What Should I Look For When Buying A Horse Saddle?

There are three things to consider when you’re purchasing a saddle: your style of riding, the saddle materials, and the fit. Of course, the cost will always be a consideration, but if you want a saddle that will last, know that you’ll need to invest.

How do you know if a saddle is good quality?

The leather and stitching of the saddle will indicate a lot about the quality. The leather should be supple but firm and have substantial thickness. The leather should have uniform thickness throughout and when bent it should give favorably and show no cracks or bubbles.

What type of saddle is most comfortable for the horse?

Article Quick Links show

• Acerugs All-Natural Cowhide Saddle.
• EquiRoyal Comfort Trail Saddle.
• King Series Classic Distance Rider.
• Hilason Flextree Trail Saddle.
• Acerugs Cordura Synthetic Saddle.
• Royal King Roughout Training Saddle.
• Wintec Pro HART Endurance Saddle.

Do you buy a saddle to fit the horse or the rider?

Important is always that the saddle fit the rider first – because if it doesn’t then no matter how well the saddle fits the horse, the rider’s discomfort due to poor rider saddle fit will always translate down to the horse. This limits both the horse and rider in attaining optimum performance.

How do I choose a saddle seat?

General Rules to Follow
There should be approximately four inches between the front of your body and the fork (or swells). Your rump should rest on the base of the cantle, but should not be pressed against the back of the cantle. Some prefer a tighter fit, some looser.

How much does a good quality saddle cost?

How Much Does a Horse Saddle Cost? On average, a horse saddle will cost around $500. But as we just stated, the price of horse saddles is influenced by many factors, thus it can vary greatly from one saddle to another. While some saddles will cost as low as $100, others can go up to $ 8, 000 or more.

Is a synthetic or leather saddle better?

Leather saddles although often heavier and more expensive than a synthetic saddle still have the upper hand when it comes to looks, comfort and quality.

Are wider saddles more comfortable?

Saddle shape
Wider saddles tend to be more comfortable so are good for long rides or leisurely riders where extra weight from more materials isn’t an issue. Thinner saddles tend to be better for short efforts – such as racing – where comfort isn’t dispensed with entirely but is compromised in favour of other factors.

What is the safest saddle to ride in?

With the Australian Stock Saddle being recognised world wide as possibly the worlds safest and most secure . It has been adapted by many as their leisure trail ride or general purpose all round saddle.

What size saddle do I need for my height?

Sizing Chart

What are the four basic criteria for selecting a saddle?

Choosing the Right Saddle for You and Your Horse

• Seat Size. The seat size refers to the size of the rider.
• Gullet Size. The gullet size is a rough estimate of the width of the horse’s body.
• Sweat Pattern.
• Trial and Error.

How do I know what size saddle my horse needs?

Check where the saddle’s gullet is in comparison to the horse’s withers. You should be able to vertically fit 2-3 fingers between the saddle and the horse’s withers. Any more fingers and the saddle is too narrow; any fewer fingers and the saddle is probably too wide.

Can a saddle be too big for a horse?

A horse ridden in a saddle that is too long will often tighten his lower back muscles; in some cases, you can actually see the horse hollow and drop his back in an attempt to get away from the pressure of the saddle. He may even buck in extreme cases, in an effort to get the weight off his lumbar area.

What type of saddle is best for beginners?

The Stock and Western Saddles are an ideal type of saddle for the beginner or novice riders, due to the wide range of support they give to the rider. There are also what is known as ‘half breeds’ saddles. These are a combination of a Western and a Stock saddle.

Is a cut out saddle better?

The cut out is useful in lightening the pressure on the perineal area, as well as on the pudendal nerve that crosses those areas. This doesn’t mean, however, that a closed saddle is less comfortable or efficient than a one with a relief channel.

What is a good seat in horse riding?

A Good Seat is an independent seat.
We can’t expect our horses to carry themselves until we, their riders, carry ourselves. A good rider is in self-carriage, whether she is a hunter-jumper rider in two-point position or a Western rider sliding to a stop.

What is the best saddle company?

Key Considerations

Are leather saddles worth it?

The simple answer is yes! Brooks saddles are widely regarded as some of the most comfortable on the market. That’s owing to the leather build. There’s no chafing, sweat is quickly wicked away and the saddle moulds to its rider over time.

What is saddle grade leather?

Saddle Leather is a unique product that you may use for a variety of upholstery applications. It is heavier and thicker compared to most upholstery leathers. Some people may be intimidated by its thickness, however, its thickness does not limit its use. On the contrary, it is very versatile. So, put aside your fears.

What lasts longer leather or synthetic?

While many faux leathers are attractive because they are easy to clean with harsh chemicals, the laminated surface often cracks after only a few years of use. Genuine leather, on the other hand, has been known to last for 10 to 20 years or longer.

What is the best material for a saddle?

Leather saddles are still the preferred choice for a lot of riders and there are many different types of leather used to make saddles, from some that give you a grippy feel to softer, smooth leathers. You can expect to pay more for a leather saddle, and you will need to look after it well.