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	<title>Horse Saddle Pro</title>
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	<description>Horse Saddles, Western Saddles, English Saddles</description>
	<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:38:39 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Facing Your Horse Fear</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/facing-your-horse-fear</link>
		<comments>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/facing-your-horse-fear#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:38:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cornerstones]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/facing-your-horse-fear</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Almost every good rider has an accident at some point during her riding career. While some riders see accidents as a part of the sport and get right back in the saddle, so to speak, other riders lose their confidence and even experience gripping fear. Some riders are so afraid that they ask themselves whether [...]]]></description>
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<div>Almost every good rider has an accident at some point during her riding career. While some riders see accidents as a part of the sport and get right back in the saddle, so to speak, other riders lose their confidence and even experience gripping fear. Some riders are so afraid that they ask themselves whether the time and money they spend on their hobby is worth it after all!<br/><br/>Here's the deal: unless you enjoy riding, then you shouldn't be doing it. If every time you get on a horse you experience a pounding heart, dry mouth, and crushing anxiety, then I would ask you why you continue to torture yourself in this way. Especially considering that riding is an expensive, time-consuming hobby.<br/><br/>However, many riders continue to torture themselves in just this way. Why? Because they remember what it was like, before the unfortunate incident, to love to ride. And they want to experience that feeling again.<br/><br/>If you are still going out to the barn and trying to get on your horse despite having huge fears, my guess is that you want to return to the time when you loved horses. The good news is, there's no reason why you can't. If you take it slow and put yourself in the right situation, you can love riding again.<br/><br/>The first step is to figure out what is getting in the way of your enjoyment. For many people, they just can't relax on their horse. They relive their bad situation, and this makes them tense. Knowing that you have a hard time relaxing is the first step in learning how to relax on horseback. Once you learn to relax, you'll enjoy riding.<br/><br/>Of course, you can't relax unless you are confident and comfortable. Being confident and comfortable are the cornerstones of relaxation. So how do you get confident and comfortable? By riding the right horse, and by taking lessons from the right instructor. That's right, I said instructor. If you are so fearful of horses that you want to throw up every time you get in the saddle, it's too much to ask that you conquer this on your own.<br/><br/>A good instructor is patient, kind, never demeans you, and understands that you've had a bad experience and need to move slowly. Since there are many riders who have faced fear, there are also many riders who help their students overcome it. To find the right instructor, ask others who have had similar problems for a recommendation. An instructor who is right for you should be downright enthusiastic about helping you get over your issues.<br/><br/>You'll also need the right horse. A calm, confident, and bombproof schoolhorse is the best choice if you've been frightened. Even if your riding skills are good, you need to remember that the goal here isn't to improve your riding skills. The goal is to ride without fear. The right horse will give you good experiences, and the more good experiences you have, the more your fear will recede. If you really love riding, face your fears but take it slowly. With a good instructor and the right horse you'll be happily back in the saddle in no time.<br/><br/>Want some more great advice on horses? Just visit our resource links below and make sure to bookmark us.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Ron Petracek</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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Ron Petracek was raised in Souther Idaho,with a black morgan as his adventure companion. His Love for horses has expanded into the largest equine classified network on the internet to date with horse articles,classifieds and social networking. <a href="http://www.Horsechitchat.com/network.php">Amazing Equine Network System - Buy Sell or trade anything equine related. Get More Horse Classified coverage and distribution with less cost and work.</a> <a href="http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums">Amazing Horse Forum</a>
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		<title>Answering Your Horse Tack Questions</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/answering-your-horse-tack-questions</link>
		<comments>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/answering-your-horse-tack-questions#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:02:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cowgirl]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Feet]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Snuggly]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/answering-your-horse-tack-questions</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
You do not have to own horse tack to own a horse but if you are going to ride this animal then you will need some equipment to ride him as well as equipment to help take care of him properly. Tack needs to be properly taken care of but first you need to know [...]]]></description>
