Should You Buy An English Saddle or Western Saddle When Looking at Saddles For Sale?
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.
If you look at all the available horse saddles for sale, you will find there is also a difference in Western saddles that are made for pleasure or work. The balance of the saddle and the horn may be different depending upon the purpose for which you are buying the saddle. Jumping saddles allow the rider closer contact with the horse. Providing a better seating for the rider during jumps, the English saddle is not as deep as the Western saddle.
But what are the real differences between english saddles and western saddles?
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.
Western saddles do have fenders however due to a greater demand for functional sturdiness and less of a demand for streamlined design. Also the stirrups are wrapped in rawhide or leather to catch on the sole of the boot. Scurrying also trims a western saddle. Be sure when you are looking at any western saddles for sale that this scurrying is not warped or damaged or turned up on any of the edges.
Trail Saddles and Show Saddles
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 have steel or man-made trees that are also wrapped in leather and stuffed with foam. Usually english saddles are less detailed and decorative than most western saddles for sale.
Finding and purchasing 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.
Skilled stitching also comes at a price. You don\’t want your new saddle falling apart at the seams soon after you buy it or put a little wear and tear on it. This will also lead to a poor fit, once again causing your horse more grief.
Both english and western saddles for sale come in a wide spectrum of quality. It is very important not to skimp on quality. If you think of your horse saddle as a long term investment, you and your horse will have much more healthy and comfortable riding experiences together.
About the author: Jodie Daisy is happy to share information about saddles for sale with anyone who may have questions about a new saddle purchase.
