Sitemaps

Is it bad for a horse to jump with a western saddle2007-11-24 21:17:57

My Appendix Quarter Horse was trained for jumping before I got him, over the past 2 months I 've been reading and watching a lot of instructional videos on jumping horses. Last weekend I set up a two foot high single rail and I tried jumping (after a lunging exercises over small obstacle). My horse cleared it with no problem (I was told he jumped around 3-4 feet high) and I got to admit I have a hole new respect for the sport, it was the greatest feeling I have ever experienced on a horse. If I continue with this I do plan on getting the proper saddle. I just want to know if I use my western saddle for a while will I hurt is back

Answers:

It most likely won't hurt your horses back to do a little jumping in a western saddle, but anything more then the occasional cross rail is not a good idea. The saddle puts you in the wrong position, which makes it so your horse may not be able to properly balance its self. Also, I have seen a few bad injuries caused by jumping in a western saddle. I had a friend who's horse quit before a fence, my friend fell forward, and cracked a rib on the horn. It is a really good idea to invest in a close contact hunt seat saddle if you are going to be doing any jumping. You risk creating a lot of bad habits, and souring your horse of jumping if you do it incorrectly. You should also look into getting a jumping instructor, you can't learn everything off of a video tape. It is safest for you and your horse to learn from a professional.

---

A western saddle should be fine if you're just jumping small jumps (like the 2 foot one you did). It's not that it hurts their back, but they don't really have the freedom to move, so it makes jumping difficult for them. If you plan on seriously getting into jumping, I would recommend getting an english saddle.