Dartmoor, located not too far from the famous Stonehenge in England, is well known for its involvement in Sherlock Holmes' The Hounds of the Baskervilles. This quaint area of southwest England is also natural home of the Dartmoor Pony. The closeness of the sea meant that the ancestors of the Dartmoor Pony were often crossed with the mounts of sailors and soldiers arriving from the continent. The many breedings resulted in a pony with several unique qualities.
But none of these crossings gave us the Dartmoor Pony we know today. It wasn't until Shetland Ponies were introduced to the area that a tougher mining pony began to develop. Unfortunately, these crossbreedings nearly ended the Dartmoor Pony for good as the blood was diluted and too many of the ponies had the look and hardiness of the Shetland Pony. The natural elegance of the Dartmoor Pony had been all but lost. Thankfully, breeders saw what was happening and moved to intervene. They introduced Welsh and Fell Ponies, even a few polo ponies, into the area and allowed them to breed with the native Dartmoor. Arabians were also brought over, adding elegance back into the breed.
World War II (WWII) again brought the Dartmoor Pony to the brink of extinction. Their natural home in Dartmoor was turned into a training field for soldiers. This robbed the elegant pony of its natural breeding grounds. It was only through the dedication of many breeders in the area that this horse breed survived at all.
Today, this horse is considered a top English show mount. You are most likely to see this rare breed in both jumping and flatwork. The Dartmoor is calm, friendly, pleasant, and brave. Their bravery makes them good jumpers as the are willing to try anything. The smooth action of this pony makes it a comfortable mount for children and adults alike. They are also the perfect driving pony.
The Dartmoor is a true pony, standing between 11 and 12.2 hands high. This breed can be found in all colors except pinto and tends to have a darker mane and tail. The breed is sturdy, but the elegance of the pony cannot be denied. The Dartmoor Pony possesses a lovely long action and is a joy to watch.
Currently, The Dartmoor Pony Registry of America maintains the official studbook for all Dartmoor Ponies in the United States.
There are many warmblood horse breeds, but the Danish Warmblood is the newest of them all, dating back to 1962. At this time, there were actually two Danish saddle horse associations in Denmark. But in 1978, the Danish Lighthorse Association and the Danish Sport Horse Society were merged to form the Dansk Varmblod (Danish Warmblood Society). With the founding of the Dansk Varmblod, the best horsemen in Denmark came together. These horsemen wanted to create the perfect sport horse, and this could only be done by selective breeding.
Breeding horses were carefully chosen from across Europe. Stallions of a variety of breeds were chosen, including warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. These stallions were put to mares of strictly Danish descent. Eventually, the Danish Warmblood emerged. And while the studbook is still technically open, the Danish are quite choosy when it comes to adding new stallions. Not only must they conform to a given standard (set out in the studbook), but they must have a strong competitive aptitude and be easily ridden. This is not always easy to find, so the addition of stallions to the studbook is rare.
The goal of the Danish Warmblood Society used to be breeding an all-around sport horse. This changed in 2004. Today, the goal of the Society is to create top show jumpers and dressage horses. The Society has been successful on that front and now Danish Warmbloods are found in show jumping and dressage around the world.
Standing from 15.3 to 17 hands high, this is an elegant breed. The Danish Warmblood is a riding horse that is similar to the Thoroughbred, but with a more substantial build. Acceptable colors include almost any solid color, including black, bay, brown, chestnut, and dark brown. True Danish Warmbloods are branded on the flank with a small wave topped by a crown (as can be faintly seen in the photo). Horses without this brand are not recognized by the Dansk Varmblod.
A tall and elegant breed, the Danish Warmblood is coveted by anyone wanted a horse with a touch of royalty about them.
The ultimate English farm pony is the Dales Pony. This little horses comes from the dales of northeast England and was used to herd sheep, plow fields, and pulling carts of many sizes. They were also used in mines back in the days when horses were actually used in mines. The Dales Pony was a pack pony in the lead mines and also carried ore to the cargo ships all around England. English farmers, in an attempt to better the breed, crossed Welsh Cobs and Clydesdales with the Dales Pony, but the Clydesdale blood was considered undesirable and was eventually bred out.
The Dales Pony defies expectations when it comes to the loads it can carry. A single horse can carry 220 pounds despite its small size. It can also trot a three-minute mile and is surefooted enough to make an excellent trail pony. This horse breed is also friendly and reliable, making it a great horse for children.
The Dales Pony is what most people think of when they hear the term pony, even if they don't realize it. This pony had thick legs and hard, dark-colored hooves. The legs are feathered and the hindquarters are strong. This horse may be short but its well muscled, especially the neck. The head of the Dales Pony is fine featured with tiny ears and wide-set eyes. Standing between 14 and 14.2 hands high, this pony is generally black. Brown and grey are seen on occasion, but neither color is considered desirable.
The perfect pony, the Dales Pony is now represented throughout most of the world. Enthusiasts from The Dales Pony Society and The Dales Pony Society of America maintain the stud books for most of the horses born throughout the world.
Most of the Curly Horses (also called the American Bashkir Curly Horse) in existence today are descended from a group of three horses found wandering the mountain ranges of Nevada by the Damele family sometime in 1898. No one really knows how they got there, and we'll probably never know. They might have been brought to North America by the Spanish, Russians, or even the Vikings. Genetic testing has shown us that the Curly Horse is not its own unique breed. Instead, it is comprised of many other breeds including the Missouri Foxtrotter and the Morgan.
When a Curly Horse is first born, it has curly hair. Everywhere. The hair all over the body is tightly curled, as is the hair on the head, covering the legs, and even in the ears. The mane and tail are particularly curly. As the horse grows to maturity, the hair settles a bit. By two years of age, the hair lies mostly flat, though it is still curly enough to be noticed. Though many people believe Curly Horses have a running walk, this is actually not characteristic of the breed. Some horses will have a running walk. Others will not. There is great variety among these horses.
When it comes to color, almost anything goes. You can have blacks, bays, roans, palominos, and many other colors. Patterns and size also vary according to type. The most common type is the Curly Horse saddle type, so they tend to be what people are referring to when speaking of Curly Horses. As such, the standard size of 14.1 to 15.1 hands high applies specifically to the saddle type. Curly Horses are a viable option for some people who are allergic to horses as they are often hypo-allergic. This hypo-allergenic hair is also suitable for spinning and sweaters have been made for Curly Horse enthusiasts.
