7. Check seat fit. Your saddle's seat should be comfortable. Check fit before the first trail ride of the year; they say a saddle seat can shrink over the winter - at least, that's my excuse! You should be able to relax in the seat without it getting too "up close and personal," either in the front or the back. You should also be able to stand in your stirrups and sit down again without moving your lower legs or feeling as though you're going to fall forward onto your horse's neck.
8. Invest in wide stirrups. When you're out riding all day, you want wide, flat stirrups that will give you maximum support over the ball of your foot. Consider investing in special trail stirrups with extra-wide treads. Also look for shock-absorbing pads, which can enhance foot and joint comfort.
9. Don't fight the stirrup. If you ride in a Western saddle, and are plagued with sore ankles and knees, you might be trying to keep your feet pointing forward in stirrups whose natural position is sideways! Some riders place the saddle on a chair, soak the fenders with water, twist them into the desired position, then put a broomstick through the stirrups to hold the fenders in that position until they dry. The new solution is much simpler: Add a "stirrup straight" device to each stirrup. These devices are available from Cashel Company, Stirrup Straight, and E-Z Up Legsaver; see the resource guide for contact information.
If you ride in an English saddle, you can buy Stubben Fillis Stirrups (available from Dover Saddlery) or MDC Intelligent Stirrups (available from SmartPak Equine). Set the eyes at 90-degree angles to their usual position to make the stirrups hang straight. Then you'll never have to fish with your toes and torque your ankles to bring those stirrups into front-facing position - or to keep them there.
10. Go light. Tired of hefting a 40-pound saddle onto your horse's back? Consider investing in a lightweight trail saddle. Saddles made specifically for trail riding tend to weigh less than those made for roping and other Western events. Use our resource guide to get started on finding one that's right for you and your horse - then hit the trail safely and comfortably!
