Parts of the horse saddle

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The Dogwood horse saddle collection features an array of premium leather saddles by the master craftsmen at Bates and fine synthetic saddles by the equestrian experts at Wintec.

Whether you require an all-purpose horse saddle for everyday hacks, a dressage saddle with a deeper cut to show off your horse to his full potential or an extra-comfort endurance saddle for long distance horse riding, Dogwood has it all.

But, when it comes to selecting essential horse tack like saddlery, the more you know about the way it is designed to serve both you and your horse the better. You will be able to use it to its full advantage and care for it to the best of your ability. So, here are the parts of the horse saddle defined:

Tree - this is the solid part of the horse saddle, the frame on which the saddle is constructed. It is usually made from wood laminates, plastic or fibreglass. A saddle maker will first construct the tree and then build leather or a synthetic alternative, such as Equileather, around it. The tree determines the length and width of your horse saddle.

Tree points - the lowest point of the saddle tree, the part that actually comes into contact with your horse. The wider the tree points the less pressure will be placed upon your horses shoulder.

Seat - this is where you sit when on horse back. Depending on which horse riding discipline you favour and the type of horse saddle you choose, seats are available in a variety of depths and slopes.

Waist - the narrowest part of the saddle seat. The width of the waist will determine how well the saddle sits on your horse's back so if you have a horse with a wide back you will also need a horse saddle with a wide waist.

Pommel - the highest part at the front of the saddle. These were often very ornate on ancient horse saddles.

Cantle - the highest part at the rear of the horse saddle designed to provide that little extra support and makes mounting the saddle easier.

Panel - this is the part of the saddle which comes into contact with your horse's back so the shape and design are vital for optimum performance. The Dogwood synthetic saddle selection features horse saddles such as the Wintec Isabell and the Wintec Close Contact that are available with either flock or CAIR panels.

CAIR Panel System - this improves the comfort of the saddle for both you and your horse as it allows pressure to be distributed evenly over your horse's back.

Stuffed panel - the traditional type of saddle panel, usually stuffed with wool or synthetic flock. Flock can be added to certain parts of the saddle by the saddle maker to achieve the perfect fit and should be checked regularly for lumps and bumps which can decrease comfort levels.

Foam panel - most often used in close contact jumping saddles as they are more comfortable for the horse.

Panel gusset - the gusset determines the shape of the panel which in turn determines how the saddle fits the horse. Most of our fine horse saddles, including the Bates Caprilli All-purpose saddle, feature the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System which allows you to adjust the size of your saddle to fit the changing shape and muscling of your horse.

Stirrup bars - this is where your stirrup leather attaches to the horse saddle. The manufacturer of your horse saddle will usually recommend that you use stirrup leathers from their range as they are designed to complement one another.

Skirts - these are carefully stitched to the seat of the horse saddle and designed to neatly cover the stirrup bar.

Girth straps - these keep your horse saddle secure and are found beneath the saddle flap. They are usually made from leather or a synthetic alternative but may contain slight elastication to make fitting around your horse's belly easier. Girth straps from the Dogwood collection include the Crosby Leather girth and the Wintec Pro-Elastic girth.

Point straps - an extra girth strap attached to the points of the saddle tree to prevent the saddle slipping forwards. A saddler is more likely to add these to a pony saddle than a horse saddle.

Flaps - saddle flaps hang down either side of your horse's body and hide the girth straps. These usually feature a knee pad that is designed for extra comfort with added traction.

Buckle guards - these are designed to protect the underside of the saddle flap from sustaining damage caused by the girth's buckles.

Knee rolls - the heightened padding that can be found beneath the flap and knee pad of your saddle. Some attach with Velcro so that they can be easily positioned to suit you.

Thigh blocks - designed to keep your leg in a better position while riding. Horse saddles such as the Bates Momentum feature the adjustable Flexibloc System which allows you to tailor the level of knee and thigh support you desire.

The Dogwood selection of horse saddles

Whether you require a premium horse saddle or a beautiful numnah to sit comfortably beneath your horse's saddle, Dogwood will make sure that you horse steps out in style.

We also have a selection of fine equestrian clothing from jodhpurs to riding hats and excellent leather riding boots from the master cobblers at Sergio Grasso.

To discover more about our equestrian collection including our fine horse saddles please call 0845 30 10 365.

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