by Kristine Norberg

Antiquated individuals were entirely substance to ride horses without Saddles. To be sure, in numerous parts of the world individuals still do ride "bareback" and it can even be a valuable path for riders to enhance their feel for the horses developments. Be that as it may, anyone who wishes to ride in rivalries, on the streets, or realize a large portion of the methods connected with English and Western riding should utilize a saddle.

Saddles given to learners at riding schools are regularly broadly useful saddles that can oblige a scope of various body sorts. Yet, for anyone who has their own horse, they should purchase a saddle that not just suits their shape and size, but the sort of riding that they will be doing and their horse's body. Consequently, it's crucial to have a careful learning of the distinctive sorts of horse riding saddles and what every one is utilized for. With an awesome information of riding saddles, you'll have the capacity to locate a suitable one for you and your horse.

Read more: What Kind of Saddle Pad Is Best for Your Horse?

Bowman Harness is sustaining a living heritage tradition

By Lynn Ascrizzi

The folks at Bowman Harness, Ltd. of Millersburg, Ohio, don’t put much credence into talking big or taking on airs — they’re too busy doing. In fact, the four-generation, collective family enterprise has been hard at work making exceptional harness products and providing dedicated customer service for 100 years.

 “We’re not here to put out a brag story. We try to do good quality at a fair price. Quality is what we care about,” said Joe Bowman Jr., 50. He co-owns the business with his older brother, John J. Bowman, 52. As the Bowmans see it, good work always speaks for itself.

The business is located in Holmes County, an area that hosts one of Ohio’s largest Amish communities — a close-knit culture of family, friends and neighbors, where horse-drawn vehicles and farm work done with draft horses are still the norm. It is here that those who work at Bowman Harness produce a solid, handsomely crafted and varied line of traditional harness and harness parts, suitable for all types of equine occasions.

“We make complete harness in leather and BioThane— a lot goes to the Amish and all over the country. We also wholesale harness parts for other shops. Less than half of our harness and harness parts business is wholesale. Ohio is one of our bigger areas for wholesale,” Joe said.

If you consider that only 3 percent of all family businesses are still operating after four generations, it’s pretty remarkable that, for 10 decades, the related hands and hearts at Bowman Harness have been able to pass down, intact, their special know-how. In doing so, this unique company has managed to sustain a living heritage craft tradition amid a fast-moving, high-tech world.

Yet, their harness tradition is not a static one. It embodies an expertise that has carefully evolved over time. For example, some harness designs have been modified, for better function, such as the recently introduced Wither Relief Saddle, made with a horse’s comfort in mind.

Read more: Celebrating 100 Years of Exceptional Harness Making

Harris Leather & Silverworks sets the standard for the show horse community

By Lynn Ascrizzi

Anyone deeply involved in big-time show horse events, such as The All-American Quarter Horse Congress,is well aware of the stature of Harris Leather & Silverworks and their hand-built, silver-spangled saddles and other artfully craftedleather tack. 

“Our saddles and silverwork are what keep customers coming back and looking for that one-of-a-kind piece of show equipment,” said Phil Harris, who co-owns the business with his brother, Eddie Harris.

“I think our ability to customize and make products on a very high-quality level is unique,” Eddie added. “The customization is what separates our business from others — that, and the fact that we make everything under one roof.”

A gifted silversmith, Eddie directs the company’s silverworks shop. Phil, a highly accomplished saddle maker, heads up the leather workshop. Together, they share the duties of running the company, while maintaining their uniquely individual roles. “We both do what we need to, to get the job done,” Phil said.

Besides highly-decorative, custom products, the business also offers work saddles and other working equipment. But, the more ornate items are the company’s big draw. “Our customers are primarily the western show person who shows on a national level. We service associations related to the quarter horse, Arabians and like breeds,” he noted.

“The quarter horse show industry is primarily our bread and butter,” Eddie said. According to recent data from the American Horse Council, more than one million quarter horses are used specifically for showing purposes.  

Their customers come from all walks of life and socio-economic status. Women make up two-thirds of sales. “The (show horse) market is primarily driven by women. They’re the ones who try the market,” Eddie said.  “A horse and a girl are natural friends,” Phil added. “Their interests are definitely horses.”

Read more: Three-Generations of Legendary Artistry