Buying the Right Saddle

A saddle is one of the first pieces of equipment nearly all people purchase after they acquire a horse. It is a prime outlay; selecting and purchasing call for much calculation and understanding. The life span of most saddles is several times that of a horse, so take great care when selecting a saddle.

The first step in selecting a saddle is to decide which style of riding you like better. For many riders this may not be significant. The decision probably was made long before, and the horse purchased specifically for that style. For a novice, though, choosing the riding style may pose more of a problem. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.

Western or stock saddles tend to be large and heavy. They are difficult, if not impossible, for young people to manage. However, they provide plenty of protection for a beginner. The depth of the saddle and the quantity of leather below the leg, knee and seat keep apart the horse from the rider.

Western saddles are possibly more adaptable, strong and resilient than other styles. They are available in a wide range of designs and prices. Hunt-jump saddles are usually rather light and easily handled. Here, too, an extensive selection of designs and prices is on hand. This ktype of saddle permits the rider, in most situations, to sit closer to the horse, to feel the horse and to communicate more readily with seat and legs. As a rule, these saddles call for additional instruction of the rider in acquiring a confident seat than with standard saddles.

Saddles used to ride and exhibit gaited or park horses, such as the Lane Fox saddle, are rather limited in use. They have lots of the benefits of the hunt-jump saddles — they are light and permit effortlessness in communicating with the horse. However, they position the rider so far at the back of the withers that the sole means for the rider to be in balance with the horse is to have the horse well collected and working off its quarters. This style of saddle provides minimum security for the rider; any rider should become skilled at riding such a saddle decently.

Dressage saddles are designed for accommodating women's ankle-length skirts. While they are utilized for other styles of riding, they are not preferred. The design of this saddle provides the rider with maximum ease of communication with the horse and holds the rider in complete equilibrium and form, whether the horse is highly collected or mildly extended, all between the somewhat fine limits of tradition.

There are many saddles designed for very specific purposes aside from those formerly brought up. These consist of side-saddle, trick saddle and special show or display saddle. These saddles are very definite in their design. Using them for whatever function other than their intended purpose should be discouraged. Safety, comfort of the rider and ability to maintain soundness of the horse must be considered before beauty or the desire for a unique design.

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Ricky Hamilton is a researcher and writer working for www.saddleteam.com, where you can get all the best horse saddles at the best prices. Visit us for all your saddle needs.

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