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If you would go out and buy a horse to ride, you can not just jump on him and ride him. First you must prepare. There are many different items you must put on a horse before you can ride like a saddle, a bit, a bridle, and bandages which are also known as boots. |
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Saddles There are three basic different types of saddles which include the English saddle, Western saddle, and the Side saddle. They are each used differently and each are used for different types of riding. |
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One commonly known type of saddle is the Western saddle. There are a variety of designs of these saddles to fit every persons needs and wants. Western saddles also have many elaborate patterns with detailed leatherwork. One of the main differences between the western saddle is the horn or the stub protruding off of the saddle which the rider holds onto. No other type of saddle has a horn.
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| English
Saddles are also very well known types of saddles. They are usually
less decorative than western saddles but can still be decorative There are
actually more designs of English saddles than there are of Western
saddles. The basic difference between English and Western saddles is
that the English saddle has no horn which makes it a little more challenging
to ride.
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| Side
saddles are very unique types of saddles and their name describes them
perfectly. They look exactly like English saddles except instead of
having two stirrups, which are what the rider puts their feet in, it only
has one. It also is ridden on differently. On the English and
Western saddle the rider straddles the saddle but on a side saddle the
rider rides with both legs on one side of the saddle.
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Bridles and Bits Bridles are a key component to riding a horse. Without them a horse con not be directed or controlled very much. The bridle is attached to the horses face with many different pieces of leather that are all attached together in some way. Also connected to the bridle is a bit. A bit is the large piece that is connected to the bridle and placed into the horses mouth. The reins which is the leather part which the rider holds onto. A leather strap is also connected to the bit. When the rider pulls on the reins it pulls on the bit ,the horses mouth, and the bridle which makes the horse's head move in the direction you want it to move.
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Bandages, which are also known as boots, are usually made of a strip of elastic gauze. Bandages are wrapped around the tail and feet and are used for various reasons. They are used to protect the horses legs and tail when traveling, to prevent injury to the limbs if the horse knocks himself in the field or while being ridden, as support for the legs during exercises, to keep the horse warm, and to hold hoof dressings in place when veterinary treatment is required. |
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