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<div>You do not have to own horse tack to own a horse but if you are going to ride this animal then you will need some equipment to ride him as well as equipment to help take care of him properly. Tack needs to be properly taken care of but first you need to know the basics of what to get and what it is made of.<br/><br/>If you do not know all of the pieces that you need, along with how to use them then the pieces of horse tack are pretty much useless to you. In this article we will cover some of those basics so that you will be up and running with your pet, literally, before you know it.<br/><br/>You will know what horse tack is, what it is made of, how it affects your pet and much, much more. So sit right back partner and enjoy the ride of learning all the basics of horse tack.<br/><br/>What is horse tack?<br/><br/>Horse tack is the necessary equipment needed to own and ride this animal. It can be anything from the stirrups of a saddle on to the metal shoes on the horse's feet. Tack is an important part of any cowgirl or cowboy's riding apparel and must be treated well.<br/><br/>Poorly maintained one shows and is a mark of how well the person takes care of their animal. Each piece of tack has a specific purpose and needs to be in good condition if it is going to be used on the animal. Improperly cared for tack can cause injury to a horse.<br/><br/>Do bits hurt the horse?<br/><br/>If used properly a bit does not cause the animal any form of injury but if used by an inexperienced rider the bit can injure the pet from too much pressure and can cause sores to form in the mouth. It is important, especially if you are a new rider, to receive instruction on how to use a bit properly to ensure the safety of a horse. The potential for damage to a horse's mouth is great if used improperly.<br/><br/>What is a cinch?<br/><br/>A cinch is the piece of leather that holds the saddle in place. It goes beneath the horse's belly and connects to both sides of the saddle. It is tightened into place snuggly to ensure that the saddle remains in place while the rider is aboard the horse's back. It can be compared to your belt holding your pants into place. Without the belt your pants would fall down. It does not harm the horse at all.<br/><br/>How much can I expect to pay for horse tack?<br/><br/>Horse tack can vary widely depending on where you make your purchase. There are saddles and bridles that can be purchased used for less than one hundred dollars. On the same note you can buy hand crafted tack for thousands depending on who is the artisan making the saddle and bridle. So you see that it all depends on where you are shopping and who is making the tack.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: MIKE SELVON</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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<p>A free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about the <a href="http://horsetack.nicheinfotips.info/Horse-Tack-QA.php">horse tack</a>. Your comment is much appreciated at our <a href="http://www.mynicheportal.com/pets-animals/your-horse-tack-questions">horse tack and equipment</a> blog.</p>
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		<title>Choosing a Horse Discipline</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/choosing-a-horse-discipline</link>
		<comments>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/choosing-a-horse-discipline#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:59:55 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Field Hunters]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Hounds]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Obstacles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/choosing-a-horse-discipline</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
If you have just started riding, you may just be happy to be on a horse. But, eventually you will probably want to specialize your riding. To do this, you need to understand the different disciplines of riding, and decide which best suits your interests.To begin with, there are two basic types of riding: English [...]]]></description>
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<div>If you have just started riding, you may just be happy to be on a horse. But, eventually you will probably want to specialize your riding. To do this, you need to understand the different disciplines of riding, and decide which best suits your interests.<br/><br/>To begin with, there are two basic types of riding: English and Western. English riders ride in a small saddle which gives the rider a lot of contact with the horses. If you are interested in jumping, you would need to learn to ride English. Western riders ride in a large saddle with a horn at the front. If you are interested in the types of events you see at rodeos, you would need to learn to ride Western.<br/><br/>In English riding there are several disciplines. Each discipline has its own pros and cons, but fortunately, many are interchangeable if you decide to switch later in life. Here are some of the most common English disciplines:<br/><br/>* Hunter - Hunter riders ride their horses over fences in the show ring. The horses are judged for how nice and smooth their rounds are, and for how well they jump the jumps. Generally the jumps are not excessively high and the courses are easy to learn.<br/><br/>* Jumper - Jumpers are the speed events of the jumping world. The jumps are bigger and brighter than hunter jumps and the horses are judged on how quickly and cleanly they can jump the jumps.