Post by liamclancy on Sept 24, 2009 16:16:29 GMT
Elaine asked if I could write a few lines on western saddles so here goes:-
For those of us who want to pursue western riding competitively the western saddle is a necessity.Other may like to emulate Natural Horsemanshio trainers,many of who ride western style and of course others are just looking for comfort and to look cool at the same time!Whatever the reason if you are choosing to buy a western saddle there are some differences worth mentioning but the basic principles remain the same for all saddles.It would be useful to know the different parts of a saddle,how they are put together and what types of saddle are available.(see below)The difference in types is only really important to someone doing a specific discipline.For most of us ordinary hackers the best choice would be the trail/pleasure saddle.
When it comes to fit an average person(weight 160lb-190lb,height 5'6-5'10) would need a 16 ins seat size.Assuming you can't have the horse,the saddle and a saddle fitter all at the same time certain things have to be determined before buying.Firstly the gullet size-you will have to know both the width and the angle,which can be determined very easily with the use of gullet templates.If your horse is short-backed you should look for the round skirt which will not rub the horse's croup.
The tree of a western saddle is very much longer than the English tree but the weight bearing surface is still the same.The bars of the western tree will flare out at the front and back and this is designed to give freedom of movement at both the shoulder and the hip.Because the centre of the bars is weight bearing it should bridge the spine and rest nice and level on the back muscles.If there is a tendency to "tip" this can be alleviated by the use of either one or two cinches anchored in the most appropriate rigging points.
You should be able to slide the flat of your hand down both the front and back of the skirts but not the centre.If the saddle is slightly big a thick saddle pad will help but a small saddle will be made worse by the use of pads.
Like most things in life you get what you pay for.Western saddles are expensive but a good one will last more than one life-time.If you're buying new and pay less than €1000 it won't be good.If you're buying secondhand €500 should be enough.
A well fitted western saddle on any breed of horse will be comfortable for both horse and rider and the style of riding should be relaxed and fun.Cowboy boots,hats and spurs are optional!