This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Basic Riding Skills » Basic Riding Skill topics not covered by the above »
  Discussion on A Delicate Question about Little Boy Riders...
Author Message
Member:
36541

Posted on Saturday, Nov 29, 2008 - 11:57 pm:

Hi all. Here's a question I never dreamed I'd be asking! My 6 yo son is really showing some interest in riding and I'm wondering what he should be doing to mmmmhmm protect himself? He has been in my English saddle many times now, and wants to do some trotting. It goes without saying that he has a helmet, but what about his nether parts? Is he supposed to wear an athletic support, or just snug briefs? He hasn't evidenced any discomfort, I just have absolutely no idea if I should be doing something ahead of injury because I come from a family of girl riders! Have a giggle on me, but help please! Stacy
Member:
wgillmor

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 8:39 am:

Stacy,

He'll be fine. If he is uncomfortable, an athletic support may help, but I would bet he doesn't mention it. He might get some abrasions on his butt and bicycle shorts will help for that.

(One of the few topics where I can speak with authority.)

Wiley
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 9:11 am:

LOL Wiley! I just asked my husband if he remembered any discomfort when he used to ride alot, and he said the same thing Wiley said. I remember I used to tease him and say there are tender foots, then there's you!
Member:
wgillmor

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 10:04 am:

I should also mention, however, that if the world were a rational place, it is males that would ride side saddle.

Wiley
Member:
erika

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 2:06 pm:

Ha ha! My husband has been on our horses less than a handfull of times, and once he asked a neighbor man who rides what he was supposed to do to protect his "giblets". Neighbor basically gave him a quizzed look and told him, "Take some riding lessons."
My two sons, however, never complained...
Erika
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 4:43 pm:

Good idea
Wiley!!

Didn't the old style calvary saddles have like an opening down the center? The one I saw was pretty basic; maybe some one should design a saddle specifically for men...like don't they have different bike seats designed for both sexes?

Sara,

Could you check with Lonnie on that one?

Man, another genius idea on my part, I am really gonna have to check into patents, lol!! Now all I need is a saddle maker, and some male volunteers!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 7:54 pm:

The old McClellen (sp?) saddles used in the Cavalry did have a space down the middle - for the comfort of the horse, NOT the comfort of the rider. They were also quit hard; basically a saddle tree covered with leather. My dad, who rode in the calvary, told me they were "killers" for about the first 1000 mi. then you got used to them and they were very comfortable.

There are various types of bike seats for women, but mostly they have a little more padding and wider seats for your butt. Some have a little wider fronts that have an indentation so pressure is taken off sensitive parts of a woman's anatomy. The men's saddles, for the most part, are very narrow. Actually, bike riding is much harder on a man than horseback riding. Many men who race or ride endurance type rides on a regualr basis have fertility problems (which normally go away after a few months of no riding.)
Member:
pattyb

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 8:15 pm:

Oh my.....that was a good question Stacy, one that I had forgotten all about until reading your post. Many moons ago (and I mean many), when I was a kid, I worked at a riding stables trail guiding and teaching basic riding skills. One fella wanted me to teach him how to ride bareback so, I took him into the ring without even thinking. When he tried his first trot, it was rather obvious that he was having trouble with it. I had him stop for a few minutes...and then he asked me how he was supposed to ummmmm, position himself. Not making light of his question, keeping in mind I was just a kid, I had to go ask the boss lady how to answer that. She in turn looked at her husband for help. Well, he didn't hesitate to be specific, then I had to go repeat what he had just said...about sitting ever so slightly to one side. I don't know about in saddle but, that's what worked for him bareback.

Nice question, brought back some fond memories.
Member:
cgby1

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 8:18 pm:

About bicycle seats, my son has six or seven different bicycles and the men's seats have a groove down the center to protect their fertility.

Cynthia
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 9:54 pm:

Lonnie says that some people (men) favor the cut out bike saddles, but that in his opinion (he just told me not opinion, but fact! at any rate, Lonnie says it's the quality of the saddle (what "real" biker riders call their seats evidently) that makes the difference. Cheap saddles are very uncomfortable....wonder if that would carry over to equine saddles as well?

Also, I know he wears padded bike shorts all the time; I would think the padded shorts like Wiley mentioned would help. Another thing, for men especially, but women also, if you have a tendency to get chaffed or sore in the saddle (bike or equine) get some bike stuff called "Butt Butter." It is a cream that is a lubricant that prevents chaffing. It works great.
Member:
36541

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2008 - 1:58 am:

I knew I could count on you guys for some anatomical humor if I gave you a tiny opening! Thanks for your responses and reassurances - I will proceed with new confidence when it comes to boys in the saddle. Garrett prefers his "tighty-whities" anyway, so perhaps that will help. There is likely a new herd member on the way to our farm in the next two weeks, so I'll update you on our progress when his pint-sized buddy arrives! Thanks, Stacy
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC