Picking out the right saddle is one of the most important aspects of horseback riding. Without the right saddle, your horse risks exposure to many health and riding problems. If you’re unfamiliar with how your saddle affects your horse, check out these examples and evaluate if your tack needs upgrading.   

Health Effects  

Poor Posture  

A saddle that you don’t take proper care of can break down and weaken over time, not only requiring a quicker replacement but also hurting your horse’s posture. Similarly, if the saddle doesn’t fit correctly, your horse may arch or hallow their back to accommodate the poor fit and alleviate some of the pain, resulting in long-term posture trouble.  

Sores and Lesions  

If the saddle you’re using is too tight, it can create painful sores, lesions, and circulation problems due to the pressure and rubbing up against your horse’s coat. Saddle sores are common problems with ill-fitting tacks. This will not only be painful for the horse but also pose a greater risk of dangerous bacterial infections.  

Riding Affects  

Training a horse with a saddle they aren’t comfortable with is bound to create problems. Your horse may become apprehensive to commands if the saddle doesn’t fit properly. They can also become agitated and irritable due to the discomfort and pressure. Head-tossing, bucking, refusing to move, or bolting are all signs your horse may have a problem with the saddle. Some horses may also resist moving in a circle. This is because a poorly fitting saddle makes it difficult for horses to balance riders on their backs. Traveling in a circle may make them feel more unsteady while they’re supporting the uneven weight.  

Your saddle affects your horse in several ways, including their health and riding abilities. Before you tack up your horse, make sure you have a well-maintained and properly fitted saddle. 

Dogs and other large pets can be handfuls. Some families just don’t have time for all the responsibilities that come with owning that require lots of attention and maintenance. If you’re looking for a pet that isn’t such a handful, you’ve come to the right place. For a list of the best low maintenance pets to own, continue reading this article. Before you know it, your family might have the perfect new pet!

Guinea Pigs

The great thing about these pets specifically is they’re both low maintenance and social. Simply provide them with a cage filled with straw, food, and water. How easy is that? Giving them a safe and comfortable place to live and having the ability to play and socialize with them sounds like the perfect package. Maybe this is the pet for you.

Small Birds

Smaller birds don’t need any human interaction to remain happy and healthy. Instead, they just need a cage with food and water—and room to fly, of course. It’s also helpful to put an object for them to sharpen their beaks on in their cage as well. If given items to entertain themselves with, these small birds will be content being left alone in their cage. So uncomplicated and straightforward—we love it!

Fish

Fish are a great option. All they need is tank and food maintenance—which is vital; your fish will become extremely ill and need treatment if they live in a dirty tank. It’s important to know this before purchasing a fish. Make sure you research proper maintenance depending on if your tank is saltwater or freshwater. If you have a schedule and complete the necessary maintenance tasks, your fish will be a healthy, happy, low-maintenance pet.

Cats

While many times cats are included with dogs, they shouldn’t be. Cats are more low maintenance than people imagine. They look after themselves and only need to be provided with food, water, and a litter box. If they have these three things, they’ll be able to care for themselves. Some cats do like attention—it just depends on their personality. You could have a cuddly furball or a cat who is more independent. (Don’t forget to clean their litterbox!)

All these examples of best low maintenance pets to own could be the pet you need to complete your family! Do your research and look at some options. Before you know it you might just be picking the best option for your family. Before you know it your new pet will be the greatest new addition!