Have you ever wondered what constitutes a gaited horse saddle? Obviously, they are saddles people use to ride or show gaited horses.
But what does that really mean? Let us look at the horses and the saddles they use to get a better understanding.
Gaited horses are usually thinner than most other horses.
They are also bred primarily for show and competition, not for every day riding.
As such, it does not make a great deal of sense to put a standard saddle on a gaited horse.
Regular saddles will be too heavy and they will not really fit correctly.
Traditional saddles are also made with extended riding and practical use in mind.
Gaited saddles, as you might then expect, are made specifically for use with the special show horses.
They are thinner across than regular saddles and they are much lighter.
The lighter saddles are not just good for comfort.
They also make it easier for the rider to subtly communicate with the animal during exhibition.
One might say that these saddles are more communicative in nature than other options.
These saddles sit back farther than regular saddles, as well.
In fact, a rider in this saddle will actually find himself or herself well behind the withers.
This means that the users of gaited saddles need to be well-trained, experienced riders capable of finding balance in the unusual position.
The animal must also have the correct training and temperament to make these saddles workable.
When they are placed upon the wrong animal or used by an inexperienced rider, it can constitute a rather dangerous situation.
The saddles are meant for professionals, not casual riders.
Many saddles for gaited horses are custom-made based on the width of the horse at its middle and the size of the rider.
Saddles are made based on the rider's height and weight and the stirrups are custom fit.
Most of these saddles have attractive ornamentation and feature impressive design.
While some gaited animals are used as trail riders, most are shown in competition and the saddles reflect that fact.
Now that you know a little more about gaited horse saddles, the horses and their riders, it is probably easier to understand why they are a common topic of conversation in the gaited horse community.
They are unique pieces of equipment built for unique animals with special needs.
Saddle makers produce them with the all of these factors in mind, along with a consideration for the individual rider.
Not surprisingly, people can be quite picky when choosing their saddles.
The saddles are important and their nature tends to make them relatively expensive.
They are not the kind of thing one can find at any tack store and they can constitute a major investment.