The greatest horse racing jockeys

PAT TAAFFE

One of the finest jump jockeys to be produced in Ireland, Pat Taaffe came from a well-known racing family, his brother 'Tos' being almost as successful over fences in Ireland. Pat won two Aintree Grand Nationals (Quare Times in 1955 and Gay Trip in 1970).

Pat Taaffe will always be associated with the Duchess of Westminster’s celebrated Arkle, who dominated theCheltenham Gold Cup scene with a triple victory in the years 1964-66.

And in particular for their epic battles with the Irish-bred Mill House starting in 1964 at Cheltenham when Mill House started odds—on favourite after his victory the previous year.

In a field of only four runners, Pat Taaffe waited until the second last fence before letting Arkle, then only a seven year old, sweep by to win by five lengths.

Pat Taaffe goes over a fence on Arkle

Horse riding lessons: Position of the lower leg

The position of the body when sat in the saddle is upright and relaxed. The ankle, hip and ears are all in line vertically with each other. This produces a balance and centred position that will help the rider and the horse.

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Different types of horse riding saddle

Introduction

Ancient people were quite content to ride horses without saddles. Indeed, in many parts of the world people still do ride 'bareback' and it can even be a useful way for riders to improve their balance and feel for the horses's movements. But anybody who wishes to ride in competitions, on the roads, or learn many of the techniques associated with English and Western riding will need to use a saddle.

Saddles provided to beginners at riding schools are are often general purpose saddles that can accommodate a range of different body types. But for anybody who has their own horse they will need to buy a saddle that not only suits their shape and size, the type of riding that they will be doing and their horse's body. For this reason it's vital to have a thorough knowledge of the different types of horse riding saddles and what each one is used for. With a great knowledge of riding saddles you'll be able to find an suitable one for you and your horse.

It is highly recommended that before buying a saddle a master saddler from the equestrian shop measures up your horse and he knows the disciplines the horse will be taking part in, be it general riding, jumping, dressage, hunting or cross country.

Saddles can range in price from $100 - $500 depending on their quality but for more specialist saddles they will be more expensive. Try to pay a little bit more for your first saddle and get the best one you can. You'll feel the rewards while riding!

---INTERESTING FACT---

The horse saddle was invented by the Chinese

General purpose saddle

These saddles are ideal for the beginner and intermediate rider who has just bought their first horse and enjoys various types of riding. They are sturdy with flaps that are cut forward and can accommodate the rider well for basic jumping, dressage and hacks or hunts in the country with small jumps. Riders balace well on these saddles and there are no pads at the front of the saddle for the knee. They are often used in riding schools because there are so many riders of different abilities and sizes that ride there.