These curly coated horses occur in many varieties these days. You'll find ponies, gaited, sport, draft, and even miniature Curly Horses wandering the world. They are sure-footed, hardy, and nimble and can be found participating in sports such as gymkhana. They're also popular in western sports.
There is only one breed of horse native to the glimmering island of Ireland, and the Connemara Pony is that breed. If you go far enough back in time (to around the 5th century BCE), the native pony of Ireland (or Erin as it was called) looked more like a Shetland Pony than the Connemara Pony we're familiar with today. But Celtic raiders tend to change things, and the Irish pony was no exception. They bred the little horse with several different breeds, including the Arabian, Thoroughbred, Irish Draught, Irish Hobby, Welsh Cob, and the Spanish Jennet.
These breedings helped to establish the modern Connemara Pony, which is named for a small area along the west coast of Ireland bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay. This area is known for its rugged landscape and is made up of moorlands and bogs. This environment cultivated a sturdy and hardy pony, turning the Connemara into the ultimate sport pony. Though once used almost exclusively by Irish farmers (which tended to own only a single mare apiece), you can now see the Connemara Pony in jumping events all around the world. This breed is also frequently crossed with the Thoroughbred to create an exceptional event horse.
The Connemara Pony is indeed a pony, but it's a large one as ponies go, standing from 13 to 15 hands high. They come in a variety of colors, most commonly dun, brown, grey, and black. You will also sometimes see a Connemara with roan, chestnut, or even palomino coloring, though this is considered less desirable. The perfect jumping pony, this little breed has sloping shoulders and a long, arched neck. With thick and sturdy forelegs and strong thighs and hocks, this pony is considered sweet and beautiful by enthusiasts around the world.
When people think of draft horses, the image of the Clydesdale often springs to mind. Despite this, they are actually the youngest of the United Kingdom's heavy breeds. They originated in the Clyde Valley of Scotland, but prior to the 18th century none of the horses native to Scotland were heavy enough for the job they had to do. So in the 1700s native horses of Lanarkshire were bred to Flemish horses. This resulted in a horse with considerable bulk and height. This horse would eventually become the Clydesdale.
Though the Clydesdale didn't fully develop until the tail end of the 19th century, it spread quickly throughout the world. This draft breed was used to build most of the cities that rose from the 19th century onward, including cities in Australia, Canada, and the United States. Today, they are famous, but not for their contribution to the industries of the world. Instead, they achieved fame through the advertising campaigns of Anheuser Busch. You will find teams of these powerful horses (commonly referred to as "Budweiser Horses") at Anheuser Busch theme parks all across the United States.
The Clydesdale can present in a variety of colors. Bay, roan, black, brown, or grey are all common, as are the white feathers and white marking so characteristic of the breed. These horses are the showoffs of the draft horses and have a flashy, high-stepping motion. They stand 16 to 18 hands high and have huge feet.
The feet are of particular interest. In fact, it should be noted that their feet are larger than almost any other draft horse. So large that in the days of horse-driven farming, their feet did not fit into the plow furrows. Because of this, they tended to be used more in cities and towns and less on the farms, but there are exceptions to this rule.
Besides their presence at Anheuser Busch theme parks, you will find Clydesdales throughout the world. They are often used for historical or hobby farming, but they are more impressive as a driving horse. You'll find them pulling wagons and sleighs in all weather. They are a prime choice for the popular horse-drawn carriage, mostly because they are so beautiful and move with such quick precision.
The Cleveland Bay horse is one of the oldest breeds of horse which are native to the United Kingdom and originated in northeast England. The Cleveland area of Northern Yorkshire, to be exact. This breed was around in medieval times when it was used as a packhorse, primarily by the Church. The Cleveland Bay ferried goods to and from convents and monasteries all over Europe. Though traditionally a draft horse, the Cleveland Bay was used as a coach horse when the first roads were laid down across the Continent.
Today, the Cleveland Bay is one of the rarest and most endangered horse breeds in the world, even with the efforts to preserve the breed. The Royal Family in England has been breeding them for about one hundred years, but they still remain rare. Despite this, they can be seen in general riding and driving events around the world, if you look carefully enough.
Standing 16 to 16.2 hands high, the Cleveland Bay is almost always bay in color with a black mane, tail, and legs. Occasionally, however, you will see a chestnut horse, though this is not desirable. Even though they've been used as a coach horse, they're really draft horses, so they're aren't as high stepping as you might think. Their motion varies from long, flowing movements to short strides, but they rarely move with the fluidity of most coach horses.
The Cleveland Bay is now promoted by several societies around the world, including the Cleveland Bay Horse Society and the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America. This breed has a grace and style not often seen in the more ancient breeds and has gained respect on the world stage at many points in the last century.
The Chincoteague pony, sometimes referred to as the Assateague, live on the barrier island of Assateague between Virginia and Maryland. The popular theory is that these horses are descents of those steeds who swam to the island after Spanish shipwrecks, probably in the 1600s, but we really have no way of really knowing how these horses got to Assateague.
This small island is not known for its comfort, so the horses had to adapt to their new environment. Facing a hard life and having to feed on marsh grass and whatever they could find on the beach, they changed and adapted, eventually becoming the Chincoteague we know today.
Today, the Chincoteague ponies are divided into two groups. Those on the Maryland side are owned by the Maryland Park Service and are generally left alone. Those on the Virginian side are owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. Each year, these horses are swum across the channel into Virginia. The foals are auctioned off and the stallions and mares are returned to the island to continue their lives.
Made famous by Marguerite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague, the Chincoteague ponies are generally not found in sporting events. They are, however, ridden by many horse lovers around the world. They can be found sporting either English or western tack and are considered a joy to own.
The Chincoteague is a result of its harsh island environment. They have thick manes and tails for warmth and light fetlock feathering. A sturdy little horse, their hooves are exceptionally strong and ideal for clamboring around on the rocky island. They can be found in almost any color, though bright pintos are the most common. Strawberry roan on white and palimino on white are the most desireable, but all colors suit this little pony. A fully grown Chincoteague stands from 12 to 14.2 hands high.
Sometimes, a breed that was thought to be lost is preserved by nature itself. Such is the case with Caspian horses. The Caspian is a rather small horse that was thought to have gone extinct 1300 years ago. But in 1965, an American living in Iran discovered a Arabian-like horse in the Elborz Mountains. The American (a woman named Louise Firouz) named the small horse Caspian.
