton noseband?

Answer 36

• It’s not commonly used, but helps to control a strong horse by transferring some of the rein pressure from the mouth to the nose.
• It can restrict breathing if fitted incorrectly. The front is fitted like a drop, except it can be adjusted by a buckle connecting the front to the sliphead (a U-shaped piece of metal that fits behind the bit.
• It has to be done up quite firmly to be effective on the nose.

Question 37

What problems can a poor fitting bridle cause?

Answer 37

Rub sores where the noseband sits behind the ears and the corners of the mouth, which may cause the horse to shake its head or behave out of character.

Question 38

How often should you check the condition of a bridle?

Answer 38

Regularly, as if the stitching has worn then it can easily snap or give. The leather should be checked for cracks or wear, in case the reins snap whilst riding.

Question 39

When should you consider the use of a martingale or breastplate?

Answer 39

Only if necessary. If you have problems, like the horse lifting its head too high or tossing it constantly, then a martingale may help.

Question 40

What should all martingales have?

Answer 40

Rubber stops on the reins at the bit end, to stop the straps being caught in the bit.

Question 41

What is a running martingale?

Answer 41

• Used to prevent the horse raising its head beyond the angle of control, or tossing it side to side. It can also help lessen the effect of excessive movement from a novice rider’s hand.
• It has a leather strap with a loop for the girth, and at the other end it divides in two thinner straps, each with a metal ring for each rein. A neck strap is attached by a rubber stop, near where the single strap divides in two.

Question 42

How should you fit a martingale?

Answer 42

• With the martingale not attached to the bridle, put the neck strap on, then attach the bridle. There should be a gap of a hands width between the neck strap and the horse.
• The martingale rings should be held up to the withers, on either side, and they should just reach the level of wither. They may be fitted shorter, but never more than one hands width below the withers.

Question 43

What is a standing martingale?

Answer 43

• Used to prevent the horse raising it’s head or throwing it out of control. It is not to be used to keep the horse’s head in place.
• It is a single strap with a loop at both ends, one for the girth and one for the noseband, with a neck strap and rubber stop to hold it in place.
• This martingale should only be attached to a caveesson, and not a drop.

Question 44

What is an Irish martingale?

Answer 44

• It helps stop the reins from slipping or being flung over the head. They also prevent the reins from being dragged over the head in the event of a fall, commonly used in racehorses.
• It is a single strap, usually 4-6 inches (10-15cm) in length, with rings on either end. It’s attached to the reins, one rein through each ring under the neck.

Question 45

What is a bib martingale?

Answer 45

• A combination of an Irish martingale and a running. It has a piece of leather that connects the two front straps.
• It works the same as a running, and it’s man purpose is it stops the horse grabbing the martingale strap in tit’s mouth.

Question 46

What is a hunting breastplate?

Answer 46

• To prevent the saddle slipping back; commonly used for xc, hunting, or horses with poor conformation. It is also helpful for riding up and down hills.
• It is similar to a running martingale without the two straps attaching to the reins. A single loop fixes to the girth, and a neck strap at the other end. At the top of the neck strap are two leather straps which are fastened on either side of the withers to the D rings.
• You should be able to fit the width of your hand between the neck strap and the horse. The ring connecting the neck strap and girth should sit centrally to the base of the neck.
• The two saddle straps should be long enough they don’t interfere with the neck strap.
• The whole plate should fit well to prevent the saddle slipping, but not too tight it causes sores.

Question 47

What is an Aintree breastgirth?

Answer 47

• Same function as the hunting breastplate, plus for training when lunging.
• It is a wide band of either wide webbing or padded leather, which passes around the horse’s chest and is fastened either side of the girth with adjustable straps.
• A narrow leather strap passes over the neck just in front of the wither, and is attached to the webbing band to keep the breastgirth in place.
• It should be the correct height on the chest, as if it’s too high it will interfere with the gullet, and it may restrict breathing. If too low, it will interfere with the horse’s shoulder and foreleg movement.