Looking for a new saddle and buying one is not an easy process. There are plenty of choices on the market, and sometimes, it can become overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You probably won’t know if it’s the right one until you sit on it and ride the horse. That’s why you should consider your options carefully.
Types of Horse Saddles
English Saddle
The English saddle is one of the most popular varieties on the market. As a beginner, this is probably the first one you’ll be introduced to. It’s used for English-style horse riding. It’s also used in dressage, show jumping and even at the Olympics. When compared with others, this saddle has a flatter look, is lightweight and brings you closer in contact with the horse.
The flaps on the seat have a lot of padding and this saddle doesn’t have a horn. There are plenty of English saddle varieties. They differ in their length, height, thickness, depth of the seat and the angle of the flaps. All of these different designs give you a big variety of saddles for horses fitted for every situation.
General Purpose Saddle
Just as the name suggests this type of saddle is meant for general purposes. It’s also known as an eventing saddle. It has a deep seat which is good for flatwork and a forward saddle flap.
It also has adjustable stirrups so you can get comfortable while jumping or during dressage. This saddle is a favorite at riding schools and rookie equestrians because of its extraordinary flexibility and ability to adjust to the rider’s request.
Dressage Saddle
This saddle is specialized for flatwork only. The long, straight straps and deep seat give the rider a chance to maintain a long leg position. They also make sure the rider has more control over the horse when doing some kind of maneuvers.
The cantle is higher than the pommel and this helps the rider during a sitting trot. Dressage saddles don’t have a lot of padding. This is good because the rider should have a closer feel for the horse. To make sure the horse’s shoulders aren’t impeded, this saddle uses a drop girth system.
Jumping Saddle
The jumping saddle is created to help the rider during their jumping performance. It improves the balance and security. Compared to the dressing saddle it has a flatter seat and forward cut flaps. Additionally, a low pommel and cantle on the saddle guarantee that the jumping stance is unhindered. This is a saddle used for hunt seat, show jumping, cross country and fox hunting.
Racing Saddle
This is a small, lightweight saddle made for racing. It has a low flat sea, flat pommel and cantle. This allows the jockey to squat over instead of sitting on the saddle. It has short stirrups and doesn’t give a lot of stability and balance.
Endurance Saddle
Long-distance riders will find the endurance saddle to be supportive and very comfortable. It has more padding, a very soft or quilted seat and larger under panels. Despite the padding, this saddle is very lightweight. There are many endurance saddle designs, some look like the Western type others like the general purpose saddles. Most of them have more D-rings for extra attachments.
Polo Saddle
The purpose of the polo saddle is to provide the best possible performance for polo riders. It has long and straight flaps and a flat sea which gives the rider a straight leg position. One thing that makes polo saddles unique is the lack of padding underneath the rider’s legs.
Showing Saddle
These saddles for horses are used in horse shows in Australia and the UK. Dedicated to showcasing the horses without competitive athletic challenges, these exhibitions can be eventing, dressage, and showjumping competitions. You can see a little jumping of obstacles or riding, but that’s not the whole focus of the show.
Western Saddle
The Western saddle was made in the USA because of long-distance rides. Compared to English saddles, the Western ones are heavier but more comfortable. This is because the weight of the rider is spread evenly across the horse because the saddle is larger. These saddles have a horn meant for roping and guiding cattle.
They require a blanket for the rider and the horse to be more comfortable because they don’t have a lot of padding. There are several types of Western saddles, including roping, barrel racing, ranch and trail saddle.
Side Saddle
Side saddles have two pommels so the rider can sit with both legs on one side. They were mainly created for women so they could sit comfortably in their dresses. There’s only one stirrup for the left leg.
What to Consider When Buying
One main thing to consider when buying horse saddles is deciding on the material. There are 2 main options, leather and synthetic. Leather is a very durable option. It’s a hard-wearing material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Of course, it’s on the more expensive side but it’s worth the investment.
Another advantage is their ability to shape the horse and the rider. Leather is pliable and will give you personalized comfort. On the other hand, leather is hard to keep clean. It requires some special care and maintenance. Synthetic materials are lightweight, budget-friendly and easier to clean. But they don’t provide the same level of comfort and can get damaged faster.
How to Measure the Horse
Once you know the type of saddle you want and the material you choose, it’s time to measure the horse for the saddle. This measures the gullet size. Saddles often come in 4 sizes, narrow, medium, wide and extra wide. Most horses need mediums, but larger breeds can go for wide and extra wide.
Another measurement you should take is of yourself. To get your saddle size, sit on a chair, lay your feet flat on the ground and let your back touch on the backrest. Take a soft measuring tape and measure from the end of your knee to the back of your buttocks. Every manufacturer has their own sizing chart, so make sure you check that out and compare the sizes. If you’re between sizes, always go for the larger ones.
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