One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a horse saddle is the difference between english and Western saddles for sale. When perusing all of the various saddles for sale, you will discover a distinct difference between the two most popular types. It is that a horn is used in the manufacture of western saddles. Also western saddles are usually built heavier and sturdier than english saddles.

What type of saddle is ideal for riding?

Western saddles are designed for rough and regular use, as well as optimum comfort. These saddles are made with durability and usability in mind while also taking into consideration amenity for both man and beast. Western saddles were once made strictly from rawhide to make sure that they would last in the ranching industry, but many saddles for sale nowadays are made from man-made materials and not simply leather.

Pleasure saddles and ranching saddles are other distinctions in the saddles for sale you might find. You will find that work saddles are shaped and built differently than those intended strictly for trail riding or leisure. Another example of distinguishing construction is that racing saddles provide closer contact to the horse’s sides for the rider. English Saddles also form a posture for the rider that is more upright and suitable for precision steering.

The distinctions between the two main types of saddles for sale

English saddles are generally not as heavy or bulky as western saddles. Their stirrups are usually bare of leather. English saddles are also designed to expand for the horse to breathe better during vigorous aerobic activities. Furthermore, they do not come with fenders. Riding boots are used instead to protect the rider from injury in this case.

On the other hand, Western saddles do come with protective fenders. Obviously, most cowboy sorts do not wear boots up to their knees, so it is good to have an extra level of shielding from impact or pinching in between the saddle and the horse’s back. Stirrups on western saddles also have leather wraps to add friction for a better hold on the slick bottom of a cowboy boot. Western saddles for sale will also have scurry trim which should not be warped if you are going to make a purchase.

Show saddles are different from pleasure or trail saddles.

A lot of english saddles are intended for lighter riding. An all purpose saddle works for show riding and pleasure riding. You will discover that most saddles for sale are a bit expensive, so it is a good idea to know what you will be using your saddle for before you buy one.

Trail saddles and show saddles also have different constructions. Wooden trees covered in fiberglass or ralide are generally used for western saddles. These may also be crafted with rawhide. Synthetic lighter saddles are covered in leather or other skin. Show saddles also come with detailed embellishments including silver and other precious metal lacing.

English saddles have steel or man-made trees that are also wrapped in leather and stuffed with foam. Usually english saddles are less detailed and decorative than most western saddles for sale.

Shopping for Saddles

Since saddles are so expensive, the temptation may be present to purchase an inexpensive saddle. However, if you expect the saddle you buy to last, do not sacrifice quality for price. The inexpensive saddles will not provide the support that is needed to distribute your weight on the horse’s back. This can cause your horse to have behavioral problems. Think about it, if someone was riding on your back and the fit was not comfortable you would likely not be in a very good mood either.

Skilled stitching also comes at a price. You don’t want your new saddle falling apart at the seams soon after you buy it or put a little wear and tear on it. This will also lead to a poor fit, once again causing your horse more grief.

Whether an english or western saddle is right for you, be sure to choose a saddle that is well-made. It may be a bit of an investment up front, but in the end, it will be well worth it. And you will enjoy riding much, much more.

Tags: Horses