Unless you plan to ride bareback, you'll
need a saddle to ride a horse. Most recreational
stables and riding schools will provide a
saddle for you to use. If you own a horse
or as you progress in your training and riding,
you will want to buy your own saddle. Here
are some tips to help you select one:
- Up until ten years ago, saddles were made
primarily of leather. Today, with the advances
in fabric technology, you have a variety
of choices in saddle material. Many new
riders will find that the synthetic saddles
are lighter, easier to take care of, and
are financially friendly in an expensive
sport. Leather saddles, because of their
cost, are a true investment for a long term
commitment to riding. Both leather and synthetic
saddles can be bought ready to ride but can
also be custom designed and manufactured.
- When asked, a layperson will tell you that
there are two styles of riding: English and
Western. There are actually dozens of saddle
styles, each especially designed for disciplines
that range from those who actively compete
their horses in English-based Saddleseat
and Jumpers to Western-based Endurance and
Roping & Reining. Even a more relaxed
backyard horse owner will own more than one
style saddle to suit the amount of time they
spend with their equine companion.
- Saddles are not universal: you'll need to
pick a saddle that will fit both you and
your horse. An improperly fit saddle will
cause a rider discomfort and can severely
injure a horse. While there is adjustability
and a wider saddle can always be padded for
short-term use on a narrower horse, you should
buy the saddle with a particular horse in
mind.
Like any equipment investment, you will need
to decide the likelihood that you will continue
with horseback riding and the potential resale
value of the used saddle if not. In addition,
when buying a saddle for a child, also consider
the ability of the saddle to accommodate
the child's growth in size as well as skills. |