Eventually, though various bone, blood, and DNA tests, archeo-zoologists were able to prove that Caspian, the tiny horse from the mountains, was actually a descendant of the small Mesopotamian horse of antiquity. It turns out that these little horses had found sanctuary between the mountains and the Caspian Sea. There they'd survived, untouched by humans and forgotten by most of the world.
Because they lacked any outside interference from either man or other types of horses, the Caspian horse has several unique characteristics. The scapula, for example, is wider at the base than at the top and there's an extra molar in the top jaw. They look a little like Arabians, but they're smaller with almond-shaped eyes and tiny but graceful tipped-in ears. They come in any color and stand a mere 10 to 12 hands high. Because of their small size, they are sometimes called Caspian ponies, but they're horses.
Today, Caspians are found in any sport that needs both sturdiness and speed. These sports include carriage driving, specifically scurry driving, and occasionally in barrel races. The Caspian Horse Society of the Americas is currently one of the few bodies devoted to preserving the blood line and integrity of this unique and sweet breed.
Most regions of the world have their own breed of horse, and Canada is no exception. The Canadian Horse, sometimes called the Cheval Canadien, has its origins in France. In the late 1600s, King Louis XIV sent two specific breeds of horses to the area of North America that would eventually be known as Canada. These breeds were the Norman and the Breton. Though it is impossible to be certain, these two breeds are believed to be the foundation for the Canadian Horse. If you look closely at the Canadian, you will see several traits in common with both the Norman and the Breton, giving credence to this belief.
These breeds came to Canada (or what would become Canada) and bred freely for two hundred years. No one controlled their spread or attempted any type of breeding program. as a result, they produced offspring uniquely suited to the climate. The extremes climates of the Canadian wilderness, coupled with the scarcity of food, created a horse that was sturdy, strong, and hardy. Today, these are the defining traits of the Canadian Horse. This horse is so strong it is sometimes referred to as The Little Iron Horse.
By the end of the 1800s, this breed could be found throughout Canada and the United States. The hardiness of the Canadian Horse meant that it was a perfect outcross for many breeds needing stronger blood. The Canadian was used to enhance the strength of the Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred, and American Saddlebred, among others.
The spread of the Canadian Horse continued through the 19th century. Canadian Horses were shipped overseas to serve in the Boer War and also served closer to home in the American Civil War. They were even used on plantations as far away as the West Indies. But exporting the horse came with a price. Fewer were bred and the breed very nearly went extinct.
By the 1880s, concerned enthusiasts had realized that the prized Canadian Horse would soon be no more and made an effort at conservation. in 1886 the first studbook for the Canadian was created and the Canadian Horse Breeders Association formed in 1895. Despite the efforts of the past century, however, the American Livestock Conservancy still lists this breed as critical, meaning it is still hovering on the brink of extinction.
The Canadian Horse is a study in beauty and power. From its arched neck to its flowing mane and tail, this breed is picture perfect as it races across the plains. The head is refined with a short forelock. The chest is deep while the back is short but strong. The elegant shoulders lead into muscular legs with clean joints. This compact horse stands between 14 and 16 hands high and is commonly black in color, though Canadians may also be bay, brown, or chestnut.
Today, the Canadian Horse, when its seen at all, can be found in jumping, eventing, driving, and dressage. The rarity of this breed, however, makes seeing them in competition unlikely.
Many of the horse breeds still around today are the result of breeding programs. The Camargue is not one of those. The Camargue horse is an ancient breed that has been running around the south of France, specifically the marshy plains of the Rhone delta, since prehistoric times. This is a breed of horse that has developed quite naturally. However, once in a while soldiers passing through would breed their own mounts to the existing Camargue of the area, strengthening the breed and preventing it from dying out altogether.
The Camargue has been ridden, at least traditionally, by the cowboys who look after the feral bulls in the area. These horses still run while across the marshes they call home. They are overseen by the Biological Research Station of la Tour du Valat. The Camargue Regional Park is responsible for caring for and protecting the horses. Each year the horses are rounded up and several stallions are gelded.
The Camargue is a very consistent breed. One horse looks very much like the rest, with a little difference in size and build depending on the gender of the horse you're looking at. They are stocky horses, standing only 13 to 14 hands high, with stout haunches, legs, and hooves. Their heads are large and square and the eyes are flush to the skull. The mane and tail are heavy and give the horse a primitive look. All of these horses are born dark and fade to a light grey as they grow to maturity.
Used today for endurance racing and English sports such as dressage, the Camargue is one of the most evocative and primitive of horses.
The Russian Budenny, also known as the Budonny or the Budennovsky, has a bit of a sad origin. During both World War I and the Russian Revolution, many horses were killed. At that particular point in history, horses were still actively engaged in war on European battlefields and they died as often as soldiers did. This meant that horses in the area were in short supply. A horse had to be bred to replace the many who had died, and this breed had to be something a soldier would be proud and even honored to ride.
The best of the calvary riders were to Cossacks who rode their native Don. The new horse had to be at least as strong as the Don but with greater stamina, more height, and beautiful movement. So Thoroughbreds were bred to existing Dons, creating the Budenny. The Russians called his horse the Budennovskaia.
Standing 15 to 16 hands high, the Budenny horse can be found in many shades of chestnut, typically with white markings. The breed has large bones and powerful muscles and moves with both agility and fluidity. You might almost mistake the Budenny for a Thoroughbred since they have the same same long neck, slender and strong legs, and pretty head. But the Budenny is sturdier by far.
Today, the Budenny can be found in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. They are a lovely breed, but because of restrictions put in place during the rise of the Soviet Union, Budenny horses are still relatively rare in the United States. There is currently no real breed association for the Budenny, but the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of the Horse (VNIIK) located outside Moscow manages the studbook and could even be said to oversee the breed itself.
Back in the time of knights and ladies, a black draft horse was bred on the plain of Belgium. This heavy horse, often used as a mount for powerful knights, eventually became known as the Flemish. From this stocky horse came the breed known today as the Belgian Draft Horse. Despite being a breed in its own right, the Belgian Horse has many of the same characteristics of the Flemish, including the ability to haul large loads or carry a heavy weight.
The Belgian has its start in the farming regions of Belgium where it was used to pull wagons on farms. However, it quickly spread to the cities and could be found working alongside other large draft breeds in the warehouse districts. Fishing wharfs and freight stations also made use of the Belgian's desire to work.
