The tails and ears of saddled horses may flicker. While some horses don’t feel particularly uneasy when ridden, some could get unsteady. This indicates that you or your horse are not correctly fit for the saddle if it occurs to you. Therefore, finding an appropriate saddle is crucial. The choices seem limitless when looking for the ideal Western saddle, yet this cannot be easy. However, a few essential factors will enable you to obtain the information you require in this article.
Pick the right fit
It might be challenging for most people to choose the proper size. However, many businesses offer size guides to customers who shop in person or online. Before purchasing a saddle, you must first determine your size. Make sure it completely fits both you and your horse first, though. A Western saddle should fit the rider’s body shape, height, and weight. The ideal tackle is influenced by height, build, and weight. Your horse’s fit should be considered even though a saddle may be perfect for you. So, once you identify the correct size, see if the same harness would accommodate your horse.
Looking for work or show
Do you require a saddle that will be used solely for horse shows and not for training? Or perhaps you already own a show saddle but desire a new work saddle for regular riding. Your range of choices is reduced in half after you know the response. Tournament saddles typically have more complex tooling and silver plating. In both academic and ranch settings, working saddles are used. Most work saddles come with various tools and are often made of suede or smooth leather. Work saddles are frequently used for training, but you can cut down your options by examining a saddle’s function in the following area.
Take a look at the gullet channel
A depression in the middle of the saddle’s underside is known as the gullet channel. The palm should be down, and all four fingers should be straight. First, however, you must ensure that your hands are positioned behind the saddle’s pommel. After that, you should either let go of your arm or put the horse’s back and esophagus on the ground. Make sure the esophagus is four finger widths or wider and has space for the spine’s ligaments when measuring the width of the esophagus. The width of your hand should fit in the center without any difficulty. However, you might not have enough throat room if the saddle is too broad. In other words, the saddle might rest on the horse’s back band.
Check out the impressions
It’s vital to inspect the horse’s back for markings after riding. The horse’s back hair must be equally flattened from front to back. If a hair is flattened in the middle, the saddle rubs against the spine’s ligaments. At all costs, you should avoid this. The saddle is improperly installed if you find that the hair is damaged or untidy.
Familiarize yourself with your financial situation
Saddles cost anything between hundreds and thousands of dollars. The best you can afford should be purchased. A Western saddle is one of those things where you get what you pay for. Avoid flashy accents like silver and embossed or debossed leather to reduce costs. The cost is also influenced by how much leather and synthetic leather are. Leather is elegant and classic. British saddles have a long history of having excellent craftsmanship. But since it was initially made available on the market, plastic has advanced significantly. Plastic is less expensive, lighter, and easier to maintain.