<br/><br/>* Dressage - When riding dressage, you strive to perfect your riding so that you and the horse become as one. You ask the horse to perform a variety of paces and movements around the ring according to a test that you memorize. There is no jumping in dressage.<br/><br/>* Eventing - An event rider not only must be good at dressage, but must also manage the jumper ring. Additionally, the horses and riders must compete over a cross-country course of obstacles.<br/><br/>* The Hunt - Field hunting is quite different than riding a show hunter. Field hunters follow the hounds to chase fox across the countryside. Usually riders join a hunt club and participate in hunts with that club.<br/><br/>* Pleasure Riding - There is riding for pleasure, and pleasure riding for show. Some breeds are very competitive in the English pleasure ring. Many pleasure riders, though, only ride horses for their own enjoyment, hacking along roads or fields rather than worrying about competition.<br/><br/>* Saddle Seat - Saddle seat riding is generally limited to specific breeds, but can be quite popular. The horses are trained to step lively and show off their gaits while the rider sits upright, working the horse in the classic, old Park style.<br/><br/>Western riding also has a range of disciplines.<br/><br/>* Pleasure - This is what many people think of when they think of a Western rider. A Pleasure rider can be a show rider, or just someone who rides for their enjoyment. Western pleasure is very competitive, and requires a specific type of horse and way of going.<br/><br/>* Reining - Reining is the Western equivalent of dressage. Horses are required to do movements such as sliding stops and roll backs. A well trained reining pair can be fascinating to watch.<br/><br/>* Working Cattle - There are a range of Western events that specifically work with cattle. Cutting and Team Penning are some of the more popular events.<br/><br/>* Gaming - One of the most fun Western disciplines is gaming. Many gaming horses are specialists, and work best at their specific events. Some popular Western games include barrel racing, pole bending and the keyhole race.<br/><br/>* Competitive Trail - Competitive trail has horses working through trail classes where horses negotiate a series of obstacles to complete their course.<br/><br/>Another discipline that is not English or Western is Endurance riding. Endurance riders use whatever tack is most comfortable for the purpose to take their horses on long treks across the countryside. It can be highly competitive, and is tons of fun at the lower levels for riders of all kinds.<br/><br/>No matter what discipline you choose, be aware that you can always learn a new one later in life. All disciplines take time and effort to learn, and all have their loyal followers. Take your time and try anything that interests you. Nothing prevents you from enjoying them all, if you have the time and the interest.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Lydia K Kelly</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/virginia-va/">horses for sale Virginia</a>, <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/washington-wa/">horses for sale Washington</a>, <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/west-virginia-wv/">horses for sale West Virginia</a> and other states. Lydia is also a featured author at <a href="http://www.articleking.com"><a href="http://www.ArticleKing.com" target="_blank">www.ArticleKing.com</a></a>
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		<title>Western Saddles - A Brief Survey</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/western-saddles-a-brief-survey</link>
		<comments>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/western-saddles-a-brief-survey#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:32:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Horse And Rider]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Reining Saddles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stirrups]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/western-saddles-a-brief-survey</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Trail SaddlesThe most popular type of saddle, trail saddles are designed for comfort over rough terrain and many miles. Designed for comfort they are lighter than ranch or roping saddles which are designed for heavier work. New materials and features often appear in trail saddles first due to their popularity. Some features include an easy [...]]]></description>
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<div>Trail Saddles<br/><br/>The most popular type of saddle, trail saddles are designed for comfort over rough terrain and many miles. Designed for comfort they are lighter than ranch or roping saddles which are designed for heavier work. New materials and features often appear in trail saddles first due to their popularity. Some features include an easy to hold thin horn, a higher fork for stability, a deeply recessed cantle for comfort, wider stirrups treads and padded seats. Rounded or cut out skirts may also be present to further reduce the weight.<br/><br/>Ranch Saddles<br/><br/>Ranch saddles, also called buckaroo, cowboy or old time are heavy weight saddles designed for heavy work. Made for long hours in the saddle and for functionality around the ranch they may include comfortable deep seats, low swells to be out of the way when working and thick horns. Other features include plate rigging for better strength, a high cantle, double rigging and rope straps.<br/><br/>Roping Saddles<br/><br/>Designed for freedom of movement these saddles are made for heavy duty. Maximum freedom while roping and chasing cows is ensured by the saddle tree design and the strong horn. A wooden saddle tree covered with bull hide, a rounded low fork, double rigging and a deep suede or rough leather covered saddle all contribute to the ease of use while working. High cantles allow easy mounting and dismounting and the stirrups are forward hung to help the balance.