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Discussion on Tack for Western All-Around Competition?
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Member:
sureed
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 1:16 pm:
I've been told that if I make the switch from Open English to a horse that I can compete on in All-Around breed shows, my forward seat Devacoux will not be appropriate for the English Under saddle, Eq and over fences classes as I will be expected to sit more upright. What kind of English saddle will I need?
Also, what is the appropriate Western Saddle? I used to have a lovely all-leather Circle Y that was lightweight. Are these lightweight saddles appropriate for Western Pleasure and Eq classes? Also, do I really need to wear a shirt that costs $1500 and fits me skin-tight in order to get attention in a class?
Thanks for any advice you can offer. References to catalog entries are much appreciated.
Suzanne
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 2:49 pm:
Suzanne what kind of horse are you going to ride in all these disciplines? Sounds interesting.. I can't imagine tho riding a large Hano in a western saddle... just getting it up there might be a problem..!~ Tacking Danni up this AM , i was just thinking if my dressage saddle was any heavier i might not be able to get up on her 17'2'' body!
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 3:18 pm:
If you go to https://www.usef.org/contentPage2.aspx?id=ruleshomeyou will find the rules governing the tack you need. Although in most western classes, esp. at the larger ones, many people ride in expensive, tooled western saddles loaded with tons of silver and reins and bridles to match; and their outfits at the larger shows are often custom made and cost $3000 and up (!) you can do just fine in a regular western saddle with no silver, a nice looking, ironed, trim fitting, long sleeved cotton western shirt, jeans that look good with the shirt, western boots, western hat,and chaps. Small shows, you often don't need chaps. We've qualified for Arabian Nationals with no $3000 outfits. I have shopped sales and have bought a couple of nice looking fancy show shirts, the most expensive I paid $125 for. I've been using an old pair of heavy suede leather black chaps that are too short for today's taste and for Nationals have finally broken down and ordered a pair of nice ultra suede ones from Hobby Horse. I use my son's hat which I got re-blocked. For smaller shows, I usually wear a colorful cotton shirt. I have one, a royal blue, which has some rhinestone trim on the yoke, and a bright pink one that has some embroidery on the yoke and cuffs. I match the saddle pad to the shirt and ride a black horse so wear black jeans, chaps and hat. I have problems finding western boots that are comfortable with my beat-up ankles and feet, so wear a pair of black Ariat zip-up paddock boots. No one can see more than your toes anyway. I also wear western spurs. Hunter pleasure classes I wear a pair of either breeches or sometimes cotton schooling pants if it's really hot, hunt boots, an inexpensive sleevless English syle shirt, a used hunt coat, and a hunter style helmet. I sometimes ride in a Wintec All purpose saddle and sometimes in my trainer's huntseat saddle; and just a plain English style bridle with a nose band and braided reins. You should always look neat and have your tack and horse clean. Your hair shouldn't fall below your shoulders (so the judge can see your number.) I put my hair in a ponytail and a hairnet. I put tons of hairspray on the inside front headband of my western hat and mash it on my head so it stays on when I'm loping or the wind is blowing. I hope this helps. I'm unfamiliar with your saddle, but in Hunter classes they don't want you totally upright, but not leaning over the neck either. You can go up into a 2 point position at the canter and hand gallop, other than that a little bit more upright - like you would be going down a trail.If you have the chance, either to to a couple of shows and just check out tack and clothes, or there are some DVDs/videos on places like Stateline tack that are helpful. Good luck!
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Member:
sureed
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 4:04 pm:
Thanks for all the good advice Sara. Ann, I'm thinking of coming down off my high horse (17h) and going back to something in the 15.3-16h range. This torn rotator cuff has got me thinking about my age (60) and whether I really need to be jumping around 3' courses. There are many ways to be with horses. Dressage of course would be one way to go, but I thought the all around would be fun. We are raising some nice Azteca's at Serpentine Farm. BTW, did you check out my last post on the Iberian filly with the back leg lift issue (almost resolved now). I put a picture of Pea there. The colt you visited in ICU. He is stunning now.
Hope all is well! 
Suzanne
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 4:36 pm:
Suzanne, yes i did see him and what a great home he is gone to as well.. that is very important..
Ok this all round stuff sounds expensive.. So Suzanne lets try dressage for a change!  less equipment to buy and the journey is just incredible.. here is a link of what true dressage can do and how to get there..
https://link.brightcove.com:80/services/player/bcpid570687640?bclid=1374480090
take your time these are long and informative not to mention some VERY lovely horses.. !
I like you am thinking the 'age' factor .. I no longer jump, I no longer start my young horses in fact Tom I hope will be my last baby to ride!~ It is not getting any easier on my muscles and joints this aging process cr@p.. 
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 4:42 pm:
All around would be fun, but so would dressage, imo. I have found Western to be challanging for me, which has surprised me. It is actually, when done properly, a lot like dressage, but with both reins held in one hand. Done correctly, it is all in your seat. At 65 (gasp!) I have gotten to the point where I like more the mental challange then the excitement of young horses and wild rides!
After this show season is over, I'm going to go back to some dressage with our stallions, and also do some reining on a little mare we have who's starting to do pretty good in that discipline.
I'm sure that on one post or another I mentioned an older lady friend (over 80) who trained all her young horses to drive because she thought riding was too dangerous after she had two hip replacements!!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 5:03 pm:
Ann, GREAT site!
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Member:
sureed
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 8:10 pm:
Ann and Sara, I would like to give dressage a go. Of course, I believe it is a great foundation for anything you want to do, but having tried it when I was younger (fix one thing and something else falls apart), I do in fact think it is more difficult than hunter/jumpers. Ann, we are having Jec Ballou clinics up at the farm once a month check our site). You should come up and I will bring my Oldenburg and see what it will take to make the transition. What do you say? I can't do August but maybe the September one?
Thanks for all the advice,
Suzanne
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 8:35 pm:
Thanks Suzanne,, I have ridden with Jec...she is great.. in fact in our local Lincoln meeting last night we mentioned her name about bringing her back for a fix it clinic of sorts.. Jec is a fabulous author as well !
You are just so FAR up the road for hauling etc. gas prices etc.. 
.. and you are correct madam.. once you fix one thing.. heck something else falls apart.. BUT BUT.. WHEN you get that feel.. OMG.. a horse in self carriage / back up under you .. you won't look back..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 2, 2008 - 9:46 pm:
Hi Suzanne,
If you can sew, there is a company www.suitability.com that sells patterns for everything equestrian. You can make your own shirts in the colors you like and make it unique. They have patterns for saddle pads so you can make one that matches your outfit as well. I took up dressage and made my own breeches and a shirt. I also have material for a jacket which I plan to make after I lose more weight. Besides the cost of the clothes, I am short (5' 0") and I have to either alter or pay through the nose for custom.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 3, 2008 - 9:51 am:
Ann,
Thank you so much for posting the link to the dressage rider. I can't wait to show our daughter as like with any mom/teen aged daughter relationship, I can't TELL her what to do, but she will see it watching those videos! I only wish I had high speed internet so it didn't stop and go...but oh well, gives a person time to digest what they are seeing. And I am learning from it too.
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