Despite their popularity throughout continental Europe, it wasn't until 1866 that the first Belgian Draft Horse made the crossing from Europe to North America. This breed didn't really catch on until 1885 when a small group of men in Wabash, Indiana finally began importing Belgian Horses and selling them to farmers and horse breeders throughout the West.
In today's world the Belgian isn't used as much as it once was. Draft horses aren't often used in modern farming, but those involved in historical or hobby farming will often make use of the Belgian Draft Horse. They can still be found in forestry work where the terrain is too difficult for machines. But their most frequent modern use is for pleasure driving. These horses are particularly suited for hauling a hayride.
The appearance of this horse is fairly standardized. The Belgian's most common color is sorrel, usually with a white mane and tail, white face markings, and white stockings or socks. You will occasionally see a roan Belgian Horse and perhaps even a bay (which is a throwback), but these colors are not considered desirable. The Belgian, being a draft horse, stands from 16 to 18 hands high and has the ability to pull just over 6000 pounds. They can also work for up to 8 hours. If you're looking for a driving horse to pull a hayride or a sled, you might want to look into the Belgian Draft Horse.
The ancient Barb had its origins in Middle Asia. In fact, it was first established in the Fertile Crescent, which is is a crescent-shaped region containing the moist and fertile land of Western Asia and the Nile Valley and Nile Delta of northeast Africa. This must have been the ideal environment to raise horses in ancient times as the Barb thrived in the arid conditions.
The Berbers were the first people to use the Barb as both a mount and a war horse. They favored this breed so much that they took it with them as they conquered the lands around them. When they left a region, some of their horses were inevitably left behind and eventually bred with native stock. This founded several different breed throughout the area, some of which are still popular today.
Highly desired as a war horse, the Barb spread quickly throughout Europe and Asia. They remained the most plentiful along the northern coast of Africa. This was a rather central location for the breed and allowed many different countries and cultures access to them. The Moors used them to invade Spain. The Conquistadors took them to the New World where the Aboriginal people took advantage of their speed and stamina.
Throughout all of this, the Barb horse was mixing and mingling with other breeds along the way. The Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse, Standardbred, and Mustang are among the breeds that have been influenced by Barb blood running through their veins. Unfortunately, there are few pure Barbs left in the world. Most of them were gathered up by Barb Horse Registry founder Richard Painter in the 1950s in an attempt to reestablish the breed. This effort has met with limited success.
The Barb is a stocky breed standing from 13.2 to 15 hands high. Its colors are many, but most common are palomino and dun. The Barb differs physically from most other breeds in that it has fewer lumbar vertebrae and only sixteen or seventeen ribs rather than the more common eighteen.
This ancient breed is known for its stamina and its loyalty to its rider. Today, the International Society for the Preservation of the Barb Horse & Barb Horse Registry makes an effort to preserve this horse that could be considered endangered.
After weeks of articles and facts, I thought I'd change things up a bit with a story about a horse I once knew. Every word of this story happened just as I say it does. I didn't have to invent anything here to make the story entertaining! Justin was entertaining enough for more than one story.
Justin was my older sister's Arabian and her very first horse. She adopted him from a ranch when I was 8 years old. My parents didn't pay much for him since he was aging and the ranch wasn't going to use him on trail rides anymore. He was grey and sweet and the center of my sister's world for many years.
But he was no angel and my mother was usually the one he caused problems for (usually ... but that's a story for another week). One hot summer day Justin, I guess because he was bored, opened the gate to his corral. Now, before you start thinking that my sister or my parents should have secured the gate, they did. They had it padlocked. The boys from next door, lovely neighbors that they were, snuck onto our property and cut off the padlock. We'd later find it in the grass next to the corral. The boys didn't actually open the corral, but removing the lock was more than enough for Justin.
In his equine way, Justin loosened the latch and let himself out. He wandered for a while, as evidenced by the state of the yard and garden behind the main house. He kicked up his heels on the freshly-laid sod, even pulled some of it around the yard by his teeth. This would annoy my father when he returned home, but not as much as what Justin did to the garden. Forget the corn. Justin had eaten it. What he hadn't eaten he'd scattered as he galloped merrily through the garden. The peas (which were my favorite) were trampled. I'd cry about this later (give me a break, I was 8). The radishes were pulverized. Justin never did like radishes.
He never left the yard, but he didn't have to. He had his fun without setting one foot off our property. Besides the damage to the lawn and garden, our play structure no longer had a roof. It originally had a colorful tarp stretched over the tree house section of the structure. Apparently Justin didn't approve of the tarp. He tore it off and ran around with it, eventually depositing it among the straw in the corner of his corral. It had been quite soiled by the time we found it, so my father built us a wooden roof that weekend. Justin also pulled the chain link away from one of the sides of the dog run. Good thing the dogs weren't in there at the time.
We were lucky that Justin hadn't decided to go for a run. We weren't all that far from a busy highway and it was entirely possible that he could have been hit on the road. It would have been a tragedy, but Justin wasn't that stupid. Nope, he stayed close to home, slowly edging his way closer to the house as he ran out of things to do in the back.
He eventually found himself in my mother's flower garden which was right next to the house. She had a lovely garden. Honeysuckle grew at the back and ferns and other greenery graced the entryway. Wisteria covered the trellis and roses bloomed everywhere. At least, until Justin got in there. He rather enjoyed the roses and the honeysuckle. He must have, for he consumed most of them. He wasn't as fond of the ferns and the wisteria, but that didn't mean he left them alone. No, he tore the wisteria off the trellis and scattered the ferns to the four winds. He had a great time.
In fact, he was just tearing the wisteria off the trellis when my mother came outside to hang laundry on the line. She saw him there, standing beneath the trellis, wisteria clutched between his teeth, and dropped the basket of wet laundry. My younger sister and I heard her cry out and rushed outside, wondering what mouse or rat had startled her. No rat. No mouse. But one big horse.
Justin looked back over his shoulder at us and he looked ... guilty as sin. There's no other way to describe the look on his face. He stared straight at my mother the same way my little sister used to when she got caught sneaking cookies. Except this was a horse, just over 15 hands high, with a head as long as my mother's torso.
He might not have been a child, but he certainly acted like one as my mother's face turned red. She stared right at him at uttered one word, barely able to speak.