<br/><br/>Cutting saddles<br/><br/>For cutting out single cows from the heard, cutting saddles were developed. A cutting saddle needs to endure good balance for the rider during extreme turning, starting and stopping maneuvers. Features include easy gripping with a tall thin horn, long flat seats, slim stirrups, low cantles and forward hanging fenders for extra balance.<br/><br/>Reining Saddles<br/><br/>For reining sporting events a purpose designed reining saddle is ideal. These saddles need very close contact between horse and rider for ease of execution of circling, spinning and sliding stop maneuvers. Subtle communication between horse and rider is ensured by the close contact which, if properly carried out will not be seen by the spectators. Because of the close contact reining saddles are also popular as training saddles.<br/><br/>Endurance Saddles<br/><br/>For competitions involving long rides of up to 100 miles, endurance saddles are needed. They must be light weight and well made to stand up to the long miles of riding. Bulk must be minimised while at the same time maximising close contact. In addition for the long hours in the saddle they must be comfortable for both rider and horse. Because they are designed for comfort they are also becoming popular for trail riding. They feature comfortable padded seats, no horns, lower weight short skirts, deep stirrups and multiple saddle strings for your gear.<br/><br/>Show Saddles<br/><br/>Show saddles, unlike the other types are designed primarily for their looks in the horse show arena. Fashion is important and designs change frequently. Ornate and deep tooling and decorative silver ornamentation are used extensively on show saddles. Designed for good looks rather than work these saddles follow fashions and change accordingly. For show saddles the latest fashion is important! Other features include deep skirts for more decoration turned stirrups with silver trims, and padded seats.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Janet Bugby</em><br/><br/><br />
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For more information and some good deals in new and used saddles check out <a href="http://www.usedsaddlesale.com/">Used Saddle Sale</a> or <a href="http://www.usedsaddlesale.com/Store/Used-Western-Saddles">Used Western Saddles</a>
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		<title>Why Do You Need a Big Horse?</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/why-do-you-need-a-big-horse</link>
		<comments>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/why-do-you-need-a-big-horse#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:03:32 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Distances]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dressage Riders]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/why-do-you-need-a-big-horse</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Horses come in all shapes and sizes, as do people. But why is it that so many riders seem to want big horses? It seems that anything under 16hh, but over pony sized has little to no market at all.Many riders are not all that big in stature. Since most riders are women, averaging 5'6" [...]]]></description>
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<div>Horses come in all shapes and sizes, as do people. But why is it that so many riders seem to want big horses? It seems that anything under 16hh, but over pony sized has little to no market at all.<br/><br/>Many riders are not all that big in stature. Since most riders are women, averaging 5'6" in height, it seems strange that most people searching for horses are looking for animals 16.2hh or bigger. So what makes a rider want a big horse?<br/><br/>Some believe that a horse needs to have size to be able to make the distances in the show ring. A hunter needs to have a 12' stride, so a 16hh+ horse is more likely to be able to manage that distance without effort. But, many big horses in fact have longer strides than 12'. They need to be collected in order to make the distances. Others have no stride at all, despite their size. Small horses sometimes do need to struggle to get the distances, but many small horses with good movement can easily manage a 12' stride. The problem is that they look as though they are going much faster than a big horse, making their rounds look rushed.<br/><br/>Others feel that a big horse is more capable of jumping the heights required. While a big horse would not need to put in as much effort to jump a large jump, this does not stop small horses from being excellent jumpers. In fact, a former Olympic horse, Jappaloup, was very small, and yet she out jumped many top horses. In Europe, ponies are expected to jump over 4'+ fences without any fear that they can't make it. So, why expect that a 15hh horse is not capable of jumping more than 3'?<br/><br/>Dressage riders like big horses because they have large strides. Small horses can also be excellent movers, and many have stride lengths that would shame many larger horses. Just take the time to watch the movement of a top quality Welsh Pony and you will see just what movement can be like for a small horse. There is nothing about a small horse that makes dressage more difficult. In fact, because they are often more compact in build, small horses can be easier to collect.<br/><br/>Some riders feel that they would be too big or too heavy for a smaller horse. Yet, in ancient times, knights in heavy armor would ride horses that many of us would consider small. Large horses such as those we see now are a modern development. The oldest breeds of horses were used for under saddle work by men of all shapes and sizes, and most of those horses were well under 15hh.<br/><br/>It is best to choose a horse than matches your build and size. You are far less likely to be overhorsed if your animal fits you. A small horse can be just as successful as a larger one. You just need to give him the chance.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Lydia K Kelly</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/miniature/">miniature horses for sale</a>, <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/trailers/">trailers for sale</a>, <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/saddles/">saddles for sale</a>, and she is a featured author at <a href="http://www.articleking.com"><a href="http://www.ArticleKing.com" target="_blank">www.ArticleKing.com</a></a>
