Strong Saddles for Serious Sports
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

Purchasing a saddle is an investment that deserves careful consideration. Not only can a saddle make a difference in form and physique, it can outlive its use, change the way we ride and even teach us to be better riders. The quality of a good saddle is worth the research, long hours and money spent.

Saddles are made to hold up under a significant amount of pressure, though not all saddles stand the test of time. As with any tack, quality should be at the top of your list when it comes to purchasing a saddle. Because it is not uncommon for a good-quality saddle to outlive the life of your horse, spending a good sum of money up front will avoid poor aging, potential problems and the need to purchase a new saddle a few years down the road. When asked what advice he would give a new rider purchasing equestrian tack, Bob Kraut, owner of Summittack.com, suggested that a rider, “buy quality, not price. There are many choices of supplements and horse care products on the market, so make sure you are using the products that work, otherwise you could be wasting your money.”

Purchasing the right saddle is important on several levels, protecting horse and rider from physical harm being one of them. The goal of a saddle is to help distribute the weight of the rider while mounted. Proper positioning, size and style are important in maintaining this delicate balance. An ill-fitting saddle could not only cause strain to the horse's muscles, or cause the horse to refuse commands, it could also reduce the security of the rider. A rider must feel comfortable and secure while riding. Depending on the discipline you choose, different types of saddles are designed to help promote this sense of security and allow you to have better control of your horse as well as yourself.

Many times a saddle will be categorized as either English or Western. There are significant differences between these two types. English saddles tend to be lightweight and fit close to the horse, allowing the rider to achieve maximum control while riding. The flaps on the side of the saddle are usually set in a forward position and, unlike the Western saddle, the English saddle does not have a horn. The Western saddle, usually heavier and bulkier than the English saddle, is made of strong leather to help the rider maintain security, proper rider position and comfort during long rides. Within these two categories are subtypes specifically designed for certain types of riding. English saddles are commonly used for jumping, racing or dressage, whereas a Western saddle may be used for endurance or trail riding.

That being said, whether you are interested in dressage, eventing, pleasure riding, or jumping, there are different saddle styles available to fit your needs. The position of the rider varies between disciplines. A rider pursuing the art of jumping will require a much different saddle than one competing in dressage. The shift in physical balance and forward position a rider must reach while jumping may require a saddle that supports the knees and feet, while allowing the rider to get close to the horse and provide direction. A saddle designed for dressage must allow the rider to be in close contact with the horse while promoting the upright posture required by this discipline.

Choosing the right saddle may not be as easy as picking a discipline, though having a disciple in mind can make your selection easier. For the beginner, taking a trip to a tack retailer is a must, and it wouldn't hurt to take along an experienced rider to offer advice. Choosing a saddle is not as easy as seeing one that catches your eye. It is nearly impossible to know the level of comfort until you actually sit in the saddle, or even ride for a while. Purchasing a saddle with a return policy or a trial period could certainly benefit the beginning rider. If this is not possible there are a few guidelines you will want to keep in mind.

First and foremost is comfort. It may be simple to judge your own comfort, but how do you gauge the comfort of your horse? This is where the size and physical structure of the horse becomes important. Before you even leave your barn, make a note of the overall size of the horse. Is the horse stocky, tall and slender, are the shoulders broad, does the horse have any unique physical characteristics that should be taken into consideration? Pay special attention to the withers of the horse. The saddle must fit snug enough in this area so that it does not shift, but not so close that it will cause the horse discomfort. Sometimes having too much space between the withers and the saddle can be helped with a blanket, as it can be difficult to fit a saddle perfectly. Compensating for improper size, though sometimes necessary, is of course, not the first choice when fitting a saddle to a horse.

In addition to a good-quality, well-fitting saddle, is the importance of saddle accessories. Saddle pads provide protection to the horse's back while the rider is mounted. According to Bob Kraut, a quality saddle pad, “[allows] the horse to concentrate on doing his best, undisturbed by pain and weakness.” Bob's online equestrian supply store, www.summittack.com , sells quality saddle pads that are tested by their own riders for effectiveness during and outside of competition. Bob Kraut recommends trying the Supracor stimulite honeycomb saddle pad for its ability to “distribute the rider's weight uniformly over the horse's back to relieve pressure while providing exceptional stability.” After all, “a stressed, unbalanced horse can no longer be a free flowing, supple mover.”  

Purchasing the right saddle for you and your horse can be an overwhelming, yet rewarding experience. As with purchasing any equestrian equipment, the items you buy should benefit both you and your horse. Understanding the different types of saddles and their primary use can help you sort through the options before you step inside a tack supply store. Purchasing a quality saddle can make the difference between comfort and distress, conformity and reluctance, and overall performance while riding. Though initially expensive, the right saddle is a worthwhile investment.

References:

• Horse Saddle Basics
• Understanding Saddles and How to Choose One
• Selecting a Saddle

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