Saturday, February 19, 2011

Do Not Buy The Wrong Equestrian Saddle

By Cecil Howell


To buy an equestrian saddle is not a straight forward process. It involves thinking about what type of riding you would like to do and also how much you would like to spend. You should do quite a bit of research before making your purchase. Buying the wrong one may cause you or your horse pain or discomfort. This is something that you would not want to happen.

The general purpose is your basic saddle. It provides you with the minimum comfort and safety that is required when riding a horse. It consists of the seat, girth belt and stirrups. The girth belt is what keeps your saddle on the horse. The stirrups are what you place your feet in and offer you your balance. The seat is what is between you and your horse.

Another type of would be your jumping saddle. This type is specifically designed for a rider to excel in show jumping. It pushes the rider more forward in their seat and offers you a shorter stirrup length to offer you more balance when going over a jump. These are more specialized and are therefore a more expensive then your general purpose version.

Your dressage saddle is what you would need to look at if you plan on doing dressage. It is a deeper seat and offers the rider help in keeping the body posture straight. The stirrups are also longer helping you to keep your body in the straightened position that is necessary in English riding. This type is one of the most expensive types so it may be a good idea to purchase a second hand one that has been kept in a good condition.

If you are planning on entering the endurance field, you may want to invest in a endurance saddle. This one offers you more comfort than any of the others as you will be riding for longer periods of time. They are also available in different types and can also be pricey at times.

A western saddle is another type that is available. This type is used for western riding and also for endurance. In America you find competitions like barrel racing or reigning. The western is used during these competitions and is known to have a pommel horn on the front. The horn is used to either hold onto when going at a speed or to keep rope on.

You will come across many different types of saddles. You will find your treeless version which has no tree in it. The tree is what gives shape and gives you more stability when riding. The tree is mostly made with wood but is also made with fiber glass.

When purchasing saddles it is always best to have it properly fitted by an expert. By buying the incorrect one or the incorrect size you may end up causing irreparable damage to you or your horse. Correct sizing also plays a role in your comfort. Always remember that comfort and safety for you and your horse are the two most vital aspects to look at.




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