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		<title>Helpful Thoughts on Owning and Boarding your First Horse</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/helpful-thoughts-on-owning-and-boarding-your-first-horse</link>
		<comments>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/helpful-thoughts-on-owning-and-boarding-your-first-horse#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:54:12 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Bargain]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Horse Trainers]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Quality Instruction]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[
Having a horse is fun, but a major responsibility, so be thorough on your research of barns to board it at. It pays to choose a place that is close to where you live, has facilities that are well maintained and most importantly, gives its horses proper care and nutrition. Each barn has its own [...]]]></description>
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<div>Having a horse is fun, but a major responsibility, so be thorough on your research of barns to board it at. It pays to choose a place that is close to where you live, has facilities that are well maintained and most importantly, gives its horses proper care and nutrition. Each barn has its own atmosphere, is it one you can live with? If you want to participate in horse shows, it may be a good idea to choose a barn that frequents the kinds of shows you want to be in. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the barn has a large indoor arena for winter riding.<br/><br/>Do you ride English or Western? If English is your thing, then make sure your barn has jumps available, and/or a dressage ring. I ride English, and my barn had a top show trainer in it, so if I needed to prepare for a show, he was there to critique my riding during lessons. I liked boarding my horse at a place with a competent, experienced trainer, one that took the time to explain the exercises and gave me quality instruction. Since I spent most of my money at this sport, I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right.<br/><br/>If you ride Western, make sure there are trails to ride on nearby your barn. And again, find a barn that has a trainer suited to your style of riding in order to get the proper instruction. Once you find a barn you like, whatever style you ride, spend time taking lessons there before buying a horse, just to get a feel of the place. If you haven't found a horse yet, trainers can assist you in looking. Ask around, and tell them how much you are looking to spend on your first horse. Another great way to find a horse is during the summer, many young horse owners are getting ready to go off to college and need to sell their animal fast. This is a good bargaining time, if the seller is motivated, you may talk the price down on his horse. Have them throw in the tack (saddle, bridle, etc) too, as part of the bargain. When I sold my horse to go to college, I gladly gave the buyers (a well maintained show barn) all my tack since I knew he was going to be in good hands. It pays to ask about the tack, to save on money, since having a horse is very expensive any way you look at it.<br/><br/>Make sure the horse is healthy before committing to buying it. This is incredibly important. Make sure to have a vet look it over, and tell you what condition he is in. Are his legs sound? Has he ever been lame? Has he had all his shots, and is he disease-free? Also, make sure there are no growths on his ears. A friend of mine bought an expensive show horse, only to find out he had skin cancer on one of his ears. One of his ears had to be partially removed, it was really sad. Make sure the animal is completely sound and has a personality you can live with.<br/><br/>One way to try out horse ownership is to lease a horse from its owner. Most barns have horses that are up for lease, you can even get a half or quarter lease sometimes. Then, you help with the bills of the horse, but are not fully responsible for it. You work out with the owner, and anyone who may be sharing the lease with you, what days you will ride. That is a great solution if you have limited time, because owning a horse, even when boarded at a show stable, is still very time consuming. You must groom, saddle, ride, unsaddle, wash then clean its feet every time you ride. And, I used to let my horse out into the paddocks and wait for him to have fun kicking up his heels every day, instead of paying extra to have the trainer do it for me. I spent at least four hours every afternoon at my stable since he was my full responsibility, I owned him so his well-being was totally up to me alone. The barn workers fed the horses, mucked stalls and kept the grounds up. I kept the horse clean, healthy and happy, as well as my tack spotlessly maintained.