Speaking in really general terms, the most popular saddles in use are either of the English or the Western style. However , even within these broad classes there are a number of sub-divisions. Apart from these 2, there are also Australian and endurance saddles. Somebody with any idea of the world of horses will be able to distinguish an English from a Western saddle at first sight. These saddle types come in differences designed for explicit riding preferences, events and riders.

The fundamental features of a western saddle are a horn and a high form in front. The saddle is also deep of seat, with a cantle of variable height comprising the rear. The skirt on western saddles is very distinct, and the stirrups and fenders are long and wide. They are also ornately carved and decorated most of the time.

English saddles weigh much less than western saddles. They’re definitely simpler and more functional. They are distinguished by flat seats, with no horn or visible fork. The front of the English saddle is correctly referred to as the pommel. The cantle at rear is rather thin and like the cantles on western saddles, may alter in height. The skirts and fenders of the western saddle are replaced on the English saddle by ‘flaps’, which stay near to the body of the horse. Stirrups are minimally styled and hooked up to the saddle by thin leather strips. English saddles come in designs that differ from the most well-liked pleasure version, the hunt seat, to the more specialised dressage and show saddles. These latter saddles need to satisfy certain factors to be accepted for use in competition. Endurance saddles and Australian saddles mix features of both western and English saddles. Just recently, they have gained popularity with riders who otherwise use both English and western saddles, because they are resilient and strong, yet really light and practical.

Whatever saddle you use, your first concern must be correct fit first for the pony and then for the rider. Using badly fitted saddles is risking sores on the pony, and even making the horse allergic to being ridden. As a matter of general measurement guidelines, you measure the widest stretch of the part of the horse’s back that takes the saddle and confirm any saddle you purchase is consistent with that measurement on the inside. It is best that you try out a new saddle on your pony before purchasing it, whether it is brand new or used. According to pros, you try out the fit by seeing if three of your fingers slip in easily between the saddle’s front, the pommel and your horse’s withers. This leads to a correct fit: if there is further space, the saddle is too big and if the 3 fingers fail to go in easily, the saddle is not sufficiently big enough.

If you find the cinch to be too short to go around the girth, just get a longer one. This hasn’t got anything to do with the saddle’s fit across the horse’s back. Consistently check your horse’s back to confirm that the horse is not being subject to uneven or unjustified pressure stemming from a badly fitted saddle. Look for areas that show undue friction or dry spots within the otherwise swetty area beneath the saddle.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers click here