~TRAINING & TACK~
Peruvian tack is uncommonly beautiful, usually
hand- tooled, w/ deep rich dyes, silver-colored accents
all honoring the traditions of long ago.
Folks often wonder if imported Peruvian tack is necessary
to keep the Peruvian Horse "in gait", or if their favorite
rodeo saddle will fit the bill.
A Peruvian Horse is naturally gaited, therefore, nothing
is required to keep the horse moving in its' smooth flow.
Various saddles are used in the exhibition ring, on trail & for pleasure riding.
Other than Show Rules for a particular class, don't fret.
Any saddle implemented should fit well, leaving no sore/dry spots on removal. Cushion & sweat pads are encouraged. Many riders prefer lightweight tack, easy to throw, without slamming the horse to China, should it drop onto the back. Tack should not pitch forward or impinge rythmic shoulder rotation, thus allowing the horse to work flawlessly.
Peruvian saddles are pointed, putting pressure in areas which encourage the animal to respond in coalition w/ rider cues. Trees tend to be rigid, following tradition. Watching a long-time chalan, his leathered hands immobile while the horse performs - both dressed in traditional garb - is a powerful vision of regal elegance, from tapa ojos down to the carved wooden bell.
Remove those leathery, seasoned hands & replace w/ your nervous, sweaty paws. Dismiss his soft footing, replace w/ your clown shoes, flapping around, trying to find the leg language the horse used to understand. All of a sudden, the beauty of traditional tack is the last thing on your mind. You want flexible leathers, sleek stirrups & a comfortable seat. Like your favorite brand of riding jeans (usually 3% spandex, because they don't make 30% spandex), the tack has to be equally form fitting, regardless of position.
Folks desiring close contact have used fleece pads (no stirrups) to simple dressage tack, preferring a more simplistic approach.
Trail riders use western (with or without trees) or australian - all workable.
Consider the job description: horses who climb alot may require equipment that aids in keeping pieces in place, especially as the animal lathers up.
Carry alot of junk? (Water bottles, spritzers, cameras, crop, cell phones, blah, blah, blah) - consider finding equipment w/ sufficient loops.
Consider your size/weight, plus the weight of the equipment in ratio to the horse. Some western tack is ridiculously heavy & pitched at an appropriate angle for cowboy activity, but may be clumsy & excessive for your plans - or your 13.3 mount.
Simple light-weight, treeless westerns are sold, very reasonably priced - offering a good deal for both sides. Should they be damaged or stolen, you won't be flinging yourself into the river to end it all.
Peruvians bits w/ copper rollers are a ranch favorite, however more experienced riders have been seen using snaffles, preferring the gentle hand. Know your horse well? Trust him? Ride w/ halter only - your choice.
For safety sake, be aware of environment & prepare for anything from intoxicated motorcycle riders to bee swarms - consider appropriate tack that will allow you to address the situation.
As for training, we believe a horse should be handled from birth, employing as much "hands on" as possible. Trust in humans, mental, emotional & physical maturity, willingness to work, ability to focus, lack of rigidity (physically & emotionally), pliable temperament, acceptance of unfamiliar equipment & unfamiliar orders from the handler are chief ingredients for a successful recipe. Grounds manners come first, willingness to stand quietly for the farrier or in the bath stall for grooming are much more important that head-set, tucking under & precision movements.
All the "polish" is secondary to exquisite manners & compliance.
We have enjoyed watching a variety of trainers - each interesting in their own way. The "Peruvian Way" is useless until the horse is comfortable, obedient & cooperative on the ground.
