Do Not Try This At Home

I can't imagine someone riding a horse without a helmet. But the truth is that there are some people who will neglect safety and engage in such a foolish act. Millie Chalk explains more on this safety mistake that some people engage in.

The Dangers of Riding Without a Helmet

I've known of far too many situations where someone was severely hurt by going without the protection of a helmet, don't you? Yet it's taken a few years for me to finally get smart enough to realize what a silly and reckless thing it is to go without. Is keeping your hair nice or your head cool really worth risking a head injury often leading to a concussion, a coma or even death?

I can give you countless reports of such things happening each and every year! It doesn't matter how well trained you or your horse is. Things just happen. I've had ponies simply walking that tripped over a tree root and fell down dropping their rider to the ground. It's bound to happen sooner or later.

So why are we still seeing people riding without a helmet? Do they think it's cool? I'll tell you what's not cool and why I won't be caught without a helmet on my head anytime I'm on the back of a horse and that is I fear the ridicule I'd receive from my savvy and wise students if I ended up with a head injury because of neglecting to do something I am adamant about for them. Dealing with their disappointment in me would be far worse than any physical injury and I'm glad of their expectations because they keep me determined not to give in to discomfort or appearance!

As adults I feel we need to set the example. (You know the kids look at an adult without their helmet like they're the most stupid person on the planet. Come on, do we really need to give them something else to diminish ourselves in their eyes?)

Just logic and good sense tells you why you need to wear a helmet. As I say to my kids... "You have two of everything, two arms, two legs, two hands but only one head, if it breaks you have nothing else to take its place".

Today more than ever we have a huge variety of helmets with which to choose from, everything from super cool to super hot! There's a helmet for every discipline and every occasion and something that can fit into any budget.

So no matter what you're riding, how you're riding or where you're riding to you need to put on a helmet!

Millie Chalk (White Star Woman)

Professional horse trainer for 25yrs. and author of historical fiction. Part Cherokee Indian I'm passionate regarding the current struggle of all the first nations feeling most akin for several reasons to the Lakota.

For more information on all phases of horseback riding and horse care check out my new website... http://backyardhorseman.com/

Should I Buy An English Or A Western Saddle?

Susanne Malloy answers:

Saddle Buying - English Or Western?

For the most part there are two distinct types of popular saddles, English and western. In reality there are distinctions within these two groups, especially in the English saddles, plus there are endurance saddles and Australian saddle styles. The two general saddle styles of English and western are impossible to mistake, and are designed to best suit the particular demands of the different riding styles.

Western saddles have one basic style with many different shape and size variations within that general form. The western saddle is distinctive with a horn and high fork on the front of the saddle, a deep seat in the saddle and a low to high cantle making up the back of the seat. The western saddle also has a distinctive saddle skirt as well as wide and long stirrups and fenders, often which are very ornate and carved.

English saddles are much lighter than western saddles and tend to be more simplistic in style. They have a much flatter seat, no noticeable fork and no horn, with the front of the saddle being correctly known as the pommel. The cantle at the back of the seat is rather thin and may be low to high as with the western saddle. The sides of the saddle that replace the skirts and fenders are known as the flaps, and they are close to the horse's body. The stirrups are very minimal in styling with a thin stirrup leather connecting them to the saddle seat. English saddles vary from hunt seat, the most common pleasure type of English saddle to dressage saddles and show saddles. Dressage and show saddles must meet certain requirements to be used in competition. The Australian saddle and the endurance saddle are a combination of features of both the English and western styles. They are becoming more popular with both groups of riders as general work and practice saddles since they are durable, strong yet light weight and practical.

Regardless of what type of saddle you are buying it is important to make sure that it fits the horse correctly. Poorly fitting saddles will result in saddle sores for the horse and a dislike of being ridden. Generally measuring the widest part of the saddle area on the horse's back and ensuring the inside measurement of the saddle you are buying is at least this large will ensure a close fit, but it is always best to have the opportunity to try it on the horse. If you are buying a new saddle or a used saddle bring your horse or make sure it can be exchanged if it doesn't fit correctly. Experienced riders recommend that you should be able to place three fingers between the front of the saddle, the pommel, and the horse's back to ensure a proper fit. If the space is larger than this the saddle is too big, if it is less the saddle is too small.

If the cinch is to small or does not reach around the horse's girth, simply buy a longer cinch. This has nothing to do with the fit across the back, which is the area where the pressure from the rider can really cause problems with a poorly fitted saddle. Always examine your horse's back if he or she seems uncomfortable under the saddle and look for any areas of rubbing or irritation that can indicate the saddle is not correctly fitted.

Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for http://www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used English saddles, riding apparel, and tack.

Fun Packed Horse Riding Camps

The article below on horseback riding camps was written by Samantha Kay.

Horseback Riding Camps Offer Fun, Exercise, Experience

Is your child or teen horse crazy? Many children and teens are fascinated with horses and horseback riding. Attending a horseback riding camp will give them a basic knowledge of horses and riding as well as an interesting summer camp destination.

While the focus of horseback riding camps is, obviously, riding horses, these camps also teach other important factors of horse ownership and care. During their camp time, campers will learn about the different types of tack used to ride or drive a horse. Camp attendees will also learn how to clean and care for tack. Also offered at horse riding camps are sessions on proper horse care. During these sessions, campers will be taught how to feed, water and groom a horse. Some camps ever offer classes in equine anatomy, perfect for children who think they may want to become a veterinarian.

When choosing a horseback riding camp, you must first decide which style of riding your child wants to learn. The main riding styles are western and English. Western riding is generally associated with cowboys, ranches, and rodeos. Popular western riding activities include trail riding and barrel racing. Western saddles were designed with the comfort and security of the rider in mind, so it has a higher seat back (cantle) and front (pommel) so riders feel secure while on the horse. English riding, on the other hand, generally focuses on jumping, racing and horsemanship. This style of riding requires the horse and rider both to have more freedom of movement, so these saddles don't provide as much support and security as does a Western style saddle. If your child is a first time rider, they might want to consider a Western riding camp.

Horseback riding camps generally offer lessons for experienced riders as well as those who have never been on a horse before. Experienced riders will generally be placed in a class they will find challenging while beginning riders will begin by learning the basics of how to properly mount and sit on a horse. Riders with little riding experience are paired with an older, gentler animal while those with more experience ride the younger more spirited animals.

In addition to riding lessons, some horseback riding camps also offer classes in driving miniature horses. In these classes students learn to control the horse as they ride in a small cart pulled by the animal. Another popular horseback activity is vaulting. Simply put, vaulting is gymnastics on horseback. For this sport, horses with large, flat backs are lunged, or driven, in a circle while students perform gymnastic tricks on their backs. Although this sport may sound dangerous and difficult, students generally find it is easier than it sounds.

For horse lovers, horseback riding camp can be a great way to spend at least part of the summer. In the course of these camps, campers can learn the basics of riding or improve their riding skills. They will also learn important horse care issues such as horse health and anatomy. These riding camps can be a great source of fun and experience with horses.

Still looking for the perfect summer camp? Try visiting http://www.aboutcamps.com - a website that specializes in providing camp advice, tips and resources including information on horseback riding camp.