"Barn."
Justin gazed at her mournfully, as if insulted that she'd interrupted his fun. But he dutifully headed in the direction of the barn (I had originally typed 'bar' there, which probably would have been way more fun for Justin. It's almost too bad that I caught that typo.)
"No," my mother snapped. Justin stopped in his tracks. "Let. Go. Of. My. Plant." You could tell just from her tone and they way the syllables fell from her lips that each word was its own sentence.
Staring at her as if she was the rudest human in the world, Justin let go. You never could say that Justin was stupid. He knew what she meant. The wisteria snapped back into place, rather the worse for wear. And with a flick of his tail and a kick of his heels, Justin strode into the barn without another glance at my mother.
She followed him. And my younger sister and I, curious to the last, snuck up and hid behind the barn door so we were just out of sight. What followed was nothing less than a lecture. And to a horse!
"Did you eat my flowers?" As if she didn't already know the answer.
A nicker. And, according to my mother, a nodding of Justin's great head.
"Who told you you could go into my flower garden?" No one actually gave Justin permission to do anything.
A whinny. I think my little sister giggled, but if she did, she muffled it quickly.
"Keep your horsey ass," I gasped in shock here as I'd never heard my mother use profanity, "out of my flower garden." My mother slammed the door to his stall with a thump and dropped the latch into place. "And stay put."
As my mother stormed out of the barn to collect her laundry, my sister and I ducked behind a rain barrel. By this point, we were both trying not to laugh. But we sobered quickly on seeing the damage behind the house. Our father would no be pleased.
When my older sister returned from school that evening, she had an even longer lecture than Justin had received. Of course, this was before anyone had found the cut lock near the corral. But none of the damage was all that bad and everything went back to normal.
At least until the next time Justin decided to get up to more mischief ...
The Arabian is one of the most beautiful and oldest breeds in the world. The first documented breeders of these horses were the nomadic Bedouin tribes of northern Arabia. The Arabians and their Bedouin keepers were constant companions. The Bedouin, due to both the harsh climate and religious beliefs, shared food, water, and shelter with their horses. These factors probably contributed to the Arabian's social nature and helped them thirve in what might have been a dangerous climate.
Religious wars eventually erupted throughout what we now call the Middle East. The Arabian began to make its way to Europe and other areas of the world. The European crusaders who first encountered the Arabian crossed this lighter horse with their own heavier mounts. These crosses have influenced almost every breed that exists today. Most breeds can trace their lineage to the Middle Ages and the crosses the knights of the Crusades chose.
Arabians didn't come to North America until approximately 1725. They were imported into Virginia by Nathan Harrison, but it wasn't until 1908 that an official registry was created specifically for the Arabian Horse. There are more Arabians living in the United States than any country in the world. It might be said that Americans have a fetish for these striking horses. They are found in most equestrian events today, though they are most popular in the long-distance sport of endurance due to their stamina.
There is no mistaking the look of the Arabian. Their distinctive profile and giant wide-set eyes set them apart from other breeds. They have a broad forehead, large nostrils, and small ears with a slight curve to them. Their backs are rather short but their necks are beautifully arched. The Arabian is a light breed with a delicate structure and an easy gait. They typically stand from 14 to 15.3 hands high and are found in several colors. These colors are limited to chestnut, bay, gray, black and roan.
If you're looking for a breed that blends the best qualities of the American Quarter Horse with the Thoroughbred, the Appendix Quarter Horse just might be the horse for you. This breed has its origins in the 1940s when the American Quarter Horse Association was formed. During this time, there was much confusion and debate over what, exactly, a Quarter Horse was and how they should be standardized.
One of the many proposed solutions was to grade each horse, labeling them as A, B, C, or D. This never actually happened, but the American Appendix Quarter Horse Association was born from this idea. The horse that would have been a "C" became the Appendix Quarter Horse. Essentially, this is a horse with one Quarter Horse parent and one Thoroughbred parent.
The addition of Thoroughbred blood into Quarter Horse lines enhanced the refinement of the Quarter Horse, giving it the look it has today. But many Quarter Horse enthuasists maintain that Thoroughbred blood is still required to maintain the beauty and elegance of the Quarter Horse. This is where the Appendix Quarter Horse comes in.
Today, you will find the Appendix Quarter Horse in racing as well as in a variety of English and western disciplines. This horse comes in a variety of colors (sorrel, bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, perlino and cremello) and stands from 15 to 17 hands high.
The Spanish first brought spotted horses to what we now call Mexico in the early 1500s, but there are cave paintings in Europe, Asia, and norther Africa depicting spotted horses that are thousands of years old. But even though these horses existed, it wasn't until the 1700s, when the strange spotted horse first arrived in Northwest America, that the spotted horse gained any kind of recognition. This was mostly due to the Nez Perce tribe of aborginal people. They were originally a fishing people, but the spotted horse gave them mobility. Suddenly they were renowned for their hunting and craftsmanship as they rode astride their spotted horses. Nearby settlers began referring to these horses by names that were associated with the River Palouse: "a Polouse Horse," "Palousey," and "Appalousey" were all common names. Eventually, the name Appaloosa stuck.
During the Nez Perce war of 1877, the herds of Appaloosa were scattered and may have been lost if they hadn't been striking enough to attract the attention of the public. They were popular enough with the settlers of the west that they eventually spread out east as well. The Appaloosa Horse Club was created in 1938 to preserve, protect, and improve these magnificent beasts. In 1975, the Appaloosa was named the official state horse of Idaho. This breed is popular at gaming events, horse shows, and as a trail horse.
You can't talk about the Appaloosa without addressing their most unique physical charactersists. The coat is attractive and can be found in a variety of colors. Base colors include bay, brown, buckskin, black, dun, grulla, palaoino, cremello, chestnut, bay roan, blue roan, and red roan. The pattern on the coat varies among five popular patterns: frost, leopard, snowflake, blanket, and marbelized. And let's not forget the trademark white sclera and striped hooves. The typical Appaloosa stands from 14.2 to 16 hands high and is a beauty to behold.
Thought to be from the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian (also called Pura Raza Espanola or Pure Spanish Race) is named for the Province of Andalucia. The Andalusian is truly an ancient breed. Cave paintings thought to be 20,000 years old show a horse remarkably similar to this stunning breed and even Homer mentions them in the Illiad (which was written in approximately 1100 BCE). In 711 CE (Common Era or AD), during the Moorish invasion, the Andalusian was bred to the Spanish Barb.
