December 03, 2004

By: Sandra Geldart
Website: http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com

Saddle Seat: Introduction to saddle seat riding

Saddle seat is a style of riding specifically designed for gaited horses. Gaited horses and the style of saddle seat riding associated with it, are American born and developed. Plantation owners required a horse with a smooth enough gait to allow comfort during extended hours in the saddle and the beauty and class to allow the owner to show them off during trips to town.

Gaited horses include breeds such as the Saddle bred, Tennessee walker, Rocky Mountain, Paso Fino, and Peruvian Paso, as well as many others. Gaited horses can be the most easily defined as a horse that does not trot, known for a four beat gait with four distinctive foot falls.

Gaited horses usually perform either three gaits or five, and within each gait they will have different tempos. Saddle seat riding and the specialized tack give the horse the freedom to use the great movement over both the shoulders and the back, with little restriction.

About The Author:

Sandra Geldart is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com.  With a degree in Equine Science Technology, Sandra brings you 27 years experience working with horses including showing horses and barrel racing.