With so much to select from, purchasing a first saddle might be difficult. Make sure the saddle is appropriate for both the horse and you. Both your horse and you will experience pain from an improperly fitting saddle. Thus, to select a western saddle, you will need some advice. You will learn some advice on selecting the ideal saddle if you continue reading this post.

How to choose a Western saddle

These basic concepts will point you in the right way.

Invest in a Saddle Made of Quality Leather

Whether buying a new or used saddle, be sure the leather is of good quality. High-quality leather will have a flexible, smooth surface. Excellent leather will cost more, yet you’ll be happy you did with regards to maintenance and life span.

Bad-quality leather is very firm and rough, and it seems like cardboard. If you can, bend the leather; if you see tiny fractures, it can be a sign of dry rot. A well-made saddle will have completed edges that are smooth, so check those also.

Is it New or Used?

Buying new is always enjoyable. Since everyone adores the fresh-out-of-the-tack shop fragrance and feel of leather, your saddle will always be in good shape. When shopping for a saddle, a used saddle is a highly viable option. The majority of saddles are available for purchase at tack stores and online straight from the seller, with the most common reasons being that the owner stopped riding, the horse outgrew it, or the rider has moved to a different discipline. However, while purchasing a used saddle for sale, there are two things to look out for. The saddle’s condition comes first. Before making a purchase, make sure to evaluate it; pay close attention to testing the tree. A broken tree makes the saddle permanently worthless, even though this may not be apparent at first. The other is to use caution while making internet purchases from private sources. Numerous people have fallen victim to scams that trick them into paying for saddles that never show up and most likely never existed in the first place. It’s not always safer to insist on picking up the saddle oneself, either. Never travel alone; instead, meet the merchant in a public setting. There are many creeps in the world.

It’s important to Fit Western Saddles Correctly

For the vast majority, finding the right size can be difficult. Regardless, a ton of organizations give estimating charts to buyers in both physical and online stores. Before you buy the saddle, you must determine your size. However, you must first ensure that the horse and you fit perfectly inside of it. A variety of western saddles are fitted to riders according to their weight, height, and body type. For example, an adult saddle seat that is medium in size may fit a tall, thin rider, but one that is larger may be needed. Many tall riders choose the longer legs because of their length. Additionally, the shorter riders must compromise to change the length of their legs. In a nutshell, you may choose the correct saddle by taking into consideration your weight, body type, and height. The seat might be the ideal fit for you, yet you also need to consider your horse’s fit.

All things considered, you’ll be sitting on the horse, so it better not separate while you’re riding. Thus, after determining the appropriate size, be sure to see if the horse can wear the same saddle. Consider some tips, such as placing the saddle on the horse’s back without any padding, if you are unsure about how to check on the animal. The back must get equal pressure from the paddles.

Examine the gullet channel:

A gullet channel is a hollow that runs the length of the underside of the saddle. You want to fix each of the four fingers and turn your palm with the goal that it faces downward. Nonetheless, you need to ensure that the hand is underneath the pommel of the saddle when that’s what you do. The horse’s back and arm must then be moved into the gullet passage. Make sure the gullet is around four fingers broad and has enough space for the spinal ligament if you are measuring its width. Enough space must be left for the width of your hand to pass through the center. If your saddle is really broad, there may not be enough clearance in the gullet channel. It suggests that the spinal ligament of the horse might be supported by your saddle.

Examine the impressions:

It is important to examine the imprint on the horse’s back after riding. Your horse’s back hair needs to be combed down equally on the front and rear. A flattened central section of hair indicates that the saddle is in contact with the spinal ligament, which must be avoided at all costs. A badly fitted saddle is indicated by ruffled or damaged hair.

Conclusion

Whatever you decide on—new or used—keep in mind that extra padding won’t make up for a poorly fitting saddle. Remember that an improperly fitting saddle will lead to issues with behavior. You must pick the best-fitting saddle for your horse, as they were not made to support a rider’s weight.

Visit our site for all the home tips, advice, information, and much more! 5elifestyle.