What is different about a gaited saddle?

Because of their unique movements, gaited horses require saddles with trees that are shaped differently than saddles for normal horses. The tree of a gaited horse saddle has been specially designed to allow for the gaited horse's unique movements, freeing the shoulders and back to move freely in his specialized gaits.

Does a gaited horse need a special saddle?

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.

Can I use a gaited saddle on my quarter 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 kind of saddle do I need for a Tennessee Walker?

Plantation Pleasure | Gaited Western Leather Saddle

Our saddles were originally designed and hand-crafted in the heart of Tennessee Walking Horse country, 30 minutes from Nashville. Our saddle is designed to fit Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and other Southern Gaited breeds.

What saddles are best for gaited horses?

The top gaited horse saddles are made by none other than Circle Y, Crates, Tucker, Big Horn, Tex Tan and Dakota. And because these saddle makers know horse breeds, they're the top choices the world over.

What is a Gaited Horse saddle tree?

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 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.

Are treeless saddles good for gaited horses?

Gaited horses and treeless saddles equal comfort for both horse and rider.

What is a Flex 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.

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.

What is a plantation saddle?

The plantation saddle is designed for riding gaited horses over long distances and generally places the rider behind the horse's center of gravity.

What is a training saddle?

Training. A Western training saddle generally comes with a reining seat, flat and padded and allowing for hip movement. Several D rings are often attached to a training saddle for a horse trainer to take advantage of training aids such as a martingale.

What makes a horse gaited?

What is a gaited horse? A gaited horse is a horse that moves each leg independently. Doing so allows one foot to constantly be on the ground, allowing the horse to conserve more energy than they would while trotting. Gaited horses are used for traveling as they have greater stamina and endurance.

Can gaited horses trot?

While gaited horses certainly are capable of trotting and cantering, allowing a horse who is not already well trained and well balanced to trot can lead to the development of long-term bad habits. A gaited horse who opts to trot instead of gait often is uncomfortable to ride and unbalanced.

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.

Are Barefoot saddles good?

Treeless saddles are great for horses with swayed backs and riders with thin thighs. A treeless saddle doesn't spread the rider's weight evenly across a horse's back, this could cause long-term spinal problems. They are not suitable for large riders.

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.

Where are Bob Marshall saddles made?

Proudly Made In The U.S.A. There are many reasons that Bob Marshall Treeless Saddles have become popular among riders who value a close fit and real connection to their horse.

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.

How do treeless saddles work?

Treeless styles are lighter options that allow the rider to sit closer to the horse's back, but they may also be less secure than those with saddle trees and are more likely to cause pain for the horse or rider if not fitted carefully. Treeless saddles come in Western, English and trail styles.

How do you measure a horse for a saddle?

From the center of the wire measure straight down 3 inches and then side to side. This gives you the gullet measurement. Then measure from wire end to wire end straight across and this gives you the bar width through the shoulder.

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.

What is the smoothest gaited horse?

In our opinion, Paso Fino is the smoothest gaited horse as it has three natural, even-spaced, four-beat gaits that vary in speed but are all comfortable. So you, as a rider, can choose the speed you are most comfortable with.