Ideal Saddle How do I figure out what size saddle I need?
We have a pony that is approx 13 hands and a 11 year old daughter who is about 80 pounds. What size saddle would be ideal? Also, when should I switch to a larger size? Thanks!
The simplest way to see if a saddle fits your daughter is to have her sit in it. She should be able to fit one hand in front and one hand behind her butt. As far as the pony goes, this is very tricky and also very important. On the most basic level, you want to put the saddle on (any reputable tack shop will allow saddles out for trial with a valid credit card on file). Put the girth on, just as if you were tacking him up for a ride. Then feel the shoulders beneath the withers. You should be able to put your hand under the saddle near the shoulder blade. It should be snug, but not tight enough to pinch. You also need adequate room for the withers and to make sure that the back of the saddle is sitting level on the horses back (you should not be able to see under it). Buying a saddle is a very big investment, and I would highly recommend having a saddle fitter come out. It usually costs $50 to have them come out, sometimes it's free depending on how many people at your barn are interested. If you choose to do that, skip all of the steps I listed and call him first! He'll be able to tell you where to start, recommend a make that will fit best and you can be guaranteed a well-fit saddle that will last. Good luck!
What would be an ideal motorcycle for me to work on?
Hi there, I am a young man who wants to learn about motorcycle mechanics (and mechanics in general). I have no prior knowledge and don't know the difference between a saddle and a spark plug.
I have about £100 to spend on a motorcycle that will live in my garage, for me to tinket with, take apart, put back together and maybe even ride one day if I do not break it entirely!
What bike, available in the UK, would you recommend- and where's the best place to look? Obviously I am aiming at a basket case but it would be nice if it ran, even very roughly.
Thanks Also what first basic tools will I need?
I'd reccomend any japanese twin. Maybe a honda cb500 or similar. Parts are readily available, it's a relatively simple design, and it's mechanicals and operating principles are similar to the majority of japanese bikes out there. Invest in a service manual and a set of tools. An instant camera may prove usefull, too. As you dissassemble, pause occaisionally to photograph so that you have a reference to look at when reassembling.
Best place to look? EVERYWHERE! Just keep your eyes open for opportunities. I often see old bikes in peoples yards, or leaning up against barns, or just in the tall grass at the edge of their property. Don't be shy! Knock on the door, or leave a note in their mailbox asking if they'd like you to haul away that unsightly scrap bike.
My current ride is an 82 KZ1000, rescued from the trash for free, the previous owner even had the title for it. Good luck! Email me if I can be of any help!
I don't like western saddles for this reason..they are too heavy! I ride english, so its not a problem for me. If its not your horse it gonna be hard for you to fix this problem. Every time someone else goes to ride the mare if they don't do it the same way they will undo all the work you put into her. Also with and English saddle you cinch/girth up one hole at a time, from both sides, so its not as much pressure at one time. Which helps a lot. I dont know what kind of bareback saddle you use, but the ones at my barn dont have stirrups! We got one years ago that was used (it was donated), and the barn own threw it away saying they are super dangerous because you can't tighten them enough to keep it from sliding around the horses belly when you apply too much pressure on one stirrup. Also the pads we have cinch up like a regular english girth, with a buckle on each side to ensure even tightening. Yes, put her against the fence rail, its what we do with pretty much all the horses at my barn, and they are even used to handicapped riders.
I don't like western saddles for this reason..they are too heavy! I ride english, so its not a problem for me. If its not your horse it gonna be hard for you to fix this problem. Every time someone else goes to ride the mare if they don't do it the same way they will undo all the work you put into her. Also with and English saddle you cinch/girth up one hole at a time, from both sides, so its not as much pressure at one time. Which helps a lot.
I dont know what kind of bareback saddle you use, but the ones at my barn dont have stirrups! We got one years ago that was used (it was donated), and the barn own threw it away saying they are super dangerous because you can't tighten them enough to keep it from sliding around the horses belly when you apply too much pressure on one stirrup. Also the pads we have cinch up like a regular english girth, with a buckle on each side to ensure even tightening.
Yes, put her against the fence rail, its what we do with pretty much all the horses at my barn, and they are even used to handicapped riders.