<br/><br/>Keep in mind, horses have other bills that must be paid, such as vet bills (worming, shots, etc) and farrier (horseshoes, hoof trimming, etc). These must be done on a regular schedule and not ignored. Taking good care of your horse's feet is of major importance so never skimp on cleaning or trimming them. Also, buy shampoo and other grooming products online to save money. If you don't have a locker in your barn, get a caddy to hold your grooming supplies, and keep it in the back of your car. Leaving it out in the open at the barn invites trouble, in the form of others "borrowing" things and forgetting to put them back, so it's best to have a locking trunk or keep the caddy in the back of your car.<br/><br/>If you plan to show your horse, ask your barn how much they charge to use their horse trailer. Most barns will haul the horse for you, for the asking, as long as they have enough trailer space for all the horses going to the show. Showing is addictive. Start at a small, local show and see how you like it. Then, if you do well and enjoy yourself, work your way up to bigger shows. Going to a horse show is a enjoyable family event. Many people bring picnics to watch the show as their children ride. If you win a prize, it's a bonus, but do it for the sheer pleasure of it all. If you show, make sure to wear the appropriate clothing and boots. Advance preparation of both the rider and horse is the key to a successful day of horse showing.<br/><br/>Once you and your horse are settled in and know each other, you will make a good team and build on your experiences together. Bring him treats, talk to him and give kind approval so he learns to trust you. My horse used to whinny whenever he saw me walking towards him. We were buddies and I used to make him carrot cake every New Year's Day (he was a Thoroughbred and all registered Thoroughbreds share the birthday of January first, whether they were born on that day or not). He plowed through that cake in minutes flat and looked for more. We were a great team and I'll never forget him. These little things make the relationship you have with your horse all the more special. Owning a horse is a special privelege so enjoy each and every day with him. Grow together, learn new things, and both your lives will be enriched and happy. I highly recommend it.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Carolyn McFann</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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<p>Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats">http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats</a></a>  Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.</p>
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		<title>Finding Custom Horse Equipment</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/finding-custom-horse-equipment</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[
There are many different types of horse supplies and equipment that can be purchased for a number of reasons and uses. When you go to make your purchased, you will be faced with a wide variety of options, so knowing what you need before hand is very important. This can be especially relevant if you [...]]]></description>
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<div>There are many different types of horse supplies and equipment that can be purchased for a number of reasons and uses. When you go to make your purchased, you will be faced with a wide variety of options, so knowing what you need before hand is very important. This can be especially relevant if you are planning to spend a lot of money on your horse equipment, and it can definitely turn quite costly. Still, even with all the options available to you, you may find yourself wishing to purchase horse supplies and equipment that will meet your vast equine needs, and this is where custom horse equipment can serve you well.<br/><br/>Whether you are planning to ride your horse on your own property, on frequent trail rides, or enter the beautiful creature in horse shows, you will need many different supplies. There are a variety of companies that will customize this equipment just to fit your needs. They may also be good resources from which to seek advice if you are unsure of your exact equipment needs. For example, if you are planning to ride your horse often, you will want to be sure you have the right saddle. Your saddle should be comfortable for both you and the horse, and there are many different types from which to choose.<br/><br/>If you are a new horse owner, it would probably be a good idea to read as much information as you can about owning a caring for a horse, as well as riding it. You may also consider joining a local trail riders' organization if you plan to mingle with other horse lovers. There, you will find beginners as well as advanced riders, along with people who have raised horses for a good number of years.<br/><br/>If you are seeking customized horse equipment, the first place you should check in your particular area. It may be better to do this, especially at first, so that your needs can be more easily met without having to keep sending equipment back if it doesn't meet your specifications. This also gives you an opportunity to get advice right there on the spot, and can also help those customizing your equipment to get to know you and your horse better.<br/><br/>Once you have become a more experienced rider, and know what you need in terms of equipment, there are many online companies who specialize in customized horse equipment. There, you will find an array of bits, saddles, bridals and so much more, and can easily prepare you and your horse for a horse show. You will find everything you need right at your fingertips.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: David G. Petten</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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<a href="http://www.advancedequine.com/">Equine Products</a> Advanced Equine offers Horse tack, bridle, saddle, bit, girths, cinches, saddle pads and more.
