There are two main types of saddles for sale, English and western saddles. With so many different saddles for sale, it is helpful to know a quick way to distinguish between English and western saddles, the horn that is found on western saddles. Another easily noticeable and distinguishing feature is that western saddles are usually more robust and rugged than English saddles.

What type of saddle is ideal for riding?

Western saddles are made with the comfort of the horse as well as the rider in mind. They are larger so that the weight is distributed over a larger area of the horse’s back. Made originally with the cattle drives in mind and the need for keeping the horse from tiring out too quickly, the western saddle is made of rawhide. There are other materials available today and you can find lighter weight saddles for sale. But the originals were made of leather and the underside was either sheepskin or wool.

There is also a difference between trail or pleasure and work or ranch saddles for sale on the market. Different tasks or uses require different balancing and component design such as horn shaping. Barrel saddles provide closer contact. English Saddles sit higher to give the rider better positioning than a western saddle would for that sort of riding.

The distinctions between the two main types of saddles for sale

The English saddle is lighter than the Western saddle and has steel stirrups. The cinch is elastic and is designed to allow the saddle to stay on the horse but still allow the horse enough give to breathe. There are no fenders to keep the straps from pinching your legs but wearing tall boots will take care of this problem.

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 Riding Vs. Pleasure Riding

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.

The difference in saddles for show or for pleasure is the way they are built. Western saddles are normally constructed on wooden trees. They are cover with fiberglass or a ralide, which is a synthetic polymer. They can be covered in rawhide. The lighter saddles are made of synthetic. The seat is covered with suede or split leather. The saddles are often carved with ornate embellishments as well as using silver to decorate.

English saddles are constructed on a steel-reinforced laminated tree or a synthetic tree. The covers are leather or synthetic and are not adorned as the Western saddles. The English saddles used to be stuffed with horse hair but today the stuffing is typically foam.

Browsing and buying saddles for sale

Saving money should definitely not be your top priority when selecting the perfect saddle. Saddles require a great deal of craftsmanship in order to last and ensure the greatest comfort for both horse and rider. An inexpensive saddle may turn out to cost more in replacement, repair and medical expenses than a quality saddle costs in the beginning.

Not only does the saddle have to fit correctly but the materials should be quality so they can last longer than a year or two. The stitching should remain intact and the fit on the horse should be another consideration. The saddle that does not fit well will make the horse’s back sore and this can be another cause of crankiness your horse will feel.

Whatever type of saddle you plan on purchasing, make sure it is of the best quality. It will last for many years. Riding will be a pleasure. You will be happier and your horse will be too.

Author: Jodie Daisy is happy to share information about saddles for sale with everyone online who has any inquiries regarding buying a new saddle.