Horse Riding Saddles: Western Saddles May Cost More, But Are Well Worth The Money

There are Western saddles and also English saddles that one will come across when looking for horse riding saddles, and even a used Western saddle could be a good buy and worth a second thought. That is because the new Western horse riding saddles can be quite expensive and even if you veer towards a cheap model, you may end up sacrificing on quality while saving a few dollars in the process. So, rather than buying cheap synthetic or leather horse riding saddles, you may be better off buying a used Western saddle rather than a cheap and shining all new saddle that may look pretty, but may lack in quality as far as materials as well as construction are concerned. Such horse riding saddles may also not fit your horse well and thus you will end up with something that, though it is new, lacks in any proper material and functionality and is thus nothing more than a waste of good money.

Be Well Prepared

So, even though you will find a lot of variety in horse riding saddles, the next time you visit a saddle shop you should be well prepared about what you are looking for otherwise you could get confused and overwhelmed even if you have plenty of experience in riding. No doubt, having plenty to choose from is good, but it can also intimidate you, and you need to know some way of choosing the proper horse riding saddles.

If you are intending buying Western saddles, you should realize straight off that it is a decision of some importance as it involves a huge investment and so you should be sure which saddle you need. Most Western saddles have a price tag that starts at five hundred dollars and goes up further, and some may even begin at close to a thousand dollars, and though you are paying through your nose, you will still enjoy the benefits of having horse riding saddles that are safe and which will keep you and the horse happy. Thus, a Western saddle costing five hundred dollars would suit a casual rider and the more expensive ones would suit serious riders who are going to spend a lot of time in the saddle.

And, you will also need to decide whether to buy your horse riding saddles online or from a store down the lane. Even though many buyers would baulk at the thought of buying online, it is nevertheless a good option if you are savvy enough, and it also means convenience as you may not be situated close to Flat Creek Saddle Shop, Brighton Saddlery or Teskeys Saddle Shop, to name a few physical horse riding saddles shops.

So, buying horse riding saddles is something that requires being knowledgeable about different makes, types and also suiting them with your individual needs.

The Horse Saddle Sets The Style

There are two distinct horseback riding styles, and one can easily determine the style by viewing the horse saddle. Although there are some people who ride bareback, most horseback riders use a horse saddle from the Western style or the English style. The horse saddle from each style is quite different so there would be no doubt of the style. The horse saddle for Western riding is quite a bit larger than the horse saddle used for English style riding. The Western style horse saddle is used almost exclusively in the United States, but the English style horse saddle is used all over the world.

The Western style horse saddle was originally designed for cowboys working the ranges and this style horse saddle made their work more comfortable although hours on the range are rarely comfortable. The Western saddle is similar to the other major type of saddle because it is constructed on a wooden frame. Some are now made with a frame of fiberglass. Most saddles are then covered with leather in order to provide years of use to the buyer. A Western saddle is usually used with a thick pad to protect the horse. A cinch goes around the belly of the horse to keep the saddle in place.

An English Horse Saddle Is Lightweight For Show And Pleasure

Most people who choose an English horse saddle ride for pleasure or show. Some of these people might use the horse for work purposes, but most ride their horses for enjoyment. Others who use an English saddle ride horses that are highly trained to take part in competitions. These saddles are also usually used with a thick pad between the saddle and the back of the horse to protect the animal. These saddles are fastened around the horse with a cinch that keeps it in place. The size of the English saddle depends on the size of the horse rather than the rider. A saddle should fit properly to protect the horse.

The English saddle is often seen in competitions like the Olympic Games where riders compete in different events on the backs of horses. Some of these competitions require that horses jump over obstacles. There are other competitions where the horses go through a series of intricate steps. These competitions require highly skilled riders, carefully trained horses and continuous practice. The English style saddles are most similar to the saddles used by jockeys for races and fox hunting.