Do I Need a Gaited Saddle For My Gaited Horse?
G
aited horses are breeds such as the Tennessee Walking Horse, Rocky Mountain Horse, Missouri Fox Trotter, Peruvian Paso horse, and Paso Fino. Do these horses need special saddles? Are they different saddles then the ones typically used on a Quarter horse or an Arabian? I get asked this question a lot and my answer is maybe or maybe not, it all depends on the fit.
ones typically used on a Quarter horse or an Arabian? I get asked this question a lot and my answer is maybe or maybe not, it all depends on the fit.
I started my career with gaited horses, with the Peruvian and the Paso Fino. Typically, neither of these breeds exhibit head nod when they gait. The Peruvian travels in long steps with an outward rolling of the front limb during extension called termino. The Paso Fino also has an evenly timed four beat gait, but the steps are smaller and the legs stay straight when executing the gait. Both breeds are built with fairly short backs, very similar to the Arabian horse. In the early days, we routinely used Arabian tree saddles or a barrel racing saddle that has a short length tree. However, one of the problems that would occur, would be that the back housing of the saddle, behind the seat, would lay firmly on the spine of the horse and create soreness and stiffness. If the saddle almost fit, but was just a little low we would use a bridge pad to overcome this issue.
When I began training Peruvians for show, I tried a Peruvian saddle and realized that I could feel the timing and quality of my horse’s gait much better. In fact, I no longer enjoyed my western saddles nearly was much. I have also showed in gaited dressage classes and found that using a dressage saddle was also a great option for Peruvians. The horses were happy and willing to go forward with large ground covering steps and the dressage saddle made it easier to execute small circles and side pass than in the Peruvian saddle.
When riding a Paso Fino, I find the Columbian saddle fits them quite well, also allowing for a better gait feel than a western saddle. Similar to when riding Peruvians, a dressage saddle also gives their back and shoulders plenty of freedom of movement.
Another saddle that I have had success with is the Australian saddle. However, be aware that some of them are longer than others. You must avoid the saddle touching the hip bones or placing the rider to far back. That said, I have two Australian saddles that fit my Peruvians and I use them regularly with my students.
bones or placing the rider to far back. That said, I have two Australian saddles that fit my Peruvians and I use them regularly with my students.
When I worked with my Tennuvian, Chrome I had trouble finding a saddle that fit him correctly. The mechanics of the flat walk, running walk, and foxtrot (yes, he does all three) with the rolling shoulder and head nod was too constricting in an Arabian or barrel saddle and he wasn't comfortable. I marveled at the difference when I tried my first gaited tree saddle on him. He relaxed, took longer strides and could bend and flex easier. Additionally, our turns improved greatly because he was no longer feeling pinched in the shoulders. After trying several gaited saddles, I settled on one made by Crestridge Saddlery. This company was my best option. They used a "back map" of my horse to fit him properly and were extremely reasonably priced. In my Crestridge, the canter is more comfortable than it is in an Australian because it’s shorter and the tree is rounded. The front of the saddle doesn't bounce up and down like my favorite barrel racing saddle and it doesn't impede the shoulder. For my Tennuvian, it has to be the gaited tree!
As for saddle pads, my favorite is Cavallo. I love the close contact they provide and how they transfer what I need to feel and filter out what I don't. In other words, the concussion is minimized but the feel of the horse is maximized. I have all three styles; regular, front rise and bridge and which one I use depends on the horse and saddle I am riding in. Personally, I feel these saddle pads make a better fit by balancing the saddle with conformation faults of the horse.
Remember, when choosing a saddle for your gaited horse their comfort is just as important as yours. A poorly fitting saddle can create pain and behavioral issues so take the time to do your research, talk to gaited horse riders and trainers and consult a saddle fitter.
For more information on Jody Childs
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