It is crucial for every skilled show rider to understand the significance of presenting a well-groomed and stylish show horse to the judge, rather than a outdated fashion disaster. Although superior training and riding skills cannot be substituted by attractive equipment, it can make a difference and potentially outshine competitors who are equally capable.
Saddle Seat
The saddle seat horse is made up of various breeds, such as the Arabian, American Saddlebred, National Show Horse, and Morgan. Although this section mainly concentrates on Saddlebred styles, the trends remain similar for all breeds, although Arabian owners tend to prefer more vibrant colors.
According to Lance Bennet, the owner of Bennet Saddlery and Bennet Riding Academy in Carlsbad, California, the properly turned-out saddle seat horse is described. Bennet explains that the Whitman’s Campbell cutback saddle is the most popular choice. The seat and flaps are covered in smooth bridle leather, which is preferred over stamped or pigskin-printed leather as it provides more stability for the rider. The preferred color has always been Havana brown. Bennet states that not much changes with saddle seat horses, and the styles generally remain the same. The girth is white and made of plastic fiber with a patent-leather appearance, and no saddle pad is utilized, he adds.
The cavesson set is the only thing that differs in terms of tack for saddle seat horses. According to Bennet, these are available in various colors to match the horse’s coat and the rider’s clothing. Although there are no specified regulations regarding acceptable colors, red and burgundy hues are typically seen.
When it comes to grooming, the requirement for braiding depends on the Saddlebreds division, but essentially, having long manes and tails is necessary.
To create a bridle path, around four inches of the mane is trimmed. For three-gaited performance classes, Saddlebreds must have their manes completely shaved off. Pleasure horses, on the other hand, are required to have natural, unstyled manes and tails. Saddle seat classes for Morgans, Arabians, and National Show Horses showcase long, natural manes and tails without any braiding.
The hooves undergo sanding, polishing, and lacquering in order to resemble the feet’s natural color.
Western Show Saddles
Show Saddles
When customers are shopping for the best Western Show Saddles for sale, they usually consider several important factors. Begin by familiarizing yourself with what to think about when purchasing a new or used Western Show Saddle for your horse.
When choosing a show saddle, it is crucial to prioritize the comfort of the rider. This includes evaluating the seat size, stirrup placement, and overall saddle design. Whether you are deciding between a Double T Show Saddle or a Showman Show Saddle, it is essential to ensure rider comfort remains a top concern.
Equally important is the comfort of the horse in terms of horse comfort. The ideal Western Pleasure Show Saddle should ensure a perfect fit for the horse, ensuring no discomfort or harm is caused. This includes considering factors such as the width of the gullet, the shape of the tree, and the length of the saddle.
When considering the quality of materials, it is important to have show saddles that are made from strong and long-lasting resources capable of withstanding the rigors of show riding. Generally, this entails using a saddle crafted from superior leather. Our assortment consists of show saddle brands renowned for their exceptional quality and affordability.
When considering the weight of a western saddle, it is important to think about the requirements of show riding as it necessitates precision and balance. While a lighter saddle can provide an advantage in this regard, it is crucial to find a balance that considers the comfort and safety of both the horse and rider.
The design and aesthetics of the saddle are not as crucial as the other factors, but they are still appreciated by many riders. These can encompass elements such as the leather color, any saddle tooling or decorations, and the overall appearance of the saddle.
When considering the cost of a saddle, it is crucial to factor in its price since it plays a significant role. Take into account that show saddles can range in price starting from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, it is essential to find a balance between the cost and the other aforementioned factors.
When considering a saddle, some customers also take into account the reputation of the brand or manufacturer. Brands such as Double T Show Saddles have gained recognition for their appealing aesthetics and excellent quality, all while offering a competitive price.
When considering saddle features, certain aspects like a deep seat to enhance balance, a high cantle for added security, a horn for gripping, and roughout fenders and jockeys for improved grip are frequently taken into account.
Do not neglect your saddle pad when considering horse show essentials. We provide Western Show Saddle Pads and Show Saddle Blankets that are specifically designed to ensure utmost comfort for your horse while participating in show riding activities.
The Hunter
Nancy Reed, an AHSA R judge and hunter trainer from Bonita, California, explains the proper turnout for traditional sporthorses. According to her, there is a trend towards French style saddles with deeper seats and more knee rolls. This is because modern courses are becoming more technical, requiring riders to have more support. The preferred colors for saddles are Havana brown or London tan, which can be stained to match specific color preferences. Miley Baird, from Dominion Saddlery at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, mentions that the Devoucoux is currently very popular. This French saddle can be custom fitted to meet the rider’s needs and specifications. Each saddle is beautifully made and costs around $3,700 due to being custom-made. For those looking for a more affordable option, Baird recommends the Crosby Centennial. This saddle has a deeper seat and more knee rolls, making it a bestseller as it fits many horses well. Saddle pads are typically shaped white fleece, with a small amount of white exposed.
The bridles have changed from being thin to being slightly raised and square, with a simple and understated browband. The style of the bridle, however, varies depending on the horse’s head. Gold browbands and heavy stitching are no longer utilized, although small fancy stitching is favored. The reins are either braided or laced, and occasionally have a square raised halfway up the rein.
The Dressage Horse
Jane Weatherwax, who has been a dressage judge and trainer in Escondido, California, for over 15 years, has observed the changing tack trends in this particular area of the show world. She states that sophistication and conservatism are highly valued in dressage. Nonetheless, certain elements, like the white-lined bridle, are losing popularity. Instead, solid bridles are gaining favor, occasionally accompanied by a metal-decorated browband. The current trend emphasizes the use of attractive browbands to enhance the appearance of the horse’s head. Additionally, Weatherwax has observed a growing preference for brown tack.
Sandy Hill, who works at Tack in the Box, a top supplier of dressage tack and equipment in Salem, Oregon, concurs that the popularity of brown tack is increasing. According to her, this is due to Michelle Gibson and Peron, along with other members of the 1996 Olympic team, opting for brown tack instead of black, even though black has been the predominant color choice for many years.
Hill states that Passier bridles and saddles are quickly becoming more popular than Neidersuess, as they are in high demand. Despite the fact that Neidersuess is a superb saddle utilized by the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, numerous individuals are discovering that they require less support from Neidersuess seats.
Western Pleasure
Apart from costume classes, Western pleasure is the most extravagant way to showcase your horse, allowing riders to display their individuality and personality through the choice of stunning leather and silver saddles. The class is particularly beloved due to the addition of simple headstalls that enhance the beauty of a horse’s head, and vibrant colored saddle pads that bring out their coat’s highlights. Alex Ross, hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, is a highly skilled expert in this field, boasting 27 years of experience in training and showing Western pleasure horses. Furthermore, he holds positions as a judge and director for both the AQHA and National Snaffle Bit Association.
Saddle pads play a significant role in the overall western pleasure scene. According to Ross, many riders opt for matching colors with their attire, typically choosing solid colors rather than Navajo designs. Some saddle pads have leather trim or decorative tooling and conchos along the bottom edge. While neoprene or leather is still the preferred material for the cinch, string girths are slowly regaining popularity.
