Over the years, horse saddles have evolved into the wide selection of saddles that we see in stores today. However, if you are a new rider shopping for a saddle, all of these options can be a little overwhelming. This article will give you a better understanding of what basic kinds of saddles are out there, so you get a good idea of which one will best suit your needs.
Even though there are numerous designs and styles out here of horse saddles, most are versions of three base models. The general purpose saddle, Western saddle, and Australian saddle make up these three basic saddle styles.
English saddles were made for riders who wanted to do a little bit of everything, which is why it is also known as “the general purpose” saddle. Its un-encumbered design gives riders the ability to change positions easily, so they can switch between show jumping, dressing, cross-country or pleasure riding by simply adjusting the stirrups. Some models have additional options that have been added to the original design, like detachable thigh and knee pads.
Western saddles were invented a little further down the road as American settlers and ranch hands needed more stable and comfortable saddles that would permit them to wrangle cattle and other livestock on long hauls. Part of what stabilized them was the horn, positioned on top of the pommel, which the rider could hold onto with one hand (helping them maintain their balance) as the other hand held the reigns.
Australian saddles were designed to display facets from both English and Western saddles. They were adapted from the original English saddle design for Australian ranchers who needed to wrangle stock animals and ride on rough terrain by adding a more prominent pommel, deeper seat, and some versions to include a saddle horn. This gives them the maneuverability of a Western saddle that permits the riders to move freely and quickly as they rode long distances, trails, or anything else that might require adapting their seating position. To make them more comfortable and stable, some models include additional padding on the leg flap and under the saddle seat. This amalgamation of features ensures that riders get the most secure, comfortable, and stable ride possible even if they ride for longer periods of time.
If you need to buy horse tack to start out, or replace a broken item, there are a variety of local and online stores available where you can get what you require. So, look at several of these stores to see what they have in stock, and choose the one that has what you want, at the price you want.
There are also other online sources with additional information on horse tack. If you would like to learn more about them, you can visit this blog.