What type of saddle do i need

Add the fact that I was able to find a western saddle with a extra-wide gullet to fit this draft mare and the choice was made. Other choices not mentioned above are Australian saddles, which come in a western-type with a horn and also a version without a horn. They are popular with pleasure and endurance riders. Speaking of endurance riders, there are specially designed endurance saddles available, built for comfort on long-distance rides.

Horse owners are almost spoiled for choice these days. When synthetic saddles were first introduced, they were covered in a nylon fabric and often came in bright colors which meant that they weren't acceptable for showing.

Now they are made of synthetic leather and suede materials and look like traditional saddles. Other advantages to synthetic saddles are that they are very lightweight and also easy to clean. They are available in a wide choice of styles, both english and western.

You can still get synthetic saddles in snazzy colors if you wish. Leather is the traditional material from which saddles are made. However, not all leather is created equal and the saddle that might seem like a bargain may turn out to be made of poor quality, imported materials.

Always look for good quality leather and pay attention to the finish, the stitching and the fittings such as billet straps. Buy the best quality you can afford, look after it well and it will last for many years. A saddle that doesn't fit your horse properly can give rise to all sorts of training and health problems. A saddle that doesn't fit you properly will be uncomfortable to ride in and will throw you out of position. The main feature of the saddle which dictates whether it will fit your horse or not is the width of the gullet.

All horses' backs are not created equal, ranging from the prominent withers of the Thoroughbred to the rounded, mutton withers often seen in Arabians and Quarter Horses. If the saddle you choose has a gullet that is too wide, the saddle will press down on the withers. If the gullet is too narrow, the saddle will pinch. Other points to consider are the balance of the saddle when it is on the horse, are the pommel and cantle level, or does the saddle tip backward or forward. A saddle that doesn't sit level will create uncomfortable pressure for your horse, as well as making it difficult for you to maintain your position.

As well as fitting the horse, it's important that the saddle fit the rider. A saddle that is too small will cause discomfort as you bump against the pommel at every stride believe me, I've been there A saddle that is too large will have you swimming around trying to maintain your position. Ideally you should be able to place your flat hand between you and the cantle when seated in the lowest part of the seat. If you are just getting started in the horse world, and trying to keep expenses down, you might wish to consider a used saddle.

Used saddles have the advantage of not needing a "break-in" period and the leather, provided it has been well maintained, will already be soft, supple and ready for use. Many tack stores take used saddles on consignment and sell them at very reasonable prices.

As explained in this article by Tim Raisbeck, price and fit are not the only considerations when selecting a used saddle. You also need to check the condition of the tree, the key stress points and the condition of the leather. An explanation of the differences between Western and English saddles. Price and fit are not your only concerns when investigating to buy a used English saddle.

Key stress points, leather condition and the tree also need your attention. Find out how to measure a saddle's seat size and find the perfect fit in this edition of Ask the Vet by Dr. Joyce Harman on EquiSearch. Whether it's western, English, or an alternative-type saddle you seek-new or used, synthetic or leather-consult these great buyer tips to prepare for your purchase. Time for a little consumer consciousness about halters, the most commonplace piece of horse-control equipment. Facebook Twitter Instagram.

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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Give us a call on View Saddles. Please note. Opening Times. Highest Financial Return! You receive payment once your saddle has been sold. The Process. Pay for pickup. Drop Off. Outright Purchase.

Quick and hassle free! We buy direct, no need to wait for us to sell your saddle. Next Steps. Part Exchange. Great option Pay for saddle pickup Funds are added to your account Choose saddles from our website to try Purchase Saddle through our checkout. Classified Adverts. Double rigging keeps the saddle securely attached with the horse during the event demanding heavy strength from the saddle. Due to their heaviness and sturdy and robust structure, roping saddles should not be used for long hours of riding.

In addition to cutting, these saddles can also be used for sorting stock on ranches, reining, and for training purposes. Horses make many quick movements during cutting events, so cutting saddles require extra support to stay in place. These saddles are used for barrel racing, gymkhana events, mounted games, and training the horses.

As endurance racing involves miles and miles of racing, the saddle seats are made comfortable with extra padding. To minimize the impact of the horn, endurance saddles either have a very short horn, or they are entirely hornless. This shock to the back and ankle and knee joints is reduced with deep, wider, and padded stirrups. Show saddles are made only to be used during horse shows and are generally not used in everyday riding. To make this saddle eye-catching, silver trim is used on various parts of the saddle like the fork, cantle, skirt, etc.

Different embellishments are available in these saddles according to different coat colors of the horses. Apart from shooting from a running horse, quick stops, sharp turns, and sudden stops are a part of the game. The mounted-shooting saddles provide the right balance, flexibility, and security to the rider to perform at peak level in this sport. The seats of mounted-shooting saddles are deep and secure, to help the rider during a quick change of movements.

In addition to better communication between the horse and the rider, these shorter skirts help to keep the saddle lightweight. Horses can be selectively bred for smooth, four-beat gaits. Identifying the purpose of riding or your riding style will eliminate all the irrelevant options of Western saddles available in the market. While your back is easily placed against the back of the saddle seat, you should have at least a four-inch space between you and the saddle fork.

The size of the tree can be checked by placing the saddle on the horse and checking for the gullet clearance.