Though I personally never had the opportunity to work with master horseman Ray Hunt, I have received through my mentors some of his wisdom. One thing that was very important to him was the comfort of the horse. Apparently, when he set out to help another with their horse, he would first check the fit on their gear. It was important to him for the horse to be comfortable.

This is a teaching that resonates highly with me. I know that personally, when I myself am uncomfortable, it is hard to focus on the task at hand. Surely it is similar with a horse.

I know that if I set out to walk or hike somewhere I am fussy about how my own gear fits. Are my shoes too loose? Does my pack sit comfortably on my shoulders? Do my clothes restrict my movement in any way?

All of these things add up to determine whether or not my jaunt is as enjoyable as possible. If something rubs or chaffs me when I set out, it won't be long until I am stopping to adjust things for more comfort.

I want to give this same courtesy to my horses. If something rubs or pushes in on them while moving, they like us, will compensate by adjusting their stride. They may even avoid maintaining a certain gait if it is uncomfortable to move. If the discomfort is causing a horse to hold back or avoid movements while we ride, not knowing the cause can lead us to think they are misbehaving.

We may even end up pushing them into those areas of discomfort and having the horse resent us for it. This is a big part of why Joanna and I are so adamant about using quality tack.

A saddle needs to fit comfortably on the horse without pinching or pressing unevenly. A custom built saddle is more likely to fit a horse than one that is production made. Saddle makers spend a lot of time determining which tree to build the saddle upon. Often they even go so far as to make their own saddle trees.

This attention to detail helps to assure a well fitting saddle. The time spent by saddle makers shaping and carving, also helps to produce a seat that will give a rider all day comfort as well. A well built custom saddle may cost more than a factory built one, but is an investment that is well worth it.

As important as it is to have your saddle fit comfortably, a quality saddle pad is equally as critical. Some folks try to make up for poor saddle fit by using a thicker blanket or pad. This may ease discomfort slightly but results in an unwanted side affect. The extra bulk will raise a riders center of gravity making it harder to for the horse to maintain correct balance.

A thick pad also increases a saddles susceptibility to sliding or slipping. A saddle pad needs to remain thin. Correct saddle fit begins with the saddle. The saddle pad is their mostly to wick away sweat and complement the saddle fit.

Comfort for a horse also comes by the way of a quality well fitting cinch. Correct length of the cinch is very important. A cinch should be as long as possible without having the Dee Rings ride up onto the saddle pad. This will help to keep a saddle in place. Too short, and the chance for the saddle to rotate sideways is greatly increased.

The headstall of the bridle should also fit comfortably. I like to keep mine pretty plain. Sometimes added bling comes at the expense of comfort. Chicago screws will sometimes rub and can become really cold in the winter. Some tack makers take this into consideration and have taken steps to alleviate these unwanted characteristics.

Having gone so far as to assure a well fitting headstall it is important maintain that fit. Riding with a halter underneath the headstall will discount that nice fit. Not to mention that it also looks silly. My horse and I both like to look good. Fashion helps us to feel confident resulting in confident riding.

I understand the argument of having the headstall for function. I ride with Mecate style reins and always have a lead rope at my disposal. If I need to tie up my horse I switch to a halter to keep my reins and headstall from getting caught up and causing a serious accident.

Another area of horse comfort comes from using a nice fitting bit of high quality. An O-ring snaffle is as severe as I go when it comes to bits. It is important that the hinge area has a close fit to keep from pinching a horses lip. I use, and like the quality of Tom Balding bits.

No matter the bit used proper adjustment is critical. I like to bring the bit up to the corners of the mouth and no further. Too tight a fit will produce wrinkles at the mouth corner increasing discomfort. I like the horse to be able to freely carry the bit across their tongue.

***Eric and his mare, Sapphire. Notice her curious and happy expression as he begins to exchange the Double Diamond rope halter for his go-to bridle of choice - the mecate /McCarty.***

As you can see comfort of the horse is quite important to me. I like to have everything going in my favor when it comes to riding. Also assuring comfort helps to keep a horse happy. This goes a long way to maintaining right relationship between horse and rider. When my horse is happy so am I.

You are worth it and so is your horse.

Happy Trails,

Eric

Easton Horsemanship