THE SHAKEDOWN
                     by Val Glathar

There are lots of things to do as we get back into the swing of spring riding, training or showing. A checklist of "TO DO'S" always helps.  First of all evaluate your riding needs for the up coming season. Ask yourself a few key questions.......

1.)  Does my saddle need any repairs?

Check the woolskin liner for excessive wear. Check the riggings, latigos and any small nails or screws. Check your concho and silver pieces for loose spots or slippage. Check your flank billet, latigo tie strap, off billet and flank cinch for wear, lose stitching or missing stitching. Don't take chances with your safety.

Check your stirrups for wear or damage, make sure that they provide you with comfort as well as stability. Your foot should slide out easily during dismounting or if your horse might slip or go down on the still wet spring terrain.

Check your cinch cords for wear, breakage or excessive dirt and sweat. Check neoprene for wear and felt for rough spots. To eliminate galling, the cross strap of the cinch should be centered under the horses's belly, make sure that the small dees are in the center when it is pulled tight or it could cause rubbing or discomfort to the inside front leg. Buckles should be positioned at about the same place on each side slightly above and behind the elbow. Always make sure that the cinch is straight with no bunching or binding.

2.)  Does my saddle need cleaning?

Leather should be cleaned periodically, three to four times a year would be ideal but spring and fall is the minimum to maintain it's strength and flexibility. If you live in a dry climate, dust, dirt, horse sweat and heat can cause the leather's natural oils to be depleted. Your saddle can become dry and brittle and even some breakage can occur.

Cleaning is easy with these steps: Use a mild dish soap or saddle soap and a soft brush. Scrub (saddle, headstall, breastcollar and other tack) Use lukewarm water. Use a soft cloth like a dishtowel or an old cloth diaper to wipe off lather and grime. Remove completely and allow to dry thoroughly. Again, with a soft cloth, apply a coat of leather conditioner. Allow it to soak in, then remove the excess. There will be a light sheen, polish that off with another soft cloth. Remember to check depressions and stamping for soap lather and dirt as well. If your tack has rawhide, use rawhide cream only on those areas to ensure the integrity of the rawhide.

3.)  How about my headstall?

Browband, sliding ear or slot ear all need to be check for wear. Check the stitching, is it loose or missing? Check all of the Chicago screws for tightness and the buckels for breakage, bending or missing parts. Clean and polish any sterling silver buckles or mountings.

4.) Is my breast collar in top shape?

Check again for any broken buckles, missing stitching, rough edges or worn dees. Does my breast collar fit properly ? It should hold the saddle correctly over the withers, Tugs should be snug and the tiedown should hold the breastcollar below the windpipe. It should be loose enough for free movement.

5.) Don't forget your reins!

Periodic care will help prolong their life and keep them soft in your hands. Check water ties and strings, knots, snaps and ties. If you use a clip on swivel make sure that the clip is on the outside away from the horse's chin. Clean, then replace any parts that may look worn.

6.) Tiedowns also need attention.

Check for any areas that might cut or rub your horse's head. Check the stitching, buttons and buckles for wear or missing parts. Clean as you would your other leather or rawhide tack. Your tiedown should be about one third the distance from eye to muzzle and placed under the bridle as to not interfere with the bit action. The tiedown should be adjusted so that the strap is long enough, when attached to the cinch, it can be pushed against the center of the horses neck while in a normal postion.
Blankets need to be evaluated, they need to provide sufficient cushioning, lie wrinkle free, absorb sweat and allow air to pass thru.

Make sure that after use they are allowed to dry. Spread it over your saddle, a fence or on a rack. An easy way to clean your blanket is to get a stiff brush and loosen all of the dirt, grime, hair and sweat. Then use your vacumm to remove any thing that has become inbedded. During the spring there is always a lot more hair, dirt and sweat so try to clean your blanket as often as possible to prolong it's life and continue to offer your horse comfort. If you notice any spots on your horses back where the hair is being rubbed off it's probably time for a new wool blanket...a little extra padding... or an adjustment as to where the blanket sits.

7.) The final evaluation is to check our bit .

Make sure that it is clean and in proper working order. If your horse uses a snaffle bit, make sure that it is not on your headstall backwards. Remember correct placement of the bit in the horse's mouth is vital for proper response. To clean your bit, use warm water and a gentle liquid soap, a toothbrush works great to clean old saliva and food from twists, crevasses and loops. A nice soft cloth should be used to completely dry and buff your bit. The mouthpiece should be just high enough to push a slight wrinkle in the skin at the corners of the mouth, look for that smile. The curb strap should lie in the groove just above the lower lip, snug enough so that you can place two fingers between it and the horse's jaw. You want your bit to be correctly balanced and work without pinching.

Now we should be ready to saddle up and shake down!!

Our tack, saddle, and blanket have been cleaned, repaired if needed and thoroughly checked. Safety, comfort and security are important whether we trail ride, compete with performance horses or show on the local cicuit.

As we prepare to saddle our "mount" thoroughly brush the area where the saddle will sit as well as the girth area. Make sure to remove all dirt, dried mud and and excess hair that may be shedding off. Postition your blanket and or pad correctly on the horse. Lift your saddle aboard, again check for postion each horse is different and each saddle is different.

Tighten up your front cinch then the rear (if you have one) and the breast collar next. Lastly, place your headstall on the horse, check for comfort and fit. Readjust your cinch after a few minutes, grab those reins and climb aboard.....now you can relax and take a rest getting that tack ready is a big job.

Again, remember, every horse is different and every saddle is different, so saddles, pads and blankets will fit differently. Theses are helpful hints to make your shakedown a little easier and your cleaning and repair time a little quicker. Always focus on safety, comfort and stabilty, be prepared and then you really will enjoy your ride.

To Top of Page
Home Page
Features Directory
Val's Directory