staying safe Safety in the Saddle


Riding a horse usually means sitting on a saddle with the expectation that nothing is going to ‘break’. But how often do you check your saddle for potential problems and what should you be looking for?


One of the most important safety factors when riding is the choice of good quality saddlery, which is carefully selected, fits the horse well and is subsequently maintained to a high standard. Accidents occur when equipment fails as a result of neglect or misuse, or when the components and the process of manufacture are below an acceptable standard. An obvious safeguard is to purchase from established saddlers, many of whom are members of the Society of Master Saddlers and are committed to maintaining high standards in respect of materials and workmanship. Nonetheless, the responsibility for safety belongs as much to the rider as it does to the manufacturer and/or retailer, so here are some things to check and look out for…


The Saddle The saddle and its mountings - the leathers, stirrup irons and girth - are items of equipment which, if cared for, will last almost a lifetime. But there are points of potential failure that need to be checked regularly. On the saddle itself the most vulnerable area is the girth straps and their attachment. The stitching securing the girth straps to the webs passing round or over the tree will wear or perish in time and will need to be replaced. Girth straps, however good the quality of the leather, are also subject to wear. When the holes stretch - and the leather is in danger of splitting between the holes - new straps should be fitted. The so-called ‘safety’ catch on stirrup bars should at all times be kept in the open position. A closed catch can prevent the leather being freed in the event of a fall and may result in the rider being dragged.


Buckles ‘A Stitch in Time’ is a good saying to observe when it comes to girths, leathers and bridles too, but when purchasing any of those items, the buckles, and in the case of the bridle the hook stud fastenings, deserve particular attention. Avoid the buckle which is obviously poorly finished with the edges left sharp and the tongues loose and perhaps bent. The former cut into the leather and the latter are likely to prove unreliable. Replace bent or loose hook studs immediately.


Stirrup Leathers Stirrup leathers receive the most wear at the point where


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Minimise the risks by caring for your tack and equipment


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they turn through the eye of the stirrup iron. A wise precaution is to have leathers shortened every so often so as to move the point of contact with the iron. A better insurance is to replace leathers regularly with best quality new ones.


Stirrup Irons


Buy stirrup irons made from stainless steel, nickel ones are cheaper but are liable to bend or break. If using a conventional pattern iron choose a heavy one big enough to slip off the foot in an emergency but not so big as


to allow the whole foot to pass through and become trapped. Always wear boots or heavy shoes rather than flat-soled footwear.


Fit for Safety


The fitting of saddlery is as important an aspect of safety as is proper maintenance. Saddles and bridles, which for any reason cause the horse discomfort and inhibit his movement, can create an unnecessary stress situation which inevitably leads to a lowering of the safety threshold. To ride safely it is always best


to have a new or second-hand saddle fitted by a reputable saddler and to consult regularly about any subsequent adjustments to the fitting.


Also regular cleaning with a glycerine-based soap and reliable ‘leather food’ preparation is essential if equipment is to be kept soft, supple and serviceable. When leather is neglected or is subjected to constant immersion in water (particularly hot water) or dried over heat, it becomes brittle and will snap in use.


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