The Best Saddle for a Shire Horse

Using a saddle that fits the girth of a Shire horse allows you to avoid a variety of problems typically associated with incorrectly fitted tack. The Shire horse is a heavy, draft breed. It is strong and tall, and stands at 16 to 17 hands. A draft type breed generally requires a saddle that is specifically designed to accommodate their size and shape, and in which the saddle bar and tree adequately makes contact with the horse̵7;s body.

  1. Saddles for the Shire Horse

    • A regular saddle is too narrow for a Shire horse because of the size of its midsection. A Shire saddle is designed to fit the Shire horse̵7;s girth and has a wider seat that typically measures 10 inches across. Choose a Shire saddle that matches the riding discipline you perform. Saddles designed to fit the Shire horse are available from specialty tack companies and shops. They offer general purpose saddles, performance/jump saddles, close contact saddles, dressage saddles, shire pony saddles and children̵7;s saddles. They come with a changeable gullet bar, which allows variable fitting options depending on the horse̵7;s girth and withers.

    Saddle Fitting

    • An ill-fitting saddle can cause performance issues or dangerous behavioral problems, such as refusing or knocking down jumps, taking short or awkward strides, refusing the bit, refusing to stand while mounting, tail swishing, head throwing, ear pinning, bucking and biting. If a horse̵7;s saddle doesn̵7;t fit properly, it can slip and cause a serious fall. The essential parts of a saddle consist of the gullet, pommel, cantle, panels and flap. The lowest part of the saddle, which sits at the center of the horse̵7;s back, should be level. The panels that lie against the horse̵7;s body should be flat against its back and have smooth, uninterrupted contact. By tracing and measuring the horse̵7;s withers, you can ensure you choose a saddle that̵7;s wide enough and comfortably accommodates your horse̵7;s girth.

    Girth of a Shire Horse

    • According to the American Shire Horse Association, a Shire horse has a deep girth, a strong, muscular back, and round, well-sprung ribs. The typical girth measurement for a Shire stallion is 72 to 96 inches, 60 to 84 inches for a mare and 72 to 90 inches for a gelding.

    Uses of the Shire Horse

    • The Shire horse is used to plow farm fields, perform draught work in forestry and timber extraction, and participate in agricultural shows and ploughing matches. The Shire horse competes in specialty skills tests, which exhibit its abilities to perform in competitive and social environments, such as cross country trials, obstacle driving and a unique obstacle course referred to as timber snigging, in which the horse tows a tree log. Some cities use the Shire horse for jobs in municipal promotions and park maintenance.