03/04/2024
Saddles are not a luxury item…
"I can't afford a new (different) saddle"
Shifting the focus.
Our horses, regardless of what we paid for them, regardless of pedigree, experience level or career, deserve the absolute best care.
Proper care extends well beyond feed, farrier and veterinary. It includes compassionate training, additional supportive therapies, adequate time-off for recovery, suitable turn out in a herd and properly fitting tack.
We often hear the complaint "I can't afford a new (different) saddle" which for some reason is accepted as an excuse to ride your horse in a saddle that causes physical and psychological stress.
If someone were to say "I can't afford a vet", they would be looked at as negligent, but for any other area of care the excuse is widely accepted.
The hard truth is, horses cost money. It is by no means a cheap sport, and just like with having a pet, you take on the financial responsibility when you purchase/adopt that animal.
That said, we have seen pet owners sell whatever they could to afford the veterinary care their animal needs. We have seen people save whatever they can to put towards the care of their animals, horse or otherwise. But when it comes to saddles, something that can cause an incredible amount of physical and behavioral issues, few are willing to make the sacrifice.
The narrative needs to change. Saddles are not a luxury item, they are not just a piece of tack, they are integral parts of proper care for your horse, whether you like it or not.
