Almost every equestrian knows to manage and ride a horse needs strength and technique in the right proportion. Along with that, you also require some suitable tools that promote good structure, support and safety for the horse and the rider.
Using a horse saddle is one such important component that allows the rider to stay comfortable during the ride and suggests the horse move freely without any discomfort. More so, you can look forward to purchasing a horse saddle depending on various factors.
About Horse Saddle:
A horse saddle is a primary piece of equipment that provides support, comfort and safety while riding a horse. Usually, you may come across horse saddles made from the following material – leather, synthetic and nylon. Accordingly, they are designed in a way that supports the horse’s back and the rider’s posture at the same time.
If you are looking for a horse saddle, know that there are various categories and sub-classes to it. Likewise, you must select the one that’s most suitable for your horse riding activity. If a person is willing to look for style options, they can absolutely go for the one that’s quite reliable. With the current updates and modifications, you can come across different saddles that are dedicated to their professional field of work.
Types of Horse Saddles
Generally, there are two types of saddle – English saddle and Western saddle.
English Saddles
An English saddle is a preferable choice for many riders who are formally into horse riding discipline. Some people think that English saddles are mostly for English-speaking countries such as England. However, that’s just a myth, as English saddles are in use throughout the world.
Most commonly, you can see English saddles in Olympic horse riding games and other equestrian disciplines. Other horse riding disciplines where English saddles are popular include – eventing, show jumping, dressage, horse surfing and others.
Here we have listed some of the highly popular names of English riding saddles –
- Dressage Saddle: These are specifically designed for advanced riders who take part in different riding disciplines. The seats are deeper and have a u-shape curve at the side. Accordingly, these provide better balance to the rider during horseback riding.
- Racing Saddle: While preferring to go for horse racing activity, it is recommended to choose a lightweight saddle. Similarly, the structure of a racing saddle is the perfect option for you!
- Hunting Saddle: For those who regularly deal with hunting activity involving too much movement, they can go for a hunting saddle. Likewise, the structure comes with low cantle and pommels.
- Jumping Saddle: As the name suggests, this saddle helps the rider with jumping or eventing activities. Their structure is as such that it pushes the rider a little forward during the ride. Likewise, they are feasible for horse riding disciplines, including jumping and similar acts.
Western Saddles
When you are opting for Western saddles, there are many such terms that you must work upon. For those who are working in cattle ranches, they will require the use of Western saddles as they are highly comforting.
Generally, most Western saddles do not come with padding underneath the seating area. Thus, it means that you may require to use a saddle pad before placing the saddle on the horse’s back. Currently, you may come across a wide variety of Western riding-style saddles that are profoundly useful for different professions.
Here are the most popular Western saddles that you may cross –
- Ranch Saddle: While looking for a saddle perfect for cattle ranching, you may swiftly go for ranch saddles. They are sturdy and heavyweight and provide comfort and longer support for several hours.
- Pleasure Saddle: Trail saddles or pleasure saddles are general-purpose saddles. They are useful for comfort and come with padding underneath the seat. That’s why they are sometimes also used by people who look for the flexible treeless saddle.
- Cutting Saddle: While most equestrians may not know, a cutting saddle is mainly for assisting purposes. Likewise, you can use them mainly for – penning, training and reining purposes.
- Roping Saddle: As the name suggests, these saddles are highly popular for roping events. Likewise, they come along with a well-structured horn and strong supportive tree.
- Barrel Racing Saddle: The design of such saddles is to allow maximum to the rider during the ride. Furthermore, the seats are deep with high cantle and forks that enables the rider to stay in place for a long.
Final Thoughts:
We all require saddles for horse riding activities for the comfort and support of the rider and the horse. Similarly, using the correct saddle type as per your riding discipline is highly essential. Moreover, you can go for the one that’s more desirable and helps in the further assistance of the rider for horse riding.
