Do gaited horses need special saddles?

While it's true that gaited horses generally require a saddle that accommodates a greater range of motion, especially through the back, shoulders, and neck, this is an important consideration for all horses. Gaited horses muscles move differently than those that are built to perform only the walk, trot, and canter.

What kind of saddle do I need for a gaited horse?

Typically the gaited horse will require a 12-inch spread in the shoulder area of the bar while the Quarter Horse will require 13. If you put a saddle made for the Quarter Horse on the gaited horse it will fit at the top (or in this case gullet) but there will be no support at the shoulder.

What is the difference between a gaited saddle and a regular saddle?

Saddle Design

The difference between a gaited Western saddle and a normal Western saddle is the shape of the tree. Gaited horses move differently than their non-gaited peers. Because of their unique movements, gaited horses require saddles with trees that are shaped differently than saddles for normal horses.

Are flex tree saddles good for gaited horses?

Due to its amazing Flex Tree feature, it fits on to Gaited horses brilliantly and provides utmost comfort to both the Horse and the Rider. Only the finest material and top quality workmanship is used to make this fantastic saddle. Every aspect of the saddle is perfected to ensure full customer satisfaction.

What are gaited bars on a saddle?

Unlike a full Quarter Horse Bar saddle it is designed to sit correctly on the withers and not drop down and throw off the way the bars sit on the horses back. The bars are called by many people as wide, however they are not. The bars themselves are not wide (only measuring 13 inches), but the angle is wide.

Do I Need A Special Saddle or Bit for my Gaited Horse?

Are Australian saddles good for gaited horses?

Australian saddles are ideal for horses taken on long and harsh trails. These saddles are also very popular among the horse racing riders. The saddles are best described as endurance saddles. These saddles will make an excellent addition to your gaited horse.

Are treeless saddles better for the horse?

Elite (equine) athletes require support, comfort and protection to perform optimally. Without a tree, a bareback pad/treeless saddle cannot protect the horse's spine, support the curvature of the rider's spine, and be comfortable for both horse and rider.

Can gaited horses do dressage?

Gaited horses benefit with dressage, and gaited horses can even show dressage without trotting! Since 2010, Makana and I have shown over 60 gaited dressage tests at traditional schooling dressage shows.

Are gaited horses easier to ride?

Gaited horses have a smoother, easier ride and are often favored by people who have back or joint issues.

What horse has the smoothest gait?

Thanks to its unique, inbom, four-beat lateral gait, the Peruvian horse is the smoothest riding horses in the world. He is also one of the showiest of all horses because of an inner pride and energy that make him travel with a style and carriage as if always "on parade".

How do you know if your horse is gaited?

To tell if a horse is gaited, you need to look at the horse's footfall. Most gaited horses perform ambling gaits, which is when they move each foot individually in a specific manner. This creates a distinct gliding motion and causes the rider to sit still in the saddle.

Are Tucker saddles good for gaited horses?

Tucker Saddles for sale at Unbeatable Prices – Free Shipping

Each saddle is created with their patented Gel-Cush shock absorbing seat – plus the best quality leather, hardware and trees specifically designed for Tucker. They're great for all horses and a real favorite among gaited horses.

What is a flex tree saddle?

A flex tree saddle is built with a tree that typically has a dual-bar system which is intended to provide both stability and flexibility in the saddle. Ideally, then the horse is able to move under the saddle, because it has a flexible tree that will move with them.

What is a trail saddle?

Trail saddles are made to be lightweight. They most commonly have round, short skirts. Trail saddles also have padded seats or sometimes even gel seats for comfort. They are not designed for roping or heavy ranch work.

What are the disadvantages of a treeless saddle?

What are Australian saddles used for?

The saddle is suitable for cattle work, starting young horses, everyday pleasure riding, trail riding, endurance riding, polocrosse and is also used in Australian campdrafting competitions and stockman challenges.

What is a tree less saddle?

A treeless saddle is a type of horse saddle without a solid internal tree (the stiff, inner foundation of the saddle, made from materials like wood or hard plastic).

What does gullet size mean?

Gullet Width

The gullet of the saddle is the gap between the two bars of the saddle tree. It is measured at the front of the saddle. You measure your Western saddle's gullet by stretching a tape measure from concho to concho across the front of the saddle directly below the pommel.

Can you jump a gaited horse?

Gaited horses can jump with a little extra training and guidance help – and some can even reach high levels of jumping competition. However, all horses have their strengths and weaknesses, and gaited breeds are typically better suited for flatwork and trail riding than showjumping.

Can gaited horses gallop?

Gaited horses

You will not see the benefits of a gaited horse on mountain trails. You will also not be doing much cantering and galloping (that would defeat the purpose), but some of the gaited horses can keep up with a horse cantering at their specific gait.

How do gaited horses walk?

A gaited horse moves each leg independently, so there is always one foot on the ground, since they are transferring weight to different legs but never suspending themselves in the air, as is done with a trot, there is less energy used by the horse.

What is the calmest gaited horse?

1. American Quarter Horse. Generally regarded as one of the calmest and quietest of all horse breeds, the American Quarter Horse is so-named for its ability to run a quarter-mile in the shortest time.