A saddle is one of the foremost pieces of gear most people buy after they acquire a horse. It is a major investment; picking out and buying a saddle call for much calculation and understanding. The life-time of nearly all saddles is several times that of a horse, so take great care when choosing a saddle.
The first step in selecting a saddle is to determine which style of riding you prefer. For many riders this may not be important. The choice probably was arrived at long before, and the horse purchased specifically for that style. For a novice, though, selecting the riding style may present more of a dilemma. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.
Western or stock saddles tend to be large and heavy. They are difficult, if not impossible, for young people to manage. Nevertheless, they provide plenty of protection for a student. The depth of the saddle and the quantity of leather below the leg, knee and seat keep apart the horse from the rider.
Western saddles are probably more versatile, rugged and durable than other styles. They can be found and purchased in a wide range of designs and prices. Hunt-jump saddles are ordinarily quite light and effortlessly managed. Here, too, a wide variety of designs and prices is available. This sort of saddle permits the rider, in most cases, to ride nearer to the horse, to sense the horse and to communicate more effortlessly with seat and legs. As a rule, these saddles call for additional instruction of the rider in acquiring a confident seat than with standard saddles.
The saddles that are used to ride and showcase gaited or park horses, such as the Lane Fox saddle, are kind of restricted in use. They have lots of the benefits of the hunt-jump saddles — they are lightweight and allow ease of communication with the horse. However, they position the rider so far behind the withers that the sole means for the rider to be in equilibrium with the horse is to have the horse considerably pulled in and working off its quarters. This style of saddle provides minimum security for the rider; any rider should become skilled at riding such a saddle decently.
Dressage saddles are configured to fit women's ankle-length skirts. Although they are used for other modes of riding, they are not preferred. The design of this saddle offers the rider with utmost ease of communication with the horse and keeps the rider in perfect balance and form, whether the horse is highly collected or gently extended, all within the rather narrow limits of tradition.
There are several saddles intended for very precise roles aside from those formerly brought up. These include side-saddle, trick saddle and special show or display saddle. These saddles are exceedingly specific in their design. Using them for anything other than their designated use should be discouraged. Safety, comfort of the rider and ability to maintain soundness of the horse must be considered before beauty or the desire for a unique design.
Article Directory : http://www.articlecube.com