The Andalusian is the foundation for many of the most graceful breeds around the world, including the well-known Lipizzaner and the Peruvian Paso. Their natural grace, elegance, and beauty make them perfect for dressage and traditional Spanish equestrian sports. They are also heavily utilized for bull fights and ranching.
With a strange and, in all honesty, creepy ability to bring his haunches far underneath his body to elevate the forehand, the Andalusian can perform many of the complex movements of dressage such as airs-above-the-ground, passage, and piaffe with relative ease. This breed moves with a distinctive trot and canter full of upright steps and elegance. Most Andalusians are grey in color (they are NOT white even if they appear so), though you can also find black, dun, bay, and palamino. The typical Andalusian stands 15 to 16.2 hands high.
Originating in North America, the American Saddlebred is typically an exhibition horse. They are seen frequently in English saddleseat exhibitions but can also be found in driving and Western classes.
When America was still young, Galloway and Hobbie horses from Britian were brought over to the new world by ship. These horses were bred to create the Narragansett Pacer. This horse was crossed to the Thoroughbred in the 1700s, producing the beautiful and elegant American Horse. This new breed was used for both driving and riding. A little later, the American Horse was crossed to horses of Arabian and Morgan blood to create the American Saddlebred. The American Saddlebred is a show horse, no doubt about it. They can be found in shows throughout the world, though they are most commonly found in saddleseat exhibitions.
The American Saddlebred is one of the most elegant of horses. They are either three-gaited or five-gaited, and this includes the standard gaits, the slow gait, and the rack. The hooves hit the ground individually in both gaits, but the rack is much faster. All gaits are animated and a joy to watch. A true American Saddlebred is elegant in appearance with bright facial features, a long arched neck, and a high-stepping movement. All colors are acceptable in the American Saddlebred Horse Association, including pinto and some rather unusual colors. The size of the American Saddlebred is fairly consistent, with horses usualy standing from 15 to 17 hands high.
Hoof cracks in horses can be incredibly painful and dangerous, leading to possible injury and infection if not treated. To keep a horse with hoof cracks healthy and safe, cracks in the hooves must be treated immediately and properly. Luckily, properly treating hoof crack is simple and easy, if a little time consuming.
Any horse with hoof cracks should see a vet immediately. Sometimes, hoof crack is caused by a disease called Laminitis, which causes the hooves to break down. If this is the cause, only the veterinarian can treat the horse effectively. Follow his or her directions very carefully if the horse suffers from Laminitis.
Once the veterinarian has seen the horse and determined that Laminitis is not the cause, the responsibility for the care and treatment of hoof cracks falls to the owner. The hooves should be checked each day and any stones or debris removed; this needs to be done gently to avoid further injuring the horse. Any shoes or studs should be examined for signs of wear, and discarded if they are not in good condition. If the cracks are located around the shoe, the shoe should be removed and not replaced until the hoof cracks are healed.
The diet of the horse in question might need to be changed, and this should be discussed with the veterinarian. Different breeds of horses require different foods, but generally a diet with a biotin supplement added will be useful. These supplements are available at many horse supply stores, or from most veterinarians.
While the hooves are tender and healing, the horse should be kept in a stable environment. Temperature fluctuations should be kept to a minimum, and it is important to keep the horse from standing in muddy or wet areas. Try to avoid transporting the horse, but if it’s necessary, protect the feet. Cover the hoof, but be sure to leave the heel free.
To help speed healing, rub down the hooves with vitamin E oil two or three times a week. A lotion could also be used, provided it is high enough in vitamin E. Do not sock the hooves until healing is complete. If at all possible, avoid walking the horse on any hard surfaces, and this could worsen the condition of the hooves.
Hoof cracks should be dealt with immediately to speed healing and prevent further damage. Seek the advice of a veterinarian for additional tips concerning a particular horse, as each horse is unique and requires individual care.
Many people are surprised at the idea that a horse can be taught to respond to voice commands in short order. Some people just don’t seem to realize that most horses are fully intelligent enough to understand a multitude of verbal commands. Teaching horses to follow voice commands is a fairly simple process, but one that takes patience and repetition.
Horses hear very well, but not all humans speak in a way that a horse will understand. To ensure the horse understands all verbal commands, emphasize each syllable and enunciate well. This will assist the horse in clarifying the different commands as they are issued, and will make the learning process far more pleasant for both horse and rider.
To begin, start with a simple command, such as ‘whoa’. Using a lead rope, lead the horse forward a few steps, say ‘whoa’ and stop. Use the lead rope to stop the horse if necessary. After a few repetitions, the horse will start to respond to just the word, with little or no physical reinforcement. This may take a few days, so be prepared to repeat this exercise several times.
After the horse has mastered the ‘whoa’ command, try adding the word ‘walk’. Start walking forward while saying the word ‘walk’ and see if the horse will follow this command. Continue to repeat until the horse understands the ‘walk’ command.
The ‘trot’ command is similarly easy to teach. At first, this should also be done with a lead rope. Working under the saddle should not begin until ‘whoa’, ‘walk’, and ‘trot’ have all been mastered on the lead rope. Once it is time to work under the saddle, have the horse respond to the same three commands. It might be helpful to reward the horse with a small treat every time it responds correctly. Never punish a horse for not responding properly, or for not responding quickly enough.
Once the three basic commands are mastered under the saddle, additional commands can be added. Remember to only add one command at a time to simplify matters, but don’t worry that the horse won’t understand. Horses are highly intelligent and capable of learning many different commands.
Most horses will be able to learn additional commands such as ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘back’, and even ‘canter’ with little difficulty. However, it will likely take a few weeks for any horse to fully understand all these varied verbal commands. Try not to work on these commands for more than approximately twenty minutes a day, and remember to be patient.
Able to trace its roots to early American, the American Quarter Horse is both compact and muscular. This popular breed can be found in virutally all horse disciplines and is still used to race at quarter-mile tracks throughout the United States. These horses are as varied as they are beautiful and can be found in most areas of the world.