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		<title>Western Saddle Types</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/western-saddle-types</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:27:52 +0000</pubDate>
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Whether you are a Western rider yourself or you are simply interested in the variety of riding out there, you'll find that there is a Western saddle designed for any riding activity or discipline. Take a look at some of the varieties of Western saddles out there, and remember that there are plenty more that [...]]]></description>
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<div>Whether you are a Western rider yourself or you are simply interested in the variety of riding out there, you'll find that there is a Western saddle designed for any riding activity or discipline. Take a look at some of the varieties of Western saddles out there, and remember that there are plenty more that can be found as well!<br/><br/>A trail or pleasure saddle is a Western saddle that is a saddle design mainly for comfort during long rides. It's lighter than a working saddle, and there are many different variations on it. It tends to have a higher fork and a thinner horn, and it often features a padded seat.<br/><br/>Barrel racing saddles are built for speed, and they are often even lighter than pleasure saddles. They are meant to anchor the rider to their horse through all sorts of twists and turns, and you'll often see them at sports events. They tend to feature a tall thin horn, and a deep seat for additional stability<br/><br/>Show saddles are meant to be seen, and it shows. These saddles are highly decorative and can be considered quite trendy as they can fall in and out of fashion very quickly. You'll find that they tend to have lots of silver trim, intricate leather tooling and deeper skirts to show off the stylings.<br/><br/>As the name suggests, a roping saddle is meant to help rope and dally a cow. These saddles tend to be extremely sturdy and to have a wooden saddle tree with a low and rounded fork. You'll find that there is often a full double rigging for stability and a tall thick saddle horn.<br/><br/>A reining saddle, with its low seat, free swinging fenders and thinner stirrup leathers are designed to show off the horse's conformation and precision. When looking at a reining saddle, you'll also find that there is no flank cinch, and the rigging is dropped in order to reduce the bulk that occurs under the rider's legs.<br/><br/>When a horse and rider are involved in cutting, where a stock animal will be separated from the herd, you'll see a cutting saddle with high and wide swells to keep the rider seated, a tall thin horn, which makes for a good gri,p and forward hung fenders that will help the rider stay balanced.<br/><br/>The endurance saddle, which is meant to see horse and rider through 50 to 100 miles at a stretch, is typically made ligh,t but sturdy, with a padded seat, deep stirrups and no horn. This is a saddle that is designed for durability and comfort, and is made to be fairly small and light.<br/><br/>Ranch saddles are also known as "all around" saddles, and these saddles are meant to about as multi-purpose as you can get. They are heavier saddles that are suited to both full work days and long rides, and they are meant to keep you and the horse comfortable for long stretches of time. They tend to have a deep seat, a thick saddle horn, and are usually double rigged.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: TJ Stanton</em><br/><br/><br />
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About the Author:
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TJ Stanton is a life-long cowboy and editor of <a href="http://www.TheWesternSaddleShop.com," target="_blank">www.TheWesternSaddleShop.com,</a> a source for new <a href="http://www.thewesternsaddleshop.com/">western saddles</a> of every type.
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		<title>What Should a Two-Year-Old Horse Know?</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/what-should-a-two-year-old-horse-know</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:33:14 +0000</pubDate>
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When your horse turns two, you can finally consider beginning his training to be a riding horse. Assuming that he already knows the basics of being led and tied, he is now mature enough to handle light work, and real training.It is possible to begin training your two-year-old to longe. While it may seem simple, [...]]]></description>
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<div>When your horse turns two, you can finally consider beginning his training to be a riding horse. Assuming that he already knows the basics of being led and tied, he is now mature enough to handle light work, and real training.<br/><br/>It is possible to begin training your two-year-old to longe. While it may seem simple, longing can be quite hard on a young horse's joints, so be careful not to use too small a circle, or to longe for an extended amount of time. Instead, use short sessions, starting at a walk, and slowly progressing to trot work. Most two-year-olds are not yet balanced enough to manage a canter on a longe line, so it is better to avoid canter work for now.<br/><br/>As you teach your youngster voice commands, consider teaching him to free longe. As a yearling, it was more of a game, but by two, you should be able to start asking for specific transitions while free. If you are using a decent sized arena, you can also begin asking for some canter work. Avoid cantering in small round pens if possible as it is too hard on a baby's joints.<br/><br/>Another good idea is to introduce your two-year-old to tack. He can learn to wear a saddle and bridle without too much difficulty. Take your time introducing new equipment, and make sure to put it on securely so that it does not slip or irritate him. Free longing and longing in tack is a great way to get him used to working with a saddle and bridle.