Analyzing traffic to our website and the direct questions we get from you, the end-user, we see significant interest in tack and equipment and its appropriate use and adjustment. I love this because it tells me that you are looking out for your horse’s best interests and are committed to being the best partner your horse could have.
A designated search using specific keywords in my online horsemanship library uncovers a plethora of resources designed to assist riders and horse owners in obtaining vital information to enrich their horse life. Given the importance of horse welfare, many of the tack resources available in the Academy can be accessed with a free subscription; these resources cover essential topics such as annual fit assessment, tack checks, saddle fit issues, horse & rider-specific adjustments. You will find information about bit selection, common issues caused by using an unsuitable bit, and behavioral problems related to tack.
Since your horse turns one year older on January 1st and as we embark on making meaningful resolutions for us and our horses as we approach the New Year, I encourage you to conduct your annual saddle fit assessment. Allocate dedicated time to conduct this important exercise. All you need is a well-groomed horse, a flat, level surface, and your smart phone to capture a picture of your horse. You will want to take this evaluation photo standing exactly perpendicular to the middle of your horse. Save the picture so you can compare it next year.
Analyze your horse’s shape, body score, and back conformation. These aspects change over time due to conditioning, age, and overall health. A close-up examination of your horse’s back, specifically in the area under the saddle footprint, can reveal any abnormalities such as roughened hair, white hair, thickened skin, or sore or inflamed spinal processes.
Daily tack checks should be part of your routine each time you ride. Tack checks are critical not only for your horse’s well-being, but also for your personal safety. Please watch the short video below for a quick over-view of how to do your daily tack checks. The few minutes invested are well worth the effort, and it’s easy to incorporate this important task into your daily routine. Although the video shows a Western saddle and was made for Circle Y, the same principles apply to English tack or any pre-ride check.
In this month’s episode of my podcast, Ride On with Julie Goodnight, I will delve deeper into various saddle types, including information about the pros and cons of rigid and flexible trees, treeless saddles, and riding bareback. I’ll cover saddle design concepts, discipline-specific saddles, therapeutic padding, and I’ll give you some “pro tips” on adjusting tack to the horse’s conformation and troubleshooting fit problems. You can listen anywhere you get your podcasts and be sure to subscribe.
My saddles are expertly crafted to alleviate the burden on horses, allowing them to move freely and comfortably. My innovative design enhances the movement of both horse and rider, fostering a harmonious partnership that maximizes their potential.
Thirty -Second Tack Check