A saddle is one of the first pieces of equipment most people buy after they get a horse. It is a major investment; selecting and purchasing a saddle call for much calculation and understanding. The life-time of nearly all saddles is several times that of a horse, so give it a good deal of thought 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 important. The decision probably was made long before, and the horse bought specially for that style. For a beginner, however, selecting the riding style may present more of a dilemma. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.
Western or stock saddles tend to be large and heavy. They are hard, if not impossible, for young people to manage. Nevertheless, they provide plenty of protection for a student. The thickness of the saddle and the amount of leather under the leg, knee and seat keep apart the horse from the rider.
Western saddles are probably more versatile, rugged and durable than other styles. They can be found and purchased 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 kind of saddle allows the rider, in most cases, to sit closer to the horse, to feel the horse and to communicate more effortlessly with seat and legs. As a rule, these saddles call for additional instruction of the rider in acquiring a confident seat than with stock saddles.
The saddles that are used to ride and showcase gaited or park horses, such as the Lane Fox saddle, are kind of restricted 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 behind the withers that the sole means for the rider to be in balance with the horse is to have the horse considerably pulled in and working off its quarters. This type of saddle leaves the least amount of protection for the rider; any rider must learn to ride such a saddle properly.
Dressage saddles are configured to fit women's ankle-length skirts. While they are utilized for other modes of riding, they are not preferable. The design of this saddle offers 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 other than those previously mentioned. 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 designated use 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.
The first step in selecting a saddle is to decide which style of riding you like better. For many riders this may not be important. The decision probably was made long before, and the horse bought specially for that style. For a beginner, however, selecting the riding style may present more of a dilemma. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.
Western or stock saddles tend to be large and heavy. They are hard, if not impossible, for young people to manage. Nevertheless, they provide plenty of protection for a student. The thickness of the saddle and the amount of leather under the leg, knee and seat keep apart the horse from the rider.
Western saddles are probably more versatile, rugged and durable than other styles. They can be found and purchased 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 kind of saddle allows the rider, in most cases, to sit closer to the horse, to feel the horse and to communicate more effortlessly with seat and legs. As a rule, these saddles call for additional instruction of the rider in acquiring a confident seat than with stock saddles.
The saddles that are used to ride and showcase gaited or park horses, such as the Lane Fox saddle, are kind of restricted 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 behind the withers that the sole means for the rider to be in balance with the horse is to have the horse considerably pulled in and working off its quarters. This type of saddle leaves the least amount of protection for the rider; any rider must learn to ride such a saddle properly.
Dressage saddles are configured to fit women's ankle-length skirts. While they are utilized for other modes of riding, they are not preferable. The design of this saddle offers 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 other than those previously mentioned. 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 designated use 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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