Early American settlers created this breed by crossing Spanish horses to those of more English ancestry. This was done for a variety of reasons, but mostly because a well-rounded horse was most desired on the plains. A horse that could outrun all others, be useful on the farm, and still serve as a family mount was exactly what the Quarter Horse became. At first, however, these horses were called Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses. When thoroughbred blood was introduced, the horse moved further west with the settlers and showed that they were uniquely suited for cattle work. This endeared them to the ranchers and only increased their popularlity. Though known as the Quarter Horse for many years, it wasn't until 1940 that the American Quarter Horse Association was founded and the horse received its official name.
Today, Quarter Horses are used in everything from barrel racing to dressage. They are racehorses, reining champions, and family mounts. Though the most common color for the American Quarter Horse is sorrel, which is a brownish red, there are many other acceptable colors. These include black, brown, gray, buckskin, chestnut, red dun, dun, palomino, grullo, bay roan, blue roan, red roan, cremello, and perlino. These horses vary in size, standing 14 to more than 16 hands high.
Thought to originate in North America, the American Paint is still popular today. These magnificent beasts are used in traditional stock-horse western events and often show up at barrel races. They are also common in reining events. American Paints are white with patches of any other color found in many areas of the body and head. These horses stand between 14.2 and 16.2 hands high and are popular with hobby riders in many areas of the world.
It is difficult to say where exactly the American Paint came from. There is a reference to two horses having pinto markings crossing to North America with the explorer Hernando Cortes in 1519. This is the earliest reference to this type of horse appearing in North America, though it is possible they arrived slightly earlier. Regardless, but the early 1800s, horses with distinctive Paint coloring were common throughout the West. The Paint was well-liked by many of the native tribes in North America, particularly the Comanche.
Throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s, these horses were referred to by many different names. Pinto, paint, piebald, and shewbald were just a few of the labels attached to these creatures. Finally, in the 1960s interest in preserving the unique coloring increased. The American Paint Horse Association was formed in 1965 to protect and promote this sweet-natured breed.
American Paints are very distinctive in appearance. The primarly coat color is a brilliant white with patches of any one of the recognized equine colors, including dun, roan, black, brown, bay, chestnut, sorrel, grullo, gray, buckskin, or palamino. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and typically appear in one of three distinct patterns: tovero, tobiano, or overo.
The American Cream Draft is a horse that is still used today for hobby farming, logging, driving, and hay rides. Some of these impressive horses are even ridden. All horses of this breed have cream colored coats with white manes and tales. They also have some other white markings and pink skin. The American Cream Draft Horse typically stands 15.1 to 16.3 hands high. Foals are born with almost white eyes. The eyes darken to amber as the horse ages.
Almost all American Cream Draft Horses, 98% to be specific, can be traced to a lowan cream-colored draft mare named Old Granny. Old Granny's beauty and unique coat prompted breeders to try and produce a consistently cream-colored draft horse at the beginning of the 20th century. Though other breeds were later added to the mix, including Belgian, Shire, and Percheron, blood typing has shown that the American Cream Draft is a distinct breed and not merely one of these other breeds with a cream coat.
At the beginning of the 20th century, these horses were used primarily on farms and in logging areas. They also make excellent drive horses. Today, however, they are used in parades around the world for their beauty and poise. Some riders even prefer this breed over others for their smooth motion.
The Akhal-Teke (Ah-cull Tek-y) is a horse with great endurance originally from the Middle East. Today these lovely horses are used in many sports. In particular, they excel in racing, show jumping, dressage, and endurance racing. They are typically bay, grey, black, dun, chestnut, or gold in color and stand 14.3 to 16 hands high.
This distinctive breed has a gazelle-like appearance and is graceful and a beauty to watch. Experts believe that the Akhal-Teke is at least 3000 years old and may be the only remaining strain of the Turkmene, a horse that has existed in some form or another since 2400 BCE.
From 500 to 1500 CE, or what we call the Middle Ages, the Akhal-Teke was found primarily in the Kopet Dag Mountains in Turkmenistan. They lived with the nomads there and were treated like valuable members of the family, often being tethered near or even in the shelters used by humans. By the early 1900s, this magnificant breed was being used by the Russian calvary. Today, they are primarily used for sport and valued for their unique beauty.
The coat of the Akhal-Teke shimmers, especially in bright light. It is important to note, however, that some coat colors shine more than others and the degree of shine is dependent upon the health of the horse and the quality of the coat. This breed has a thin neck that is incredibly flexible. While the Akhal-Teke is considered 'above the bit' by modern standards, this neck is a necessary asset in the flat desert. The Akhal-Teke has a narrow frame and a flat, gliding gait that is perfect for moving swiftly and silently in the desert.
The Abaco Barb is one of the rarest of breeds and is in danger of extinction. These beautiful horses are descended from Spanish horses in use during the time of Christopher Columbus and is considered one of the most noble breeds. The only known herd in existence is located on the conservation area on the Bahaman Island of Great Abaco. They are typically bay, brown, or pinto in color and stand 13.2 to 14.2 hands high.
These horses are thought to have come to North America on board ships bound for the New World with the very first Spanish explorers. Many, if not most, of these ships never reached the New World, often being lost at sea or pirated before they could reach the safety of land. However, some of the horses did eventually make it to the island of Great Abaco. Today, the only remaining herd is still where the breed has survived for centuries.
Like many of the Spanish breeds, the Abaco Barb has a low-set tail, convex face, and a long and beautiful mane and tail. Pointed ears are the standard for the Abaco Barb as are broad tapering foreheads. Though small, these horses are exceptionally strong, though they were not typically used for pulling when they still populated Spain.
These horses are more than just lovely to behold. Abaco Barbs are unique in that they have only five lumbar vertebrae, unlike most other breeds. New reserach has also discovered a difference in the Wing of Atlas. This is the first bone in the neck adjacent to the skull
Though there are many different saddles available, including English saddles, sidesaddles, and dressage saddles, western saddles are the most common choice for recreational riders in the United States. These saddles, which were originally developed by cowboys in the 1800s, are designed for comfort, security of seat, durability, and longevity. However, these saddles can be quite costly to purchase, so many people are learning how to make a western saddle for their own use.
The Materials Needed to Make a Western Saddle
Before attempting to make a western yourself, you’ll need to invest in the correct materials. Make sure you are purchasing only quality parts and materials, consulting a professional if necessary before you invest in saddle parts. You’ll want to purchase the best materials you can afford.
You’ll first need a wooden saddle rack to sit the saddle on while you work on assembling the pieces. These are available at most tack supply shops. Purchase a saddle rack that can bear your weight so that you can test your saddle as you assemble the proper parts.
Perhaps the most necessary materials are your prefabricated saddle parts. This will include items such as the stirrups, skirt pieces, and fenders as well as additional pieces. Buy these as a set, not individually, to be sure that they will all fit together properly. Do not attempt to make these pieces yourself, unless you are an expert leatherworker. Saddle parts have to fit together perfectly for the comfort of both the rider and the horse, so save yourself some trouble and buy the pieces you need.
A saddle tree forms the very basis of your saddle. A saddle tree is a wooden frame to which you will attach the saddle part. Make sure that you purchase a saddle tree of the appropriate size for the prefabricated saddle parts you bought. If they are not the correct size, the parts will not fit on the saddle tree correctly. Most saddle trees, though wood at the core, come covered in rawhide. If you are a beginner, you should purchase a saddle tree with the ground seat already in place.
You will have to purchase enough felt or wool to cover the underside of the saddle. This is again an area where you’ll have to select the correct material for you and your horse. Felt is probably the best choice, but it can be expensive. Whatever material you use, you’ll want to ensure that it’s designed for heavy duty use.
You’ll also need some heavy duty leather or suede, leather lacing, a good length of sheepskin, a piece of foam rubber, a leather tool kit, small saddle tacks, and saddle glue. Do not use regular glue, as it will not hold. Saddle glue is available at most tack shops.
How to Put Together a Western Saddle
Now that you’ve got your materials, you’ll want to begin assembling your saddle. Your saddle pieces will generally come with a basic diagram indicating how you should assemble your saddle. The specifics will vary depending on what pieces you chose to purchase. You can also find some general pictures at Cowboy Showcase. If you are having difficulty following the pictures and directions provided with your saddle pieces, consult the manufacturer or a professional saddle maker.
Start with the saddle tree. Place it on the wooden saddle rack, ensuring that you have easy access to both sides of the saddle. Attach the stirrup bars to the saddle tree. Look towards the very front of the saddle for the point of the tree and bolt the stirrups there. Ensure that the movable thumb piece is facing the rear of the saddle. You may also have to attach the ground seat, rigging, and horn, unless you purchased a saddle tree with these things already in place.
Place your foam rubber over the seat, cutting it to size if necessary. Gather your sheepskin and stretch it over the saddle tree from the pommel to the canter. In other words, from the very front of the saddle to the very back. Secure the sheepskin with small saddle tacks. Put your felt or wool over the canvas, then add your leather or suede. Stretch this very tightly over your frame and secure with saddle tacks and saddle glue. Allow the glue to dry before proceeding.
Now that you have covered the saddle tree, gather up the skirt pieces and attach them to the saddle. If you want a more attractive saddle, you can decorate the skirt pieces before you attach them. This can be done by tooling, adding studs, or even painting. When you’re ready to attach them, you’ll need heavy duty leather lacing, tacks, and glue. Again, wait for the glue to dry.
At this point, your saddle will be almost complete. All you have left to do is to add the fenders and the stirrups to the stirrup bars over the skirt of the saddle. Just as with the skirt, the fenders and stirrups can be decorated beforehand. The fenders are almost impossible to decorate after they have been attached, so make all decisions regarding decorations before you secure the fenders. Once attached with lacing, tacks, and glue, allow everything to dry.
Finally, stretch the remaining sheepskin over the underside of the saddle, covering both the tree and the underside of the skirt. Secure this with tacks and glue, then attach the cinch ring and any additional rigging as required. Once this is done, your saddle is complete.
Western saddle making is an art and so is not easily mastered. You might want to consider purchasing cheaper saddle parts and practicing a few times before you invest in higher quality materials. You should expect that you will make a few mistakes while you are learning how to make a western saddle. Eventually, with time and patience, you will be able to assemble a saddle that will make you proud of your own handiwork.
Measuring yourself for an English saddle is vitally important when selecting the proper saddle both for yourself and your horse. A saddle that is too large will cause you to shift around in your seat as the horse moves. This puts your horse off-balance increasing the risk of muscle strain or injury. A saddle that is too small causes you to assume a poor posture while in the saddle. This is not only uncomfortable for you, but it puts unnecessary pressure on the horse’s back. Learning how to fit a saddle properly to yourself keeps both you and your horse comfortable and safe during your ride.
The Difference Between Tree Size and Seat Size
In order to assess which size saddle you’ll need, you need to understand what is meant by certain terms. When purchasing an English saddle, you’ll often see two measurements: Tree size and seat size. Typically found in narrow, medium and wide, the tree size is for the horse. Seat size is typically measured in inches commonly ranging from approximately fourteen to twenty inches. Since most seat sizes come in all three tree sizes, it is important to determine your own size first.
Instructions for Measuring Yourself
Measuring yourself for an English saddle is not all that difficult, and it requires very little equipment. You’ll need the saddle of your choice (possibly several saddles) and either a horse or a saddle rack that is designed to bear your weight. Standard saddle racks probably cannot hold the full weight of both saddle and rider. You may also want a tape measure, although it isn’t necessary.
Put on all gear you will wear while riding, including your riding boots. Sit in the center of the saddle, finding the most comfortable position without having your feet in the stirrups. Without moving your body, glance behind you. There should be two to four inches of saddle seat exposed. If you cannot tell how much space is left behind you, use a measuring tape to be sure. You might want to have a friend help you with this. You should have the same amount of saddle seat in front of you. Measure the distance from the saddle nail to the center of the cantle to find your saddle size.
Place your feet in the stirrups and check your knee placement. Your knees should be behind the knee roll but on the padding, assuming the flap is padded. If you have longer legs, you might find that your knees extend over the edge of the flap. In this case, you will probably need a saddle with more forward flaps. You might also have to consider a saddle with longer flaps, if you find they are not quite long enough for you. Most saddles can be special ordered to accommodate different flap sizes.
Make sure the saddle is truly comfortable for you. Move around a little, making sure your gear does not catch on any part of the saddle. If you find your gear and saddle are not compatible, you’ll either need a different saddle or new gear. Even if the saddle size is right for you, that particular saddle may not be just right in all other respects.
It is important to realize that English saddles and Western saddles are different. If you typically use a fourteen-inch Western saddle, you may need a sixteen-inch English saddle or perhaps even larger. In addition, English saddles are not ‘one size fits all’ saddles. You must measure yourself for your English saddle and consider comfort above all else.
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