Western saddles are renowned for being comfortable – but this new range has taken comfort to another level.
Helen and Frances Taylor, mother and daughter, own and run “Oxhey Western Trail Rides” based in Saddleworth. Their business caters for all levels of riders including novice and disabled. Rides can be from one-hour long right through to 3-day Trail Blazer Rides. This takes riders through the beautiful and picturesque Saddleworth Moors.
A long time in the saddle as you can imagine and is why I chose this company to trial our “Western Block the Shock Range”.
Horses in this line of work carry riders of varying weights and ability, which can put enormous strain on their back muscles. Their horses are ridden up hill and down dale, rarely on the flat and often with novice riders who do not lean far enough back going downhill or forwards uphill, the pressure problem is accentuated. For these reasons, I asked Helen & Frances to trial and test them because their horses do work hard in extreme terrains.
The Western Saddle has a Cinch (girth) fastening, which attaches to leather straps on the saddle. I noticed that on most western saddles this strap could easily rub the horse’s side. I remedied this in my design by making the woollen section longer, which also protects the horse from the banging and rubbing of saddlebags.
Apache Western Numnah –weight 2.32 Kg
The Numnah has two sections; the upper part lies directly next to the saddle and consists of high performance memory foam. It moulds quickly to your horse’s back giving maximum comfort by load spreading and absorbing up to 90% impact. You can test this yourself, by placing your hand under the saddle before and after weight is applied. The outer hardwearing faux suede fabric reduces slip, and gives a luxurious look and feel to it. Our Trade Mark metal badge gives the numnah an “eye catching” finish.
British Woollen Section
I chose to use British cropped wool because it reduced bulk, allowing closer contact with the horse and has a lovely velvety texture. It also prevents the wool from going into tight twists and rubbing the horse. Velcro fastenings make it easily removable if you need a quick change to another horse, or for washing. Velcro used on this section is the soft loop type and will not adhere to other items in the wash. Spare woollen sections can be purchased separately.
The Apache Western Saddle Seat – Weight 350g GP size
I designed them initially for Western Saddles, but my testers have also been using them on Treeless and very small English saddles. They have more adjustability on the elastic/Velcro strip running under the saddle from front to back giving a snug, secure fit on various saddle shapes and sizes. The top fabric is four way stretch, breathable Spacer Fabric. The underside is slip resistant hardwearing faux suede. Our Trade Mark metal badge is sewn on the back and gives an “eye catching” finish.
All Block the Shock products have high performance memory foam that stays pliable, even in cold conditions
I hope the new Apache Western products help many more horses and riders enjoy pain free rides, like they have for Oxhey Western Trail Rides, as their testimonial below confirms.
Mags Roxburgh
Managing Director
Stable Environment Limited
Helen & Frances Taylor – Oxhey Western Trail Rides – Saddleworth
Testers for Stable Environment Limited
Testimonial for the New Apache Saddle Wear Range
Numnah
The Apache Western Numnah feels amazing! It is a great fit giving total coverage under the saddle. The memory foam numnah is great, even without the saddle seat on! The longer sides are a definite plus for the girth area and the rider, as it relieves pressure on your bottom, legs, knees and of course your horses back. You feel closer contact with your horse and their movement feels much more fluid.
Saddle Seat
The Apache Western Saddle Seat is great, especially if you have a bony bum! It is so comfortable and once you have ridden with it you would not want to be without it! If you struggle with back pain or posture issues this is “a must”, it took my aches and pains away! It is a very secure fit and does not come loose or fly off when trotting like others I have used in the past. It helps you maintain a good riding position in the saddle, ideal for our novice/disabled riders. It comes in brown or black and it looks very discreet on your saddle, not that you want to hide it. Once tried, you will be telling all your friends about it!
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