I've been riding horses for over 30 years, and in that time, I've had my fair share of saddles. But even as a seasoned horsewoman, there are still some things that can be confusing about buying a new horse saddle. So let's take a look at how to choose the perfect one for your equestrian mount!


Learn what you need from a saddle

When it comes to finding the right saddle, there are a few things to consider. The first thing is what type of riding do you want to do with your horse? Do you want a long-term investment or something more temporary?

Next, consider how much experience and knowledge about saddles does your horse have. If he's new at all, then it might be best if he doesn't have any feedback from previous saddles or try this new one out in person before buying it so that way we can get an idea of what kind of fit they'll need as well as how much pressure points will cause discomfort (and therefore pain).

Finally, consider the purpose of the saddle. If it's just for riding around in general, then getting something more comfortable than traditional might be good. However, if you plan on doing a lot of long distance traveling with your horse then you might want to invest in one that will fit him better and provide stability while he's carrying weight on his back that could cause discomfort if not properly fitted.


Determine which type of saddle best fits your horse

There are many different types of saddles. You should consider the back of your horse, its conformation and age when choosing a saddle.

  • The back: How far down does it slope? This can affect fit if you have an older horse or one with poor muscle tone.
  • Conformation: Is your horse short or tall? A long-backed animal may not be able to keep its legs under itself when ridden with an incorrect saddle (for example, a pommel).
  • Age: If you have young horses that haven't had time yet to develop their muscles properly for jumping or eventing, then it's important that they don't get pushed too hard by riding them in a high-reward style saddle such as those used for dressage competitions where there is very little contact between rider and saddle (especially at low speeds).


Learn the differences between western and English saddles

If you're looking for a saddle that will fit your horse's back and shoulders, the English saddle is generally going to be more comfortable for both horse and rider. This is because English saddles were designed for riders who sit on the horse's back (not in front of it), so they tend to be smaller than western styles.

Western saddles are generally made from heavier materials like leather or synthetic materials like vinyl or nylon which make them more durable than their English counterparts. They also tend to have wider surfaces that accommodate a wider variety of horses with varying proportions between head/hindquarters areas; however this comes at a cost since these larger surfaces make it harder for horses' feet to find traction when they're standing still or moving around on hard surfaces like gravel paths during trail rides outside town.

Western saddles have a more rounded shape, which makes them a better choice for riders who prefer to sit further back on their horses' backs. The rounded shape also helps keep the rider in place during fast gaits like canter and gallop, which is why they're often used by rodeo competitors or people who do a lot of trail riding (especially if they're doing it outside town).


Saddles can be confusing, but with a little research, you can find the perfect one for your horse.

Saddles can be confusing, but with a little research, you can find the perfect one for your horse. Saddles are designed to do different things depending on their use and the rider's preferences. For example, if you're riding your horse through trails or courses on the track, then a dressage saddle may work best for you—but if you enjoy going out into open fields or riding across country landscapes at a relaxed pace (or both), then an English saddle might suit your needs better.

If it sounds like there are dozens of different types of saddles available today—and there are!—then how do we choose which one would work best for our specific needs? We'll start by looking at some general characteristics of each type before moving onto specifics like height limit and weight capacity; these factors will help narrow down our choices once we've identified what kind of riding activity we're interested in pursuing.

If you're looking for a saddle that will provide a smooth ride and support your weight comfortably, then you might want to consider an English saddle. These types of saddles are designed with the horse in mind first—they're built with a deep seat and high cantle to allow for maximum comfort when riding long distances over rough terrain.


Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you understand what to look for in a saddle, and how you can choose the right one for your horse. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!