Choosing The Right Type Of Equestrian Saddle

You will come across a number of different types of equestrian saddle, made by a variety of diverse manufacturers, with numerous different models and fitment styles. The first thing you need to do is narrow down your riding purpose, know exactly what you are going to be doing and then select accordingly.

Principally, saddles are categorised according to English or Western configuration. These saddles are very distinctive and not generally interchangeable, so you will select English saddles if you intend to take place in dressage events or jumping competitions, while Western saddles are indicated for traditional Western disciplines, like reining.

It is perfectly possible to select an all-purpose saddle if you really don't know what you are going to be doing with your horse. In this case, the rider will be able to move around enough to take part in the jumping event, and also be comfortable enough when riding on the flat. Look for an all-purpose saddle that has generous alignment to take these different types of riding into consideration, and expect to find billet straps much shorter than in a purpose made dressage saddle, for example.

If you're in the process of introducing your child to horse riding, you might well be considering the selection of a pony saddle. This will require a bit of care to ensure that the saddle fits the pony correctly. Ponies tend to have a rather different shape to their back as compared to a full grown horse and you should always select a pony saddle for these diminutive animals, rather than try and make a regular saddle fit.

These animals may not take too kindly to the first fitment, so you should make sure that you prepare the pony as best you can, before trying to mount the saddle. Fit the item so that it is sitting squarely on the back in alignment with the backbone and when it is secured, there should be no significant movement from side to side. However, you must ensure that you can get several fingers of one hand underneath and between the saddle and the animals back. When standing at the rear of the pony, you should be able to look underneath the saddle and see daylight at the other end. This means that it is fitted correctly, but not too tight.

It goes without saying that you must pay particular attention to the security of the saddle. Remember that the pony may well be a little jittery anyway and that your child may be in the learning stages when it comes to handling the animal. You do not want the saddle to be an issue as they are both getting used to each other. Make sure that you are close at hand at all times, to ensure that the saddle is indeed the right fit and is the perfect choice for both. If not entirely happy, go back to the drawing board and start again until you are.

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