<br/><br/>Two year olds are full of energy and need to keep their minds busy. Another great way to prepare your horse for being ridden is to teach him how to long line. Long lining is when you use two long lines, or reins, so that you can drive your horse from behind or from the middle of a circle, so that he learns basic rein aids. This will set you well ahead of the game when it comes to backing him when he is three.<br/><br/>Continue taking your youngster for walks around the property and taking him out to shows for visits. These are great ways to accustom him to going new places and to learn to trust you no matter where he is.<br/><br/>It is best to leave backing your horse until he is three years old. Many horses are started under saddle at two, and do fine, but it is easy to go too far too fast when you start that young. If you can't resist getting on his back, stick to riding at a walk, and keep the sessions short.<br/><br/>Two-year-olds are still very young, and need a lot of turnout and free time. Don't over work him, or he could become sour. He will have plenty of years of hard work ahead of him. Let him enjoy his youth as much as possible.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Lydia K Kelly</em><br/><br/><br />
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Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/paint/">paint horses for sale</a>, <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/trailers/">horse trailers</a>, <a href="http://www.horseclicks.com/saddles/">horse saddles</a>, and she is a featured author at <a href="http://www.articleking.com"><a href="http://www.ArticleKing.com" target="_blank">www.ArticleKing.com</a></a>
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		<title>How to Saddle a Horse</title>
		<link>http://www.horsesaddlepro.com/articles/how-to-saddle-a-horse-2</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:28:32 +0000</pubDate>
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Every horse rider should know how to saddle a horse. The maintenance of the horse is also a part of your training if you are aiming to be a professional rider. Subsequently you should also know how to saddle your horse. If you are in charge of taking care of the horse then you should [...]]]></description>
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<div>Every horse rider should know how to saddle a horse. The maintenance of the horse is also a part of your training if you are aiming to be a professional rider. Subsequently you should also know how to saddle your horse. If you are in charge of taking care of the horse then you should know how to saddle your horse as well. There should be a proper procedure as well as precautions followed while you are saddling the horse. These are for your own safety and they will also help in saddling the horse securely which is essential for riding the horse. Some of these steps are just basic common sense that you should follow.<br/><br/>You should generally begin with cleaning your horse. There should be no dust or dirt on the horse. This especially applies to the parts where the saddle would cover the horse. Before cleaning the horse make sure that the horse is tied to a post with the help of a halter and a lead rope. You can also have one of your assistants hold the horse while you give it a good cleaning. While putting the saddle on the horse it is important to remember to place the saddle a little ahead of where it should actually be placed. This achieves two things. The saddle on the back of the horse can get into the proper position naturally. Also when the saddle moves back naturally, it smoothens the coat of the horse instead of rubbing it the wrong way. This keeps the horse comfortable.<br/><br/>Make sure that everything is out of your way while saddling the horse. This includes the front cinch, the breast collar, the back cinch etc. This will aid in smooth saddling of the horse without any confusion. The best way to get these out of the way while going to saddle the horse is to put all these on top of the seat and then put the saddle on the horse. This helps in putting the saddle on the horse without getting tangled in the straps and buckles.<br/><br/>Place the saddle on the horse by lifting the saddle and placing it on the back of the horse. This should be done as gently as possible. Exercise as much control as you can by placing the saddle as gently as possible on the horse. It should be remembered that the horse is also a living animal. You will agitate the horse if you thump down the saddle too hard on the horse. Also make sure that none of the strips or the cinches fall of the saddle as you are placing it. Also while saddling the horse makes sure that the saddle seat is secure on the horse and does not fall of on any side. If it does then you will have to start all over again. Therefore this is the most difficult step in saddling the horse.<br/><br/>Hand the breast collar and the stirrups neatly and also cinches so that they hang neatly by the side of the horse. The front cinch should be quickly utilized to secure the saddle. However it is important to remember to not be rough as this could agitate the horse and shake up the saddle arrangement. Also the front cinch should not be tightened all the way but just to the point where the saddle is tight and snug. Place your hand underneath the saddle pad and smoothen any mane that might have got crushed due to the tightening of the saddle. Also this will help to adjust the saddle pad. After this proceed to secure the back cinch. When the back cinch is done the breast collar should be buckled. After finishing, make sure that you double check from both the sides of the horse to make sure of your work.<br/><br/><br/><br/><em>By: Nancy Johnson</em><br/><br/><br />
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<p>Nancy Johnson is an experienced horse rider and she shares her knowledge at <a href="http://www.horsesaddlestore.com">HorseSaddleStore.com.</a> She also tells you what to look for when lookig on <a href="http://www.horsesaddlestore.com/Store/English-Saddles">used saddles for sale.</a></p>
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