Saddle Trees Fit and Riggings I'm often asked about saddle fit and tack— what's the best type of saddle tree for my horse? How do I know if my saddle fits? And how should I rig the saddle so that my horse is comfortable? The variety of trees and saddles on the market can be overwhelming. It’s a big job to find out what will fit your horse well. Once you purchase a saddle, … [Read more...]
Keeping Saddle On
Dear Julie, My friends and I have a problem with our saddles rolling over to the side when we get on. My horse in particular has a flat broad back with wide withers. Any suggestions? I know we are cinching our western saddles up tight enough. Roly Poly Dear Roly, A round, mutton-withered horse is difficult to keep a saddle on, but there are a few things that may … [Read more...]
Reconditioning Program
Question: Hello Julie, My horse has been off all summer due to an injury and I would like suggestions as to how I can get him in shape for spring. I will work with him all winter and need help with a plan. Can you help us? Thank you, Karen Boise, Idaho Answer: Karen, When a horse has been laid off for a year or a season due to an injury, you’ll want to start slowly in his … [Read more...]
Saddle Advice
Ask Julie Goodnight: Is My Saddle Causing My Horse’s Issues? Question: Dear Julie, I am switching from English to Western and am hoping to get one of your Peak Performance saddles. I am looking at the Monarch Arena/Trail saddle or the Wind River Trail saddle. I really like the sounds of the close-contact design, the narrow twist and especially the memory foam in the seat … [Read more...]
Saddle Fit Issues
Ask Julie Goodnight: Is My Saddle Causing My Horse’s Issues? Question: Dear Julie, Six months ago I bought a seven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding and he has turned out to be an awesome trail riding horse and a promising versatility ranch horse prospect. He is dark brown and very cute but over the past couple months he has developed spots of white hairs just below his … [Read more...]
How Do Rope Halters Work?
Ask Julie Goodnight: What to Know About Rope Halters Question: I have what's probably a silly question.... My mare is 15 years old and I've never used a rope halter with her. What do I need to know to help me better understand how a rope halter works? Answer: I wish more people would ask simple questions like this-- it's not silly, but smart! When people stop and think … [Read more...]
My Horse Bucks When I Ask Him To Canter
Common Complaints My horse bucks when I ask him to canter. When you ask your horse to canter, does he pin his ears and hump his back—making it feel like he just swallowed a watermelon? Does he sometimes refuse to pick up the faster gait and then put his head down between his knees and kick out when he does begin to canter? Does he swish his tail and crow-hop or just … [Read more...]
Talk About Tack: How To Fit A Saddle
Question: How should my saddle fit? Answer: Here's a PDF from Circle Y with tons of fitting tips! http://www.juliegoodnight.com/images/saddlefit.pdf Copyright ©Julie Goodnight 2000. All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without owner's express consent. … [Read more...]
