Salinas Bits: Cinch Length: Saddle Pad Considerations

[@Foxiepawstotti]

You are my absolute favourite. I see lots of people, even here on KZbin being "horse specialists" who could do with a fortnight chained up away from their refridgerators, when I found out about the horses my sister has rescued, first thing I did was start intermittent fasting and lost 10kg over two months, I have never been fat per se, but I'm 6' tall and dont want to be squishing one of the two youngsters I'm going to be working with. I wasnt overweight but getting to the top of the Healthy range on the BMI. if I as a post menopausal woman can do it in a couple of months these people, especially the fat blokes on KZbin should be making the effort, for the horse or Horses who are allowing them to monitize their channels. You tell them Brett!

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

lol thank you. I have always called a spade a spade.

[@Foxiepawstotti]

I lived in the Scottish Highlands and rode my various horses up and down some of the hilliest hills you get, of course this was in an English Saddle, but I have never, ever used a breast collar, occasionally I've ridden horses in running martingales, but, given half the chance I will take it off and ride said horse without it and I have never found any vices that the martingale is supposedly 'curing'. Of course I know a standing martingale is for star gazing and head tossing, but again, when it comes off and I ride without it, the horse never seems to do what it is being accused of. There have always been 'types' who feel the need to kit their horse in everything available in the saddlery shops. I just keep my own counsel, unless I feel its causing discomfort and then I will tell them but it often goes down like a lead balloon.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

well said. A standing martingale is what we call a tie down correct?

[@dylaningle3113]

This one made me really chuckle. Several times. Thanks.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

Well I don't know why but im glad I could make a smile.

[@CGunRanch]

I want to thank you and your wife for making these videos. Your opinions about what has worked and hasn’t worked for you are very educational and entertaining!

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

Thanks

[@doncobb9451]

They aren't cleaning their cinch if they figure they are allergic.

[@danemoore2302]

"thats why we won the war" not sure why that tickled me so much but I chuckled pretty hard at that😂

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

well, that joke didn't go over as well when I lived on the Rez.

[@danemoore2302]

@@HorsemanshipAsAnArt I can imagine not 😂

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

@@danemoore2302 lol

[@MarkMahnken]

Not sure I agree on the 28" cinch fitting all especially if you are riding a full double. I have a Boonsmall gelding that gets pissed if the metal cinch ring touches his elbows. Refuses to back up. Longer cinch and he backs up. As for breast collars I won't know if that saddle fits that horse well enough on the first few rides especially if things get western until it's too late and the saddle ends up on it's loins. I know it's rare and you've broke way more than me but I've had it happen. Made me a believer in the breast collar. Peace of mind for me. Always enjoy your show.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

glad you enjoy

[@doncobb9451]

Maybe your saddle is to high on the withers if your cinch buckle touches the elbow. Just sayin.

[@mm25937]

To cinches- If they are too long they bother a muscle beneath the ellbow horses need to walk... I like this video and all the information!! Thanks!

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

you bet, glad you liked it.

[@mcaleerranching1808]

Brett, I totally agree a shorter cinch is better. Unfortunately, most tack stores think everyone is a team roper, and it's hard to buy one off the shelf that is under 30 inches. I always ride with a breast collar. I had it come in handy twice when I had rigging failures while roping cattle that were about 1700 lbs. Yet, some folks like them, and some don't. To each his own.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

I agree. I have been in more wrecks with them but I know guys that won't ride without them.

[@sallykimsey9020]

As one of the classic little old lady (70+) riders I got an ultralight saddle and love it!! Not to save my horse, but I’m pretty light weight and I can get my horse saddled anytime anywhere no problem. Look like a pro throwing it up there. I do barrel race which how I knew there was such a thing. Interesting about the cinch length. I might switch out my 30”

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

OK I give. Yet another reason for an ultra light.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

Right! I've seen so many sore barrel horses and 90% are ridden treeless. My opinion, the only good treeless saddle is the one used to gallop racehorses. That piece of leather disguised as a saddle is only there to hold stirrups and girth lol. The only time your behind touches the saddle is going to and from the track. Research has shown many times that weight is only a factor for the endurance of the horse after many miles. For the speed factor, weight is only a small factor after you hit 3/4-1 mile. Handicap races prove this out as better horses win consistently carrying heavier weight. I ride in back country with steep hills and don't use a breast collar or crupper. Same with rear cinch. Only need both when roping and I don't. I can say use a pulling type breast collar if you must use one. Cinch length I have a 15.2 hand 1400 pounder, wears a size 2 shoe that I use a 30" cinch on. I have a 28" and 26" for the rest. Trevor Brazile the awesome team roper has a good video on why not to use long cinches.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

All to true. The saddles that race horses are trained in actually do have a sort of tree but they spend a lot more time under them.

[@barrynelson634]

Great video. Not that it matters but I agree with you on all points....'cept maybe on breast collars. I've seen riders kept from going under a horse because they had a breast collar on. Obviously a rider error with tack to start with, but I'd rather see folks be safe rather than sorry, but I certainly see your side of it too. On cinches, my Uncle used to say, "I've never seen a horse get latigo sored"...😆 Just words of an old cowboy. I use 26" on my 14-14-2 HH horses, fortunately in all these years I've never had an issue. I also prefer mohair, they clean up nicely, even when packed with mud from working yearlins in 12" deep mud all weekend. Pressure washers are great!!! ☺ Keep up the great work.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

Thank you. I know what you are saying about breast collars I just have been in a lot of wrecks with them. I like your Uncle's saying.

[@406dn7]

The only saddle type I've used is the military style trooper saddle. Nearly everyone in the horseback pointing dog field trial world uses some sort of trooper saddle. They are fairly light, mine are 25# give or take. Generally speaking, they are comfortable to ride and don't sore a horse's back. That and they have endless rings to hang stuff from. I'll confess to being in the breast collar and looser cinch camp.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

You know, I had one when I was a kid...good saddle. My point was, well I guess you got the point.

[@Trail42]

They are a great saddle mine was made in 1915 still going strong

[@jtrealfunny]

I live in central america and the everyday saddles and tack they use here is completely different from anything I see on youtube, the saddles don't have trees or horns (they use a loop of rope or leather for the horn), the bosal and hackamores (jacamo) they use are different, it's all super practical and inexpensive. And the horses are super chill, maybe because they don't ever really run wild.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

I lived in South America for a while, yes things are different there

[@jtrealfunny]

@@HorsemanshipAsAnArt What I like is they have a really rich horse tradition and all their gear is self developed based on being really poor and using working horses a lot to do all sorts of stuff, basically at a subsistence level.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

@@jtrealfunny I worked there for about a year, it was the same as any ranch or horse culture in the states.

[@jtrealfunny]

@@HorsemanshipAsAnArt understood

[@emilylewis7642]

So glad you said that to the barrel racers. It needed to be said. Quit obsessing about saddle weight and go train your horse.

[@danemoore2302]

Think you could do a video on hanging saddles from rafters. Was watching a previous videl of yours that you mentioned it and i was curious to see if you do it the same way i was taught

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

Sure man

[@Foxiepawstotti]

From a 2 year old to a Thoroughbred, when is my shetland pony colt going to turn into a Thoroughbred Brett? You are really on the ball today and making me laugh, sorry for the multiple comments!

[@balancedhorsemanshipllc8339]

I was wondering why I had 150 views on my business page....this explains it 🤣 I have some ideas for another video too Thanks for the shout out

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

you bet

[@epona9166]

Definitely looking forward to the cinch length video. I'm guilty of all the stuff you cite. Overweight myself, overweight horse (I think it's metabolic because he's not overfed, am dealing with that now) with a wide flat back, saddle that rolled on me. I definitely could be using a too long cinch but before I go get a shorter one, I need some info on what length to get -- where on the horse's side the buckle should be for maximum stability and maximum horse comfort. Thanks!

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

I will do the video, im just crazy busy. Im putting it on the top of my list. Try Marlboro lights, that's how I stay trim ( sick joke).

[@travisrhyne1289]

Have you noticed/seen that the white spots don't sweat? Recently bought a horse that has them, and no matter which saddle I use/being ridden or not, those spots just behind the shoulder don't sweat.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

True, because the cell tissue is dead and therefore the sweat glands are dead. Like Zombie stuff.

[@travisrhyne1289]

@HorsemanshipAsAnArt that's what I figured. Haven't seen much of it before. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't soring my horse. Thanks for the info!

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

@@travisrhyne1289 You bet

[@chickinpickin1]

Whats your take on fitting a mutton withered horse? The dry marks on her back ( small coffee can lid size) is not from pressure, its the lack of contact from the pad area of the bars. Ive tried all three gullet sized saddles and not one size seems to keep the saddle in place. I can slide my knife hand in the gullet area with no real resistance, I do get the better fit with the 7 gullet. Im a pen rider, and if the mare im talking about wasnt so dang good at the lot, id get rid of her. Its a pain in the butt keeping that saddle solid ( not hot) on her back. Any ideas?

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

Not really. I have been around a few like that and all I can say is tight back cinch and a breast collar. As far as getting something to fit, I don't reckon anything will.

[@balancedhorsemanshipllc8339]

I might have a few but no guarantees

[@epona9166]

Your point about heavier saddles absorbing more of the impact of the rider's weight is really interesting. I'm still thinking that a lighter burden is better for a horse than a heavier burden. But for a given weight, say 200 lbs, you're saying that the horse is better off carrying a 35 lb saddle and a 165 lb rider than a 17 lb saddle and a 183 lb rider? That makes total sense to me.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

That is what I am saying. I weigh 160-165 depending on how many beers I have had and the heavier saddle absorbed more of the impact of my body than an ultra light. Like you say it stands to reason.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

@@HorsemanshipAsAnArtbonus heavier saddles wear the foolishness out of a horse faster lol

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

@@tracyjohnson5023 lol yes

[@modocroughstock5700]

"Nancy" the custom pad maker.. Oklahoma

[@Bushpony]

Just some “over the years” thoughts. You can often pad up a saddle that’s too big, but never one that’s too narrow. Lightweight saddles if well made are great for riders with shoulder issues, please ride well. Tacky tack pads… awful. Reinsman Tacky Too pads are decent, both are waffled neoprene, some horses prefer it. Not just tongue fat or thin, but where is the roof of the mouth? ei: my gelding has a fat tongue and a low mouth, uses a cricket with an uncovered MonaLisa mouth. Mare has avg tongue and high roof, I can throw whatever on her… just food for thought.

[@modocroughstock5700]

Wooly mammoth hair cinch is far better than any

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

I should think

[@modocroughstock5700]

@@HorsemanshipAsAnArt 😂..

[@jebediahnightlinger6357]

Well i guess i better cancel my bitless bridle and tree less saddle order from Amazon....

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

LOL

[@jth1195]

My comments will not show up. I guess I have been censored.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

This comment showed up. We have not censored anyone.

[@jth1195]

@@HorsemanshipAsAnArt I am very sorry. I made three respectful comments that wouldn't show. I soon after found out I had commuter problems. My guy said it was an operator error. Once again I am sorry.

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

@@jth1195 No worries

[@joelhamilton6720]

Stop feeding the metabolic horses for 1 month and they won't be metabolic

[@HorsemanshipAsAnArt]